Where to renew your license in Garland

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license renewals in Texas. In Garland, you have two main options: visit a DPS Driver License office in person, or renew by mail if you meet certain conditions. The closest DPS office to central Garland is the Arlington Driver License office at 701 W. Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010, about 15 miles away. Garland itself does not have a dedicated DPS office, so you will need to travel to a nearby city or use mail renewal.

You can find the current hours and exact locations of all DPS offices near Garland on the Texas DPS website. Office hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch. Many offices now use an online appointment system, which you can access through the same website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are typically served first, so scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • Garland residents must travel to a nearby DPS office (such as Arlington) or renew by mail, since Garland has no DPS Driver License office.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions that require testing, and your license is not expired by more than two years.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the fee is currently $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your materials, while in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current driver's license as your primary form of identification. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number—an original or certified copy of your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your number.

You must also bring proof of your current address in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A government-issued ID with your current address is also acceptable. If you have recently moved and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old proof of residency and your new proof.

If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, bring the same documents but be prepared to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening. You may also need to provide a medical certificate if you have certain medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely.

Renewing by mail from Garland

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that require a doctor's certificate, and your license expired no more than two years ago. To renew by mail, you must request a renewal process from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. You can also pick up an process form at any DPS office.

Complete the process and mail it to the address shown on the form along with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—$33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the DPS address listed on the process form.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Fees and license validity periods

A four-year driver's license costs $33 and is the standard option for most drivers. An eight-year license costs $66 and is available to drivers age 18 and older who do not have medical conditions requiring periodic review. Drivers age 85 and older must renew every two years, and the fee for a two-year license is $16.

Your new license will be valid for the period you choose, starting from the date of renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date is calculated from your renewal date, not from your old expiration date. This means you do not lose any time by renewing early.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for 30 days or less, you can renew it using the standard process—either by mail or in person. If it has been expired for more than 30 days but less than two years, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you will need to retake the vision screening and written test in person.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person, retake the written knowledge test, pass a vision screening, and provide all required documents. You may also need to provide a medical certificate depending on your age and health status. This process is treated more like an initial license rather than a straightforward renewal.

Scheduling an appointment and what to expect

Most DPS offices near Garland now require or strongly recommend scheduling an appointment online through the Texas DPS website. You select your preferred office location, date, and time. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially at popular times. If you cannot find an appointment at your nearest office, try offices in nearby cities like Arlington, Plano, or Mesquite, which may have more availability.

When you arrive for your appointment, bring all required documents and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The renewal process itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your health and driving record, and pay the fee. If you pass the vision screening and have no issues with your record, you will receive your temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Garland driver's license online?

Texas does not currently offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Texas has not implemented this option yet.

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

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed by mail and must be renewed in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide a medical certificate. Bring all the same documents as a regular renewal, plus your current CDL and medical certificate.

How long does a temporary license last while I wait for my permanent one?

Your temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date of issue. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DPS to report it.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew in person?

Yes. A new photo is taken at every in-person renewal. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license unless your current license is more than 8 years old, in which case a new photo is required.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring legal documentation of your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Present this along with your regular renewal documents. You will receive a new license with your updated name.