Where to go in Waco to renew your driver license
In Waco, you renew your driver license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is the Waco DPS Driver License office, located at 1100 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. This is the office that handles most renewals for people living in or near Waco.
You can also renew at any other DPS Driver License office across Texas if you prefer a different location, though the Waco office is the most convenient if you live in the area. Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm current hours, since office hours can change seasonally or due to staffing.
Key Takeaways
- Renew at the Waco DPS Driver License office at 1100 Franklin Avenue, or at any other DPS office in Texas.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number or an acceptable ID document.
- Standard renewals take about two to four weeks by mail; in-person renewals are processed the same day.
- You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, which is faster and requires no office visit.
- Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid; Texas offers 5-year and 8-year options.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver license as your primary ID. You will also need proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Waco address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You will need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or bring another document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your card or a document with your number, you can bring other forms of ID instead — ask the DPS office what they accept.
If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), you will need additional documents related to your medical certification.
Renewing online versus in person
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license is not yet expired and you meet other conditions. Online renewal is faster — you complete it from home and receive your new license by mail in about two weeks. You do not need to visit an office or pay a fee to use the online system.
However, online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to add or remove restrictions, or if you are renewing a commercial license. In those cases, you must go to a DPS office in person.
In-person renewal at the Waco DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail in two to four weeks. Going in person also lets you make changes to your address or other information on your license at the same time.
How much it costs and how long it takes
Renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it valid. A standard driver license renewal costs less than a commercial license renewal. Texas offers both 5-year and 8-year renewal periods; the 8-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over a longer time.
If you renew online, you pay the fee through the DPS website using a credit or debit card. If you renew in person at the Waco office, you can pay with cash, check, or card — ask the office which payment methods they accept.
Standard processing takes two to four weeks by mail after you submit your renewal. If you need your license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though availability varies. Check with the Waco office about whether they offer this option.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license is expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to the Waco DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
An expired license does not prevent you from renewing; the DPS treats it the same as a license that is about to expire. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so plan to go to the office soon after you realize it has expired.
Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL) in Waco
If you hold a commercial driver license, renewal is more complex than a standard license renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office — online renewal is not available for CDL holders. You will need your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.
The medical certificate is required by federal law and must be dated within the last 24 months. You obtain it from a medical examiner on the National Registry — your doctor may be on the registry, or you can search for one through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. Bring the original or a copy of the certificate when you renew.
CDL renewal fees are higher than standard license fees and vary based on the endorsements you hold (such as hazmat or passenger). Processing time is the same as for standard renewals: two to four weeks by mail after your in-person visit.
Changing your address or other information during renewal
If you are renewing in person at the Waco DPS office, you can update your address, phone number, or other information on your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address if it has changed. If you are renewing online, you cannot make changes to your address or other details — you must go to an office in person if you need to update anything.
Changing your name during renewal requires the same supporting documents as a standard renewal: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order proving the change. The DPS processes the name change and the license renewal together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Texas allows you to renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic fines. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the DPS to find out whether your license is suspended and how to resolve it.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another document with my number?
Bring other forms of ID instead. The DPS accepts a passport, birth certificate, or military ID as alternatives. Call the Waco DPS office ahead of time to confirm which documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the Waco DPS office. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in two to four weeks. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Can I renew my license by mail without going to the office?
Texas does not offer mail-in renewal. You must either renew online through the DPS website (if you are may be able to access) or visit a DPS office in person. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal and is faster than in-person renewal.
What if my current license was issued in a different state?
You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Texas. You must explore for a new Texas license instead. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Waco, proof of your Social Security number, and any documents showing a name change. The process is similar to renewal but is technically a new license process.