Where the Mesquite Driver License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Mesquite at 1102 W. Kearney Street, Mesquite, TX 75149. This office handles standard driver license and identification card services for Kaufman County and surrounding areas. It is not the only location in the region — Dallas and Arlington also have offices — but Mesquite is the closest option for residents on the east side of the Dallas metroplex.

The office is located in a commercial area near downtown Mesquite, accessible from US-80 and local streets. Parking is available on-site. If you are coming from outside Mesquite, check your route before you go, as office locations can change and construction may affect access.

Hours of Operation and When to Visit

The Mesquite driver license office operates Monday through Friday. Standard hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the office may close for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Hours can shift seasonally or due to staffing, so call ahead or check the Texas DPS website before making the trip.

The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need a license on a Saturday, you will need to visit a different location — some DPS offices in larger cities offer limited Saturday hours, but Mesquite does not. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter wait times than mid-day or late afternoon visits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mesquite driver license office is at 1102 W. Kearney Street and serves Kaufman County and the eastern Dallas area.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a possible lunch closure; call to confirm before visiting.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to renew or obtain a license.
  • The office does not offer Saturday hours, so plan your visit during the work week.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted for most transactions.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any new or renewed driver license. Acceptable identity documents include a current passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver license. If you do not have one of these, the DPS website lists secondary documents that can substitute.

Proof of residency must show your current address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days will work. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Texas. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring both your old and new proof of residency along with a letter explaining the move.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring the original Social Security card or a document that displays the number. If you are renewing and your information has not changed, some transactions can be completed by mail or online, which may save you a trip to the office.

Services Available at the Mesquite Office

The Mesquite location handles standard driver license and identification card services. You can obtain a new license, renew an expiring one, replace a lost or stolen license, or change your address. The office also issues Real ID-compliant licenses and identification cards, which are required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025.

The office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) services or motorcycle endorsements — those require a separate process and testing process at a CDL-specific location. If you need a CDL, you will be directed to a facility equipped for that service. The Mesquite office also does not conduct the driving test; that is done at a separate DPS testing location, and you must schedule it in advance.

Vision screening and written knowledge tests are performed at the office if you are explore for your first license or if your license has been expired for more than two years. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license and identification card fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year driver license costs less than an eight-year license. Real ID licenses cost slightly more than standard licenses. The DPS website lists current fees, which can change annually.

The Mesquite office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Exact change is not required, but bringing cash or a card speeds up the transaction. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Fees are non-refundable, even if your process is denied.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive with all required documents and be prepared to wait. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; Mondays and Tuesdays are typically busier than Thursdays or Fridays. The office uses a ticket system — take a number when you arrive and wait for your number to be called.

When you reach the window, a staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. If you are renewing and your information is unchanged, the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you are explore for your first license or if there are issues with your documents, it may take longer. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot take it with you that day.

If your documents are incomplete or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what is missing. You can go home, gather the correct documents, and return another day. Some people make a second trip rather than wait in line again, so double-check your documents before you leave home.

If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License

If your Texas driver license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Mesquite office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Texas DPS. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulation of too many traffic violations.

Contact the DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions can be lifted by paying a reinstatement fee; others require you to complete a defensive driving course or resolve the underlying issue (such as paying a fine). Once your suspension is lifted, you can return to the Mesquite office to renew your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Yes, if you are renewing a standard driver license and your information has not changed, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website. You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal is faster and costs less than in-person renewal, but it is not available for first-time licenses or if you need a new photograph.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot find it?

You can bring other documents that display your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or bank statement. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before visiting the driver license office. Bring the replacement card or a letter from Social Security confirming your number.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot pick it up at the office. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the staff member for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Mesquite office?

The Mesquite office operates on a walk-in basis — no appointment is required. However, you can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. If wait times are very long, you may choose to visit at a different time or go to a different location.

What if I need a Real ID license for air travel?

Real ID licenses are available at the Mesquite office and cost slightly more than standard licenses. You will need the same documents as for a standard license, plus proof that your current address matches your identity documents. Real ID licenses are valid for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.