How to Renew Your Driver License in Fort Worth

Where to renew your license in Fort Worth

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs driver license renewal in Fort Worth. You have two main options: visit a DPS office in person, or renew by mail if you meet certain conditions. Most people in Fort Worth use the office at 1515 East Rosedale Street, which is the main DPS Driver License Division location for the area. There is also a satellite office, but the Rosedale location has longer hours and shorter wait times on weekday mornings.

If you renew by mail, you send your documents directly to the DPS address they provide with your renewal notice. Mail renewal takes longer — typically four to six weeks — so do not use this route if your license expires soon. In-person renewal at the Rosedale office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to leaving with your new license in hand.

Key Takeaways

Visit the DPS Driver License Division at 1515 East Rosedale Street in Fort Worth to renew in person, or mail your documents if you received a renewal notice and meet the mail-in requirements.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
In-person renewal takes 30 to 45 minutes; mail renewal takes four to six weeks, so choose based on when your license expires.
Your new license arrives in the mail within two weeks of in-person renewal, or four to six weeks if you renew by mail.
The DPS office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays; arrive early on weekdays to avoid peak wait times.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires you to bring your current driver license and proof of residency. Proof of residency means a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current Fort Worth address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. If you do not have a document in your name, bring two documents showing your address, even if one is in someone else's name (such as a household member's utility bill plus a lease in your name).

You also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you cannot provide a Social Security number, you will need to bring additional identity documents — ask the DPS office which ones they accept before you visit. Bring your original documents or certified copies; the DPS will not accept photocopies of your license or residency proof.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. The wait time is usually posted on a screen. You will be called to a window where a DPS employee will check your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo. The photo is taken on the spot — you cannot bring a photo from elsewhere.

After your photo is taken, you pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, a standard five-year renewal costs $50, and an eight-year renewal costs $75. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Once payment is processed, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within two weeks.

When to renew before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew three to six months early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew at the same office using the same process — there is no penalty or extra fee for renewing after expiration, as long as you have not been driving without a valid license.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS may require you to take the written test and vision test again, even though you are renewing rather than explore for a new license. Call the DPS office at 1-888-589-6900 before you visit if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

You can renew by mail only if the DPS sent you a renewal notice in the mail and you meet all their conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any violations or address changes since your last renewal, and you are not changing your name. If you received a renewal notice, it will say whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail.

To renew by mail, fill out the form that came with your renewal notice, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail everything to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks, so send your documents at least six weeks before your license expires if you plan to use this route.

DPS office location and hours in Fort Worth

The main DPS Driver License Division office is at 1515 East Rosedale Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on state holidays and weekends. The office is closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. typically have shorter wait times than afternoons. If you go on a Friday, expect longer waits because many people renew at the end of the week. There is free parking in the lot adjacent to the building.

What to do if you cannot visit the Fort Worth office

If you live in the Fort Worth area but cannot reach the Rosedale Street office, you can visit any other DPS Driver License Division office in Texas — they all process renewals the same way. The nearest alternatives are in Arlington and Irving, both about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Fort Worth depending on traffic.

You can also call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to ask about mobile license renewal events, which the DPS sometimes holds in different Fort Worth neighborhoods. These events are announced on the DPS website and on their social media accounts, and they operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointment needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Texas does not offer online driver license renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail if you received a renewal notice and meet the mail-in requirements. Some states offer online renewal, but Texas does not.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Bring your new proof of residency showing your current Fort Worth address. The DPS will update your address during renewal at no extra cost. If you moved recently and do not have a document dated within 90 days yet, bring two documents showing your new address — one can be in another household member's name.

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

No appointment is needed. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early on a weekday morning will usually get you through faster than afternoon or Friday visits.

What if I lost my current license?

If you lost your license, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. This is a different process that requires additional documents and costs more. Visit the DPS office and tell them you need a replacement, not a renewal. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN and proof of residency.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the DPS office. Your permanent license should arrive in the mail within two weeks, but if it does not, the temporary license covers you until it arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, call the DPS to check the status.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.