Where the Universal City Driver License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Universal City at 100 Kitty Hawk Drive, Universal City, TX 78148. This office is in Bexar County, roughly 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, near the intersection of Loop 1604 and Kitty Hawk Drive. If you are coming from San Antonio or the surrounding area, this is one of the closest DPS locations.

The office sits in a commercial area with nearby parking. There is no separate entrance fee or appointment requirement to walk in, though the office does operate on a first-come, first-served basis during posted hours. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

Office Hours and When to Visit

The Universal City driver license office is open Monday through Friday from 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 Texas state holidays. These hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at (210) 659-6565 before your visit confirms the office is open that day.

Mornings between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. tend to have shorter lines than afternoons. Avoid visiting right after lunch or near closing time, when the office processes final transactions and may turn away walk-ins if the queue is too long.

Key Takeaways

  • The Universal City office is located at 100 Kitty Hawk Drive, Universal City, TX 78148, about 15 miles northeast of San Antonio.
  • Hours are 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.; the office is closed weekends and state holidays.
  • Call (210) 659-6565 to confirm hours before visiting, since schedules can change.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and any documents related to your transaction (learner permit, renewal notice, name change paperwork).
  • Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait than afternoon visits.

What Services This Office Provides

The Universal City location handles the full range of Texas driver license transactions. You can obtain a learner permit, take your written knowledge test, schedule or take your road test, renew an expired license, replace a lost or stolen license, update your address, change your name on your license, and request a duplicate copy. The office also issues commercial driver licenses (CDL) and motorcycle endorsements, though CDL road tests may require a separate appointment or referral to a testing facility.

Not all services are available at every moment. Road tests, for example, are typically scheduled in advance rather than administered on a walk-in basis. If you need a road test, ask at the counter whether you can schedule one that day or whether you need to call ahead.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on your specific transaction, but nearly all require the same foundation. Bring your Social Security number (or a Social Security card), a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and address).

For a learner permit, bring your birth certificate or passport. For a road test, bring your learner permit and proof of insurance. For a license renewal, bring your current license or renewal notice. For a name change, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For a duplicate license, bring your ID and residency proof. The counter staff can tell you if you are missing anything before you wait in line.

How to Prepare for Your Visit

Before you go, gather all required documents and place them in one folder or envelope. Check the Texas DPS website or call the office to confirm your specific transaction does not require an appointment or additional steps. If you are taking a road test, make sure your vehicle is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.

Bring a pen and any forms you have already filled out. The office provides forms at the counter, but having them completed ahead of time speeds up the process. If English is not your first language, you may bring a family member or friend to help translate, though the examiner will still need to understand your responses during a written or road test.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk or take a number from the ticket machine. You will wait until your number is called, then approach the counter. The staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your transaction, and tell you what happens next. For a learner permit or renewal, you may take your photo and written test the same day. For a road test, you will likely schedule an appointment for a future date.

The entire process — from check-in to leaving the counter — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. If something is missing or incorrect, the staff will tell you what to bring back or fix before you can proceed.

Nearby Alternatives if Universal City Is Not Convenient

If the Universal City office does not fit your schedule, the San Antonio area has other DPS driver license offices. The downtown San Antonio office is at 4626 San Pedro Avenue, and the North Star office is at 11503 North Star Mall Drive. Each has its own hours and may have different wait times. You can visit any Texas DPS office for your transaction — you are not required to use the one closest to your home.

Some services, such as road tests, may have longer wait times at busier locations. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide which office to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Universal City office?

No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most transactions. However, road tests may require scheduling in advance. Call (210) 659-6565 to ask whether your specific transaction needs an appointment.

Can I take my road test the same day I arrive?

Rarely. Road tests are usually scheduled for a future date. Bring your learner permit and ask the counter staff to schedule your test. In some cases, you may be able to test within a few days if the office has availability.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring your Social Security number written down or bring a document that shows it, such as a tax return or W-2. If you do not have a number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Texas driver license.

Can I renew my license online instead of visiting the office?

Texas allows online renewal for some drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have no medical restrictions. Visit the Texas DPS website to check whether you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must visit an office in person.

What should I do if the office is too busy when I arrive?

Ask the staff how long the wait is. If it is longer than you can stay, you can leave and return another day. Early mornings and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays.