Where the Midland Driver License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety driver license office in Midland is at 3600 W. Illinois Avenue, Midland, TX 79703. This is the only full-service DPS driver license office in Midland County. It handles standard license renewals, replacements, new licenses, commercial driver licenses, and ID cards.

The office is in a commercial area on the west side of Midland, near the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Midland Drive. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter the full address above rather than searching for "DMV Midland" — Texas does not call it a DMV, and generic searches sometimes return county tax offices or other agencies that cannot issue licenses.

Hours and When to Go

The Midland driver license office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. These hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (432) 688-2000 before you go, especially if you are planning a trip during a holiday week.

The office does not take appointments. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Wait times vary widely — early mornings (8:00 to 9:30 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (2:00 to 4:00 p.m.) tend to be slower than late morning or right after lunch. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less crowded than Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Midland office is at 3600 W. Illinois Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • No appointments are offered; you take a number and wait, so arriving early or mid-afternoon usually means a shorter wait.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or proof of it, or your visit will be turned away.
  • The office handles renewals, replacements, new licenses, and commercial licenses, but some services like hazmat endorsements may require a trip to a larger DPS office.
  • Call (432) 688-2000 before you go to confirm hours, especially around holidays.

Documents You Must Bring

Texas driver license transactions require three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you do not bring all three, the office will turn you away and you will have to return.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a Texas ID card, or a previous Texas driver license. A passport is the fastest option because it covers identity and citizenship in one document. A birth certificate must be certified (not a photocopy from a hospital) and must have a raised seal or embossed seal.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax statement, or a government letter (such as from the IRS or Social Security Administration). A piece of mail from a business or nonprofit does not count. If you are homeless or living with someone else, bring a signed affidavit from the person whose address you are using, plus their proof of residency.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a signed affidavit stating you do not have a Social Security number, but this is rare and requires additional steps.

What Services the Midland Office Provides

The Midland office handles most driver license transactions: new licenses for first-time drivers, renewals (including online renewals that you finish in person), replacements for lost or stolen licenses, and address changes. It also issues commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner permits, though the written test for a CDL must be scheduled separately.

Some services are not available at the Midland office. Hazmat endorsements, motorcycle endorsements, and certain other specialized endorsements may require a trip to a larger DPS office in Lubbock or Odessa. Call (432) 688-2000 to ask whether the service you need is available in Midland before you go.

The office does not handle vehicle registration, vehicle title transfers, or vehicle inspections — those are handled by county tax assessor-collector offices. In Midland County, the tax office is at 200 W. Wall Street, Midland, TX 79701.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Texas depend on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard Class C driver license (for regular cars) costs between $16 and $48 depending on whether it is a new license, a renewal, or a replacement, and whether you choose a four-year or six-year validity period. A commercial driver license costs more — typically $75 to $100 for a new CDL and $50 to $75 for a renewal.

The Midland office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. It does not accept personal checks. If you are renewing online before you visit in person, you may pay the online portion by card, then pay any remaining fees at the office.

If You Cannot Go in Person

Texas allows some driver license renewals to be done online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you must not need to change your name, address, or other information. Online renewals cost $16 and take about two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you cannot renew online and cannot visit Midland, you can visit any other DPS driver license office in Texas — there are offices in Lubbock, Odessa, and other nearby cities. The requirements and fees are the same statewide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common reason people are turned away is bringing incomplete documents. Bring all three categories — identity, residency, and Social Security proof — even if you think you only need one. A utility bill alone is not enough; you need identity documents too.

The second most common mistake is bringing documents that do not meet the requirements. A birth certificate must be certified (with a raised seal); a photocopy will not work. A lease must show your name and current address; a lease from five years ago will not work. A utility bill must be dated within 60 days; an old bill will not work. Check the DPS website or call before you go if you are unsure whether a document qualifies.

A third mistake is arriving without knowing what service you need. If you are renewing, know whether you want a four-year or six-year license. If you are getting a new license, know whether you need a Class C (regular car), Class B (truck), or Class A (commercial) license. Having this decided before you reach the counter saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not in Midland. Texas only allows mail renewals for people over 79 years old. Everyone else must renew in person or online. If you renew online, you do not have to visit the office — the new license is mailed to you.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or 1099?

You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and request a replacement card or a letter stating your number. This takes one to two weeks. Alternatively, bring a signed affidavit stating you do not have proof of your Social Security number, though this may delay your transaction.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without an appointment. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

What if the office is closed on a holiday and I need my license urgently?

The Midland office is closed on state holidays. If you need your license before the office reopens, you can visit a DPS office in another city — Lubbock and Odessa both have offices with similar hours. You can also renew online if you meet the requirements, though that takes two weeks.

Can I get a hazmat endorsement at the Midland office?

Hazmat endorsements may not be available in Midland. Call (432) 688-2000 to confirm before you go. If the Midland office cannot issue one, you will need to visit the DPS office in Lubbock or Odessa.