Where the Waco Driver's License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office in Waco is at 1100 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. This is the main location where you can renew, replace, or obtain a Texas driver's license or ID card. It is the only full-service DPS office in McLennan County.

The office is located in downtown Waco, near the intersection of Franklin and 11th Street. Street parking is available on Franklin Avenue and nearby side streets. There is no dedicated parking lot, so plan for street parking when you visit.

Office Hours and When to Go

The Waco DPS office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and Texas state holidays. Hours may change during holiday weeks, so check the Texas DPS website or call ahead before traveling if you are planning a visit near a holiday.

The office does not take appointments. Service is first-come, first-served. Arrival time matters: the office typically has the shortest wait times between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and again between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Afternoons after 3:00 p.m. and Fridays tend to be busier. Plan for a wait of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waco driver's license office is at 1100 Franklin Avenue and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointments available.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and any documents related to your specific transaction (renewal, replacement, or new license).
  • Early morning hours (8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) and early afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) typically have shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday afternoons.
  • The office charges different fees depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a new license; fees range from $16 to $60.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew your license online or by mail if you meet Texas residency and age requirements.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost or damaged one, or obtaining a license for the first time. In all cases, bring your Social Security number (or a Social Security card), proof of identity, and proof of residency.

For proof of identity, the DPS accepts a current or expired passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address. A government-issued document with your name and address also works.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may only need your current license and proof of residency. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if you filed one. If you are obtaining a license for the first time, bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and two forms of proof of residency.

Services Available at the Waco Office

The Waco DPS office handles all standard driver's license and ID card transactions. You can renew a license that is expired or expiring within 60 days, replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, obtain a new license if you are a first-time applicant or moving to Texas, and update your address or name on an existing license.

The office also issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license does not have the star and you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025, you will need to upgrade to a Real ID license at this office.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions, vehicle registration, or title work. For those services, you must visit a different DPS office or a county tax assessor-collector office.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license and ID card fees vary by transaction type and license class. A standard five-year renewal costs $16 if you renew online or by mail, or $25 if you renew in person at the office. A replacement license costs $25. A new license for a first-time applicant costs $25 for a five-year license or $60 for an eight-year license (available to applicants age 36 and older).

Upgrading to a Real ID license costs an additional $16 on top of the renewal or replacement fee. The Waco office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.

Online and Mail Renewal Options

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and you have not changed your address or name, you may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website without visiting the office. Online renewal costs $16 and takes five to seven business days. You will receive your new license by mail.

Mail renewal is also available for the same group of people. Complete the process form DL-44, include a check or money order for $16, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Both online and mail renewal are not available if you need a Real ID upgrade, have a medical condition that affects your driving, or have had a license suspension or revocation.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Waco office, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. Wait for your number to be called on the digital display. A clerk will review your documents, verify your information in the DPS system, and take your photograph and signature. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, not counting wait time.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status or request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must obtain a new license in person at the Waco office. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card.

Do I need an appointment, and how long will I wait?

No appointments are available. Service is first-come, first-served. Waits range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day. Early morning (8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) and early afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) typically have shorter waits.

What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?

A police report is not required to replace a lost license, though it is helpful if you file one. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The DPS will issue a replacement license at the standard replacement fee of $25.

Can I get a Real ID license at the Waco office?

Yes. Real ID licenses are available at the Waco office. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal or replacement, plus an additional form of proof of residency if you are a first-time applicant. The Real ID upgrade adds $16 to your fee.

What happens if I move out of state after getting my Texas license?

Your Texas license remains valid until it expires. You do not need to surrender it. When you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license from that state's DMV according to their rules and timelines.