Where to renew your license in Denton

In Denton, you renew your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office located at 1414 Fort Worth Drive, Denton, TX 76201. This is the only DPS office in Denton County, so if you live anywhere in the county, this is where you'll go. You cannot renew online or by mail in Texas — you must appear in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number.

Key Takeaways

  • The Denton DPS office is at 1414 Fort Worth Drive and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment system.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a document showing your number.
  • Standard renewals cost $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • Processing takes a few minutes at the counter, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
  • If your license is expired by more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license or ID card. If you don't have it, bring a passport or passport card instead. You also need one document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work. A government check or tax return also counts.

You need proof of your Social Security number. The easiest is your Social Security card itself. If you don't have it, bring a W-2, tax return, or a document from Social Security. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport showing your citizenship or legal residency status.

If you've changed your name since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing under a different name than what's on your current license, the DPS office will ask about this when you arrive.

Cost and payment methods

A standard four-year driver's license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. You pay at the counter when you renew, and the DPS office accepts cash, check, or debit and credit cards. There are no additional fees for standard renewals.

If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the cost is the same — $33 for four years or $66 for eight years. Real ID requires the same documents as a standard renewal, so most people get it without extra steps.

What happens when you arrive

Walk in and take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. You'll wait until your number is called. When you reach the counter, the clerk will check your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign. You'll verify your address and confirm your information on a screen.

The whole process at the counter takes about five minutes. Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This lets you drive legally while your plastic card is being made. Your permanent license arrives by mail in one to two weeks, usually sooner.

If your license is expired by more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You'll need to pass a written test and a vision test in addition to providing your documents. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website.

The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you can bring a letter from an eye doctor saying you've been corrected to legal vision and try again.

Renewing early or changing your address

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If you've moved since your last license, bring your new address proof and the DPS will update it during renewal at no extra cost.

If you only need to change your address without renewing your license yet, you can do that at the same DPS office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. Address changes are free and take just a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. If it expired less than two years ago, you renew normally with no extra steps. If it expired more than two years ago, you'll need to pass the written and vision tests. Either way, you can renew at the Denton DPS office.

What if I don't have a Social Security card?

Bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from Social Security instead. The DPS office accepts any document that shows your Social Security number. You don't need the card itself.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

Usually one to two weeks by mail. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while you wait. If you haven't received it after three weeks, call the DPS office at the Denton location to check the status.

Do I need Real ID if I'm not flying?

Real ID is required only if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. If you don't do either, a standard license works fine. Both cost the same in Texas, so many people get Real ID anyway for future convenience.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at the DPS office. You must be there to have your photo taken and sign the process. No one can do it on your behalf.