Where to renew your license in Garland
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Garland at 1102 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. This is the location where Garland residents can renew in person. You can also renew by mail or online depending on your situation, but the Garland office handles walk-in renewals and handles cases that require an in-person visit.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (469) 326-2000 to confirm current hours before you go. Wait times can be longer during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait.
If you cannot visit Garland, you may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website or by mail, depending on whether your license qualifies. Not all licenses can be renewed remotely — your may be able to access depends on your age, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you have had any address changes.
Key Takeaways
- The Garland DPS office is located at 1102 West Avenue D and handles in-person renewals Monday through Friday.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available for some drivers and takes a few minutes if you are may be able to access.
- Mail renewal is an option for certain renewals, but processing takes longer than in-person or online.
- Bring your documents in person because the office cannot process your renewal without them, and you cannot submit them later.
Documents you need to bring
Texas requires specific documents to renew your license. You must bring your current Texas driver license or ID card. If you do not have it, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport instead. You also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. A phone bill or insurance statement also counts if it shows your name and address.
You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your number. Do not bring a photo or a copy unless it is certified — the DPS office needs to see originals or certified documents.
If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may need additional documents; call the Garland office to ask what you need before you visit.
Renewing online or by mail instead of in person
The Texas DPS website allows online renewal for some drivers. You are may be able to access if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had a name change, your address has not changed, and your license is not expired by more than two years. If you meet these conditions, you can renew online in a few minutes and pay the fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is also an option for certain renewals. You fill out the process form, include copies of required documents, and mail everything to the Texas DPS. Processing takes longer than online renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks — and you cannot track your process while it is being processed. Mail renewal is slower but useful if you cannot visit the Garland office.
If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal, the Texas DPS website has a tool that checks your may be able to access. You enter your license number and date of birth, and it tells you which renewal methods are open to you. If none are, you must renew in person at the Garland office.
What to expect during your visit
Arrive with all your documents and your current license. The office will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $33 for a driver license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, the fee is the same, but Real ID requires additional document verification — the office will tell you whether you need it.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license — you need it to drive legally until the permanent one arrives.
If the office finds a problem with your documents or your record, they will tell you what is missing or what needs to be fixed. You may have to return another day with additional paperwork, so bringing everything the first time saves you a second trip.
Real ID requirements and when you need it
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you renew your license before that date, you can choose a standard license or upgrade to Real ID at no extra cost.
Real ID requires the same documents as a standard renewal, but the DPS office verifies them more carefully. If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID unless you ask for a standard license instead. If you do not have Real ID and want it, tell the office when you renew.
If you are not sure whether you need Real ID, ask yourself whether you fly domestically or enter federal buildings. If you do neither, a standard license is fine. If you do either, Real ID is worth getting now to avoid problems later.
Handling name changes and other complications
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at the Garland office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first contact the Texas DPS to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. The Garland office can tell you the reason and what steps to take, but you may need to pay a reinstatement fee or complete other requirements before you can renew. Call (469) 326-2000 to ask about your specific situation.
If you have moved to Garland from another state, you can renew your Texas license at the Garland office if you have a valid Texas license. If your out-of-state license is still valid, you can renew it in your home state instead. Texas does not require you to switch when ready, but you must switch before your out-of-state license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes. You can renew a license that expired up to two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Call the Garland office to ask whether your situation requires a new license or a renewal.
How long does the temporary license last?
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the Texas DPS to check the status.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
Bring a W-2, 1099, or a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the DPS office.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license in person. The DPS office needs your photo and your signature, and they verify your identity. You cannot send someone else to do it for you.
What if I do not have a current address in Garland yet?
You need proof of your current address dated within the last 90 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring a bank statement, insurance statement, or other document that shows your new address. If you cannot prove your address, the office will not process your renewal until you can.