Where to renew your Arlington driver's license

In Arlington, you can renew your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office located at 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. This is the main location that handles renewals for Arlington residents. You can also renew at any other DPS office across Texas if that is more convenient for you — the location does not have to be in your home county.

Before you go, check the current wait times and office hours on the Texas DPS website. The Arlington office hours and wait times change seasonally, and showing up during off-peak times (typically mid-week mornings) can cut your wait significantly. You can also call ahead at the Arlington office to ask about current volume.

If you prefer not to visit an office in person, Texas allows mail-in renewal for certain situations — but only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. The mail-in option is covered in a later section.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington DPS office is at 3200 W. Division Street, and you can renew there or at any other DPS location in Texas.
  • You will need your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of identity — bring originals, not copies.
  • The renewal process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within 2 to 3 weeks if you renew by mail.
  • Texas allows mail-in renewal only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license as your primary form of identification. If your license is expired, you can still use it as a supporting document, but you will also need a second form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. Do not bring copies; the DPS office needs to see the originals.

You will also need to prove your current address in Arlington. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count as proof of residency. If you have recently moved and your driver's license still shows an old address, bring both the old proof and new proof to show the transition.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will not accept photocopies of these documents; you need the certified original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

Renewing in person at the Arlington DPS office

Walk in with your documents and take a number at the Arlington DPS office. You will fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) while you wait. The form is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want to donate organs or register as a voter. You can read and fill it out at home before you go, which speeds up the process slightly.

When your number is called, a clerk will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. The standard renewal fee in Texas is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The clerk will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use when ready while your permanent license is printed and mailed.

Your new license will arrive at the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the DPS to check the status — sometimes mail delays happen, but the DPS can track your license and reissue if needed.

Renewing by mail from Arlington

You can renew by mail only if your current license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years. If you meet those conditions, read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill or lease works — but send a copy, not the original.

Do not send your current driver's license in the mail. The DPS will process your process without it. Mail your completed form and fee to the address on the DPS website; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive it. Your new license will arrive separately, also by mail.

Mail-in renewal is slower than in-person renewal and offers no temporary license while you wait. If you need to drive during the processing period, renewing in person is the better choice because you receive a temporary paper license when ready.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it using the standard process — either in person or by mail if you meet the mail-in conditions. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The DPS treats an expired license as a valid form of ID for renewal purposes.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the straightforward renewal process. Instead, you will need to explore for a new license, which requires passing the written test and vision test again. You will also need to provide more documentation, including proof of Social Security number and proof of lawful presence in the United States. This takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal.

If you are unsure whether your license qualifies for straightforward renewal, call the Arlington DPS office before you go. They can tell you in one call whether you need the full process or can renew as usual.

Renewing online is not an option in Texas

Texas does not offer online driver's license renewal through the DPS website. You must renew either in person at an office or by mail. Some states allow online renewal, but Texas has not implemented that system yet. If you see a website claiming to offer online Texas driver's license renewal, it is not an official DPS service.

The only digital step in the Texas renewal process is downloading Form DL-43 from the official Texas DPS website before you go to the office. Filling it out ahead of time can save you 5 to 10 minutes at the office, but it is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The DPS will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or outstanding warrant in Texas. You must resolve the fine or warrant first. Contact the court listed on your ticket to pay the fine or set up a payment plan, then return to the DPS office to renew.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the office. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is usually just a backup. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 days, contact the DPS to check the status.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Arlington DPS office?

No appointment is required. The Arlington office operates on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.

What if I want to change my address or name during renewal?

You can change your address on the renewal form — just fill in your new Arlington address on Form DL-43. If you are changing your name, bring the certified document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents. The clerk will process both the renewal and the name change at the same time.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office for the photo and verification. A family member or representative cannot renew your license on your behalf. The only exception is if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an office — contact the DPS directly to discuss alternatives.