Where to renew your Dallas driver's license
In Dallas, you renew your driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main Dallas location is the DPS Driver License Division office at 4413 North Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75212. You can also visit any other DPS office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area if that location is more convenient — there are offices in Arlington, Fort Worth, Irving, and other nearby cities.
You do not have to go to the office where you originally got your license. Any DPS office in Texas will handle your renewal. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip. The main Dallas office phone number is (469) 227-4050.
Texas also offers online renewal for some drivers, which you can start at the Texas DPS website. However, online renewal has strict limits — you can only use it if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions listed on your record, and you have not had certain violations. If you do not meet those requirements, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew at any DPS office in Texas, not just in Dallas, and the process takes about 30 minutes to an hour in person.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- The renewal fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card.
- Online renewal is faster but only works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or recent violations.
- If your license is expired by more than two years, you may need to take a new photo and pass a vision test, even though you are renewing rather than explore new.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver's license. If it is expired, bring it anyway — the DPS office will accept it as proof of identity. You will also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document needs to be recent, usually from the last 60 days, and it must show your name and address.
You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement. You can also bring your passport or birth certificate if you prefer not to carry your Social Security card.
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will need additional documents related to your driving record and medical certification.
The renewal process at the DPS office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will give you a number and you will wait until your number is called. The wait time varies by location and time of day — mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends.
When you are called, go to the window and hand over your documents. The staff member will verify your information, check your driving record, and ask you to sign a form confirming that the information is correct. They will take a new photo for your license. You will also take a vision test — you will read letters on a chart to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.
After the vision test, you will pay the renewal fee. The fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You can pay with cash, a check, or a debit or credit card. The staff member will give you a receipt and tell you when your new license will arrive in the mail. Most new licenses arrive within two to three weeks.
When your license is expired by more than two years
If your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS treats your renewal differently. You will still go through the standard renewal process, but you may also need to pass a written driving test or take a driving test, depending on how long it has been expired. The staff member at the DPS office will tell you what you need to do when you check in.
You should call the Dallas DPS office before you go to ask what tests you will need to take. This way you can prepare — you might want to review the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Bringing the handbook with you is not necessary, but reading it beforehand can help you pass the test if one is required.
Renewing online instead of in person
If you meet the requirements, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website without going to an office. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions or restrictions on your license, and you have not had certain violations in the past few years. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Online Services," and follow the steps. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks, just as it would be after an in-person renewal.
If you start the online process and find out you do not meet the requirements, you can stop and go to a DPS office instead. There is no penalty for starting online and switching to in-person renewal.
What to do if you lose your license before the new one arrives
If your current license expires or is lost before your new one arrives in the mail, you can get a temporary paper license at the DPS office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license. You do not need to bring any additional documents — just tell the staff member at the DPS office that you need a temporary license.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you renewed. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Keep your receipt from your renewal visit — it shows the date you renewed and helps the DPS track your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No, Texas does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DPS office or online through the Texas DPS website. If you cannot go to an office, online renewal is your only option.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the DPS office?
No appointment is required. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Check the Texas DPS website to see if the Dallas office near you offers appointments.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses have stricter renewal requirements. You will need to bring medical certification and may need to pass additional tests. Call the Dallas DPS office before you go so you know exactly what documents to bring.
How long is my new license valid?
You choose between a four-year license for $33 or an eight-year license for $66 when you renew. Your new license will be valid for whichever term you choose, starting from the date you renew.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Tell the staff member at the DPS office about your address change when you renew. They will update your address in the system and print your new address on your new license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.