Arlington Driver's License Office Locations
Arlington has one full-service Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver's License office. It is located at 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. This office handles all standard driver's license transactions: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.
The office serves Tarrant County residents and is open during standard business hours. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Afternoon visits on weekdays typically have shorter waits than mornings or Saturdays.
Office Hours and What to Expect
The Arlington DPS office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (817) 462-5000 to confirm before you go, especially if you are planning a Saturday visit.
Bring a number when you arrive. The office uses a ticket system; you take a number at the entrance and wait for your number to be called. Peak times are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. If you arrive after 4:30 p.m. on a weekday, you may not be served that day.
Documents You Need to Bring
What you bring depends on what you are doing. For a new license, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or certified vital record), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your completed DL-44 form. You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photograph taken at the office.
For a renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your current license if you have it, or proof of identity and Social Security number. For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
Key Takeaways
- The Arlington DPS Driver's License office is at 3200 W. Division Street and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- No appointment is needed; take a number when you arrive and wait to be called, but arrive before 4:30 p.m. on weekdays to be served the same day.
- Bring original documents only: proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency proof for new licenses; your current license for renewals and address changes.
- Call (817) 462-5000 to confirm hours before you visit, as hours can change and the office is closed on Sundays and state holidays.
- Vision tests and photographs are done at the office, so plan for the full transaction to take 30 minutes to over an hour depending on wait time.
Fees and Payment Methods
Driver's license fees in Texas vary by license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $40. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has different fees depending on endorsements. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.
If you are renewing by mail or online, fees may differ slightly. The Arlington office can tell you the exact fee for your specific transaction when you arrive or when you call ahead.
When You Cannot Use the Arlington Office
The Arlington office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized endorsements. If you need a CDL or a hazmat endorsement, you will be directed to a different DPS location. The staff at the Arlington office can tell you which location handles your specific need.
If you are under 18, you will need to bring a parent or legal guardian and additional documents proving guardianship. Minors also have different rules about license restrictions and testing requirements; ask the office staff when you arrive what you need to bring.
Alternatives to Visiting in Person
Texas allows some transactions online or by mail. License renewals can often be done through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that require an in-person vision test. Address changes can be made online. However, new licenses, replacements, and any transaction requiring a new photograph must be done in person at the Arlington office or another DPS location.
If you are unable to visit during regular hours, the Arlington office does not offer evening or extended weekend hours. Your only option is to visit during the posted hours or use online renewal if you are may be able to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Arlington driver's license office?
No. The Arlington office operates on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your number to be called. Appointments are not available at this location.
What is the shortest wait time to get in?
Wait times vary, but late afternoon on weekdays (after 3:00 p.m.) and early Saturday morning (right when the office opens) typically have shorter lines. Avoid mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays if possible. Call the office at (817) 462-5000 to ask about current wait times before you go.
Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to the office?
You may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your address. Check the Texas DPS website or call the Arlington office to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for mail renewal, you must visit the office in person.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
Bring a different document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the DPS office. The DPS office cannot issue Social Security cards.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?
Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses at the DPS office. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office staff about a temporary document you can carry, though this is not standard practice in Texas.