Where to renew your license in Arlington

Arlington has two Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license offices where you can renew in person. The main office is located at 2600 East Lamar Street, and a second location operates at 1616 West Division Street. Both offices handle standard renewals, but hours and wait times vary between them — calling ahead to check current hours is worth the five minutes it saves you.

You can also renew by mail or online without visiting an office, which most people find faster. The online option is available through the Texas DPS website if your license meets certain conditions (your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you cannot have a commercial endorsement). Mail renewal takes longer but works the same way — you send in your current license and the renewal fee, and DPS mails back your new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at either Arlington DPS office on East Lamar or West Division Street.
  • Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one to two weeks, but only works if your license expired within the last two years.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the renewal fee — bring originals, not copies.
  • Mail renewal takes three to four weeks total and requires the same documents as in-person, sent to the address listed on the DPS website.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your current address in Arlington. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 90 days. A copy is not enough — bring the original. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

You will also need to pay the renewal fee at the office. As of 2024, a standard five-year renewal costs $40, and an eight-year renewal costs $64. Bring a debit card, credit card, or cash — both Arlington offices accept all three. Do not assume the fee will stay the same; check the Texas DPS website before you go to confirm the current amount.

How to renew online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will create an account or log in if you already have one, then answer questions about your current license and address. The system will ask for your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Once verified, you pay the renewal fee online (currently $25 for a five-year renewal, which is $15 less than in-person). DPS mails your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within one to two weeks. You can use your old license to drive legally until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if you are under 18 or over 84, or if you hold a commercial driver's license.

How to renew by mail

Request a renewal process by calling the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789, or read the form from the DPS website. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your packet to the address on the process form, not to the Arlington office. DPS processes mail renewals at a central location, which takes three to four weeks from the date they receive your packet. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the mail is lost. Once processed, your new license will be mailed to your Arlington address.

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

If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to an Arlington DPS office in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal (current license, proof of residency, and payment), but the office may require you to retake the written test and vision screening.

Call ahead to the Arlington office to ask whether you will need to test. Some offices waive the written test if your driving record is clean and your license was not suspended, but this varies. Bring your current license even if it is expired — it still counts as proof of identity. Plan for a longer visit than a standard renewal, as testing can add 30 to 45 minutes to your appointment.

Wait times and how to avoid them

Both Arlington DPS offices see the longest lines between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday. If you must go in person, arrive right when the office opens or visit on a Monday or Friday afternoon. The West Division Street location often has shorter waits than the East Lamar office, but this changes seasonally.

You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you leave home — it updates throughout the day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reserves a time slot and cuts your wait to 15 minutes or less. Check whether the Arlington offices offer appointments when you visit the DPS website; if they do, book one rather than walking in.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive at your Arlington address within one to two weeks (online) or three to four weeks (mail). Your old license remains valid to drive until the new one arrives. Once you receive the new license, destroy the old one — you do not need to return it to DPS.

If you renewed in person, you receive your new license on the spot before you leave the office. You can drive when ready with the new license. Keep it in a safe place; if it is lost or stolen, you will need to pay a replacement fee and visit the office again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address now?

No. To renew a Texas license, you must have a current Texas address and provide proof of it. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you moved within Texas but not to Arlington, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot use the Arlington offices — use the DPS office nearest your new address.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Go to an Arlington DPS office in person and bring your proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old license had not yet expired. If your old license was already expired, you may need to retake the written test.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the Arlington office?

Appointments are not required, but they are available and recommended. Check the Texas DPS website to see if the Arlington offices offer online scheduling. If they do, book a time slot to avoid waiting in line. If appointments are not available, arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to minimize your wait.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person or by mail yourself. DPS does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. If you are unable to visit an office or mail a form, online renewal is your fastest option.

What if my name changed since I got my license?

Bring the legal document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of residency. If you are renewing in person, the office will update your name on the new license. If you are renewing by mail or online, include a copy of the name change document with your process.