Where to renew your Garland driver's license

You can renew your Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, including the one in Garland. The Garland DPS office is located at 2610 West Kingsley Road, Garland, TX 75041. You do not have to renew at the Garland location — you can visit any DPS office in the state — but renewing locally is often the fastest option because wait times vary by location and time of day.

You also have the option to renew by mail or online, depending on your situation. Not everyone qualifies for these remote options, so understanding which route works for you will save you a trip. The method you choose affects how long the process takes and what documents you need to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at the Garland DPS office on Kingsley Road, by mail if your license is not expired by more than two years, or online if you meet specific requirements.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; the process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, but you cannot change your address or add endorsements this way.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks total and works only if your license expired within the last two years and you have not changed your address.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as the DPS will verify your identity against state records.

Renewing in person at the Garland DPS office

Walking in to the Garland DPS office on Kingsley Road is the most straightforward path if you need to change your address, add endorsements, or update your photo. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address), and payment. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $95 as of 2024, though this amount can change. You will also need to provide your Social Security number or bring a document that shows it.

Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if possible — mornings and mid-week tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. The office does not take appointments, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The actual renewal process at the window usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, but total time in the office depends on how many people are ahead of you. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address in the last two years, you do not need to add or remove endorsements, and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Texas DPS website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a payment method.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $95 for a five-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. This method works well if your information has not changed and you straightforward need to extend your license. If you need to update your address, change your name, or add a commercial endorsement, you must renew in person instead.

Renewing by mail if your license recently expired

Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired within the last two years and your address has not changed. Contact the Garland DPS office or visit the Texas DPS website to request a mail renewal form. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current (expired) license, and mail it along with payment to the address provided on the form. Do not send cash — use a check or money order.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. This method is slower than in-person or online renewal, so use it only if you cannot visit the office or renew online. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to the Garland DPS office in person. In addition to the standard renewal documents, you will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. You may also need to provide a new proof of residency document if the one you have is older than a certain date — ask the DPS office what they accept.

Bring extra time for this visit because testing adds 30 to 45 minutes to the process. The fee remains $95 for a five-year license. If you have not driven in several years and are concerned about the written test, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook online before you go.

Documents and fees you will need

For any renewal method, you will need to provide proof of your Social Security number. This can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a birth certificate. You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

The standard renewal fee is $95 for a five-year license. Some people may have access to for a reduced fee or a different license type (such as a senior license), which may cost less. Payment methods vary by renewal type: in-person renewals accept cash, check, or card; online renewals require a card; mail renewals require a check or money order.

How long your new license takes to arrive

If you renew in person or online, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can still drive. If you need to travel by air or cross an international border before your new license arrives, bring your old license and your receipt from the DPS office — the receipt shows you have a valid renewal in progress.

Mail renewal takes longer because the DPS must receive your form, process it, and mail your license back to you. The total time is usually four to six weeks. If you are in a hurry, in-person or online renewal is much faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Texas does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets, but some cities or counties may place a hold on your renewal if you owe a fine. Contact the Garland Police Department or the court that issued the ticket to check. If there is a hold, you will need to resolve it before the DPS can process your renewal.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at the DPS office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address along with your current license and Social Security documentation. You cannot update your address through online or mail renewal.

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

No, the Garland DPS office does not take appointments for license renewal. You walk in and wait your turn. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to the DPS office in person and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The fee for a replacement is the same as a renewal.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS or the court. Contact the Garland DPS office to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.