Dallas County has two full-service driver license offices
The Dallas County Driver License Office operates two locations that issue, renew, and replace Texas driver licenses and identification cards. Both offices are run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and handle the same services — you can visit either one depending on which is closer to you or fits your schedule.
The main office is located at 4201 N. Westmoreland Road, Arlington, TX 76107. The second location is at 1515 S. Westmoreland Road, also in Arlington. Both are in the Arlington area, which serves the broader Dallas County region. Hours and wait times vary between locations, so checking ahead before you go saves time.
Texas does not use a reservation system for driver license services at most offices, though you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Walk-ins are accepted during posted business hours, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits than afternoon visits.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas County has two DPS driver license offices in Arlington that handle renewals, replacements, and new licenses for all driver types.
- You must bring a primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any transaction.
- Renewal by mail is available for standard Class C licenses if you meet age and medical requirements, which avoids a trip to the office entirely.
- Commercial driver license (CDL) services require additional documentation and cannot be handled by mail, so plan for a longer office visit.
- Fees vary by service type — renewals, replacements, and new licenses each have different costs that do not change between the two locations.
What documents you must bring to either office
Every transaction at a Dallas County driver license office requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip, so verify what counts before you go.
For proof of identity, bring one primary document: a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate with a raised seal, military ID, or permanent resident card. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity. If your birth certificate is not certified or does not have a raised seal, the DPS will not accept it.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A driver license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, a notarized letter from the homeowner or leaseholder stating you live there is acceptable.
Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to provide an ITIN and bring documentation from the IRS or a tax return showing that number.
Renewal by mail versus in-person renewal
Texas allows renewal by mail for standard Class C driver licenses under specific conditions. If you are between 18 and 84 years old, have no medical restrictions on your license, and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. This option saves time and avoids the wait at the Dallas County offices.
To renew by mail, you submit your current license, a completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License), and the renewal fee to the DPS by mail. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your process. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if your license has been expired for more than two years.
If you do not may have access to for mail renewal — because you are over 84, have medical restrictions, or your license is expired beyond two years — you must visit a driver license office in person. The Dallas County offices can process these renewals the same day you visit, though you will need to wait for your number to be called.
Commercial driver license services require advance planning
If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) or a CDL renewal, the Dallas County offices handle these, but the process takes longer and requires more documentation than a standard license renewal. CDL applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, both conducted at the office.
Bring your current license (if renewing), proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any medical certificates required by federal law. If you are explore for a CDL for the first time, you also need to bring proof of your current driving record and documentation of any hazmat or passenger endorsements you hold.
Plan for a full morning or afternoon at the office. The written test takes 30 to 60 minutes, and the driving test can take another 45 minutes to an hour. Both tests must be passed on the same day to receive your CDL. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the test fee again and return on another day.
Fees and payment methods at Dallas County offices
Driver license fees in Texas are set by state law and do not vary between offices. A standard Class C license renewal costs $33 for an eight-year license or $16 for a four-year license. A replacement license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $11. A new license for a first-time applicant costs $33 for an eight-year license.
Commercial driver license fees are higher. A CDL renewal costs $33 for an eight-year license, and a new CDL costs $33 plus the cost of any required endorsements. Each endorsement (hazmat, passenger, tanker, double/triple trailer) adds $5 to $10 to the total fee.
Both Dallas County offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is safer than assuming. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order sent with your process.
Typical wait times and how to minimize them
Wait times at the Dallas County driver license offices vary by time of day, day of week, and season. Mornings (before 11 a.m.) are typically shorter than afternoons. Weekdays are usually less crowded than Saturdays. The first week of the month and the week before holidays tend to be busier as people rush to renew before expiration.
Calling the office before you go is the fastest way to check current wait times. The Arlington locations can tell you how many people are waiting and give you a rough estimate of how long you will wait. Some offices post wait times on the DPS website, though not all Dallas County locations do.
Arriving 15 to 30 minutes before the office opens can significantly reduce your wait. You will be first in line when doors open, and the first hour of business is usually the least crowded. Avoid lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and the last hour before closing, when people often rush in.
Address changes and name changes on your license
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must visit a driver license office in person to update it. You cannot change your address by mail, even if you are renewing by mail — the address on your renewal process must match the address on your current license.
Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and your proof of identity and residency as listed above. The office will issue you a new license with your updated address on the same day. There is no additional fee for an address change during renewal.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your proof of identity and residency. Name changes also require an in-person visit and are processed the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?
No. Texas does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements (under 84, no medical restrictions, license not expired more than two years), or you must visit a driver license office in person. The Dallas County offices are the only way to renew in person in your area.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement before I can get to the office?
You cannot get a temporary license or digital license from the DPS. You must visit the office to get a replacement. If you need to drive before you can visit, you can request a police report for the lost license, though this does not replace your actual driver license for driving purposes. Plan your office visit as soon as possible.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
The Dallas County offices accept walk-ins during posted business hours. No appointment system is currently in place. Arriving early in the day or on weekday mornings will typically result in shorter waits than afternoon or weekend visits.
What happens if I fail the CDL driving test?
You can retake the test, but you must pay the test fee again and schedule another visit to the office. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can retake it the next business day if you choose. However, you will need to pass both the written and driving tests on the same day to receive your CDL.
Can I get a REAL ID-compliant license at the Dallas County offices?
Yes. All new and renewed licenses issued at the Dallas County offices are REAL ID-compliant if you bring the required documents (primary ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number). Your new license will have a star in the top right corner indicating REAL ID compliance. This is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025.