Where to renew your Denton driver license in person

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the only office in Denton County that issues renewed driver licenses. That office is located at 1400 Fort Worth Drive, Denton, TX 76201. You cannot renew at a county clerk's office, a tax assessor's office, or any other location — only DPS handles this.

The Denton DPS office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no Saturday or evening service. You will need to go in person; you cannot mail in a renewal or have someone else renew it for you if your license has expired or will expire within 60 days.

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. The office does not take appointments, so arrive early if you want to avoid a wait. The busiest times are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The only DPS office in Denton County is at 1400 Fort Worth Drive, and it is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an acceptable ID document.
  • The renewal fee is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to pass a vision test and written exam instead of a straightforward renewal.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license or ID card. If you no longer have it, bring an acceptable form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You also need proof that you live in Texas and in Denton County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency.

You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement will do. If you cannot provide your number, you can bring other identity documents instead, but the process takes longer.

Bring the payment method you plan to use. The office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. There is no fee to renew if you are renewing before your license expires, but if you are renewing after expiration, you pay the standard renewal fee plus a late fee.

The renewal fee and what you receive

A five-year driver license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. These are the standard renewal fees as of 2024, though Texas may adjust them. You pay at the DPS office when you complete your renewal.

When you finish the renewal process, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent license card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The mailing address on file with DPS is where it will be sent, so make sure your address is current before you leave the office.

When you need a vision test or written exam

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you renew by straightforward providing your documents and paying the fee. If your license expired more than two years ago, Texas treats it as a new license process, not a renewal. You will need to pass a vision test and a written exam on traffic laws and road signs.

The vision test happens at the DPS office. You read a chart from a set distance, and if you cannot meet the standard, you may need glasses or contacts to pass. The written exam is 30 questions on Texas traffic laws. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you. The vision test will be conducted with your correction in place if you normally wear it while driving.

How to check your license status before you go

You can check whether your license is expired or suspended before you visit the DPS office. Go to the Texas DPS website and use the Driver License Status Check tool. You will need your license number and date of birth. This tool tells you whether your license is valid, expired, or suspended, and whether any holds are on your record.

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it at the DPS office. You must first clear the suspension — usually by paying a traffic fine, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a child support issue. The status check tool will tell you the reason for the suspension and how to resolve it.

What happens if you cannot visit the Denton office

If you live in another Texas county, you can renew at any DPS office in the state. There are offices in most large cities and many smaller towns. You can find the nearest one on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. The process and fees are the same at every office.

If you live outside Texas, you cannot renew a Texas license by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person. If you are temporarily out of state, you can wait until you return to Texas to renew. If you have moved out of Texas permanently, you will need to get a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Texas does not offer online or mail-in renewal for driver licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person. The only exception is if you are a member of the military stationed overseas — you may be able to renew by mail through a special program, but you must contact DPS directly to learn about you may have access to.

What if I have a commercial driver license (CDL)?

CDLs cannot be renewed at the regular DPS office. You must go to a DPS office that handles commercial licenses. The Denton office does not issue CDLs. You will need to find the nearest office that does, which may be in a neighboring county. Check the Texas DPS website for the location nearest you.

Do I need an appointment?

No appointments are available. The Denton DPS office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means a shorter wait than mid-afternoon or Friday.

How long does the renewal take at the office?

The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents and there is no issue with your record. If the office is busy, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour before being called. Bring the temporary paper license home with you; you can drive legally on it while waiting for your permanent card.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Tell the DPS staff when you renew. They will update your address in the system and print it on your new license. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days works. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.