Where the Denton Driver's License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver's License Division office in Denton is at 1535 Scripture Street, Denton, TX 76201. This is the main office serving Denton County residents for in-person driver's license transactions.

The office is located in a standalone DPS facility, not inside a courthouse or county building. If you are using GPS or mapping software, enter the full address above. Street parking is available on-site, though spaces can fill during peak hours.

This is the only full-service DPS driver's license office in Denton proper. Nearby alternatives include offices in Lewisville (about 20 minutes south) and Frisco (about 25 minutes south), but most Denton residents use the Scripture Street location.

Office Hours and When to Expect Wait Times

The Denton office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch closure from noon to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours may change seasonally or for staff training, so call ahead if you are traveling a distance.

Wait times vary significantly by day and time. Mornings between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. are typically the least crowded. Mid-morning (10:00 a.m. to noon) and early afternoon (1:00 to 3:00 p.m.) see moderate traffic. Late afternoon (3:00 to 5:00 p.m.) often has longer waits, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

The office does not take appointments. Service is first-come, first-served. You can call the office at (940) 349-2700 to ask about current wait times before you go, though staff may not always have a precise estimate.

Key Takeaways

  • The Denton driver's license office is at 1535 Scripture Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • No appointments are offered; arrive early in the morning or mid-morning on weekdays to avoid the longest waits.
  • You must bring original or certified documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number; a copy is not enough for most transactions.
  • The office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, address changes, and commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions.
  • Call (940) 349-2700 to confirm hours or ask about current wait times before making the trip.

What Documents to Bring for Each Transaction Type

The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or explore for a new license. Texas DPS requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.

For a new driver's license, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of lawful presence (U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document). You will also take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office.

For a renewal, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. If you must renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency if your address changed, and your Social Security card or number. Renewals do not require a new photo or test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will receive a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license fees in Texas depend on the license type and validity period. A standard five-year license costs $45. An eight-year license costs $65. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and varies by endorsement type.

The Denton office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order, but in-person transactions require card or cash.

Replacement licenses (lost or stolen) cost the same as a new license but are processed faster — usually the same day or within one business day. Address changes on an existing license are free if done in person or by mail.

Services Available at the Denton Office

The Scripture Street office handles the full range of DPS driver's license services. You can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, replace a lost or stolen license, change your address, add or remove endorsements (motorcycle, commercial, hazmat), and update your name or gender marker.

The office also administers the written knowledge test and vision screening for new applicants. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. Road tests (the driving portion of the license exam) are scheduled separately and conducted by DPS examiners; the office staff will give you information about scheduling when you pass the written test.

The office does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or vehicle inspection stickers — those are handled by county tax assessor-collector offices. For Denton County, vehicle services are at the Denton County Tax Assessor-Collector office on the courthouse grounds.

How to Prepare Before You Go

Gather all required documents at home before you leave. Check the Texas DPS website or call (940) 349-2700 to confirm which documents you need for your specific transaction — requirements differ for new licenses, renewals, and replacements, and they change if you are explore for a CDL or adding endorsements.

Bring originals or certified copies only. Photocopies, faxes, and digital images on your phone will not be accepted as proof of identity or residency. If you do not have an original document, you can request a certified copy from the issuing agency (county clerk for birth certificates, utility company for bills, etc.) before your visit.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time. The office stops accepting new customers at 4:30 p.m. to allow time for processing. If you arrive after 4:30 p.m., you will be turned away and asked to return another day.

Alternatives if You Cannot Visit in Person

Texas allows some transactions by mail or online without visiting an office. If your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or name changes, you can renew online at the Texas DPS website or by mail. Online renewal takes about one week; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

Address changes can be completed online or by mail if you do not need a new photo. Name or gender marker changes require an in-person visit with a certified copy of a court order or vital record showing the change.

If you live outside Denton County or cannot reach the Scripture Street office, other DPS driver's license offices in the region include Lewisville, Frisco, Arlington, and Fort Worth. All offices have the same hours and accept the same documents, though wait times vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the original expiration date. If you renew more than one year early, your new expiration date will be calculated from the renewal date.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge. The office will give you study materials and allow you to take the test again after a short wait. If you fail a second time, you must return on another day to try again.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the test?

If you pass the written test and vision screening, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. The permanent license is usually mailed within one to two weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive when ready.

Do I need to take the written test again if I renew in person?

No. Renewals do not require a new written test or vision screening unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you have medical restrictions. If you are explore for a new license (not renewing), you must pass the written test and vision screening.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to obtain a Texas driver's license. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before visiting the DPS office. Individuals without a valid Social Security number may be issued an Individual Identification Card (ID) instead, which requires different documentation.