Where the Garland Driver License Office Is Located
The Garland Driver License Office is at 2610 West Avenue, Garland, Texas 75040. This is the Texas Department of Public Safety office that handles driver licenses, ID cards, and related services for people in the Garland area. If you are coming from outside Garland, this location is in central Garland, accessible from major roads in the city.
Parking is available on-site. The office is a walk-in location, meaning you do not need an appointment to be seen, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
Office Hours and When to Visit
The Garland Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should confirm current hours by calling 972-205-3600 or checking the Texas DPS website before you go, as hours can change for holidays or staffing reasons.
The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need to renew your license or get an ID card and cannot visit during the week, some services may be available online through the Texas DPS website, depending on what you need done.
Key Takeaways
- The Garland office is at 2610 West Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment needed.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it to get or renew a driver license.
- Bring your current driver license if you are renewing, or your birth certificate or passport if you are getting a license for the first time.
- Vision tests and written tests are given at the office, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
- Call 972-205-3600 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before you visit.
What Documents You Need to Bring
The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing a license, getting one for the first time, or replacing a lost or damaged one. For any transaction, bring a document that proves who you are — a passport, birth certificate, or current driver license all work. You will also need to prove where you live, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address on it.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you are renewing a license, bring the license itself. If you are getting a license for the first time as an adult, bring your birth certificate or passport. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present, and they will need to bring their own ID and proof of residency.
Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them for driving. The office will test your vision as part of the process, and you must pass the vision test to get or renew a license. If you have a medical condition that affects your vision or driving, bring any relevant medical documentation.
Services Available at the Garland Office
The Garland Driver License Office issues standard driver licenses, commercial driver licenses (CDLs), and Texas ID cards. You can renew an expiring or expired license, replace a lost or stolen license, change your address, update your name after marriage or legal change, and take the written and vision tests required for a new license.
If you need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license), you can get one at this office. You can also explore for a Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card, which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require additional proof of identity and residency compared to a standard license.
The office does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or other vehicle-related services — those are handled at your local county tax assessor's office. The office also does not issue commercial vehicle permits or hazmat endorsements; those require additional steps and may need to be done at a different location.
Taking the Written Test and Road Test
If you are getting a driver license for the first time or your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to pass a written test at the office. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the Texas DPS website.
The written test is given on a computer at the office. You have 45 minutes to complete it and must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day.
The road test (also called the driving test) is not given at the Garland office. If you need to take a road test, you will be directed to a third-party testing location in the Garland area. These are private companies licensed by Texas DPS to give road tests. You will need to schedule an appointment at one of these locations and bring your own vehicle.
Fees and Payment Methods
The cost of a driver license or ID card depends on what you are doing. A standard five-year driver license costs one amount; a Real ID-compliant license costs more. Renewals, replacements, and name changes each have different fees. The Texas DPS website lists current fees, which change periodically.
The Garland office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm what payment methods this location takes. Fees are non-refundable, even if you change your mind after paying.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you arrive at the Garland office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then go to a window to speak with a staff member. Have all your documents ready and organized before you reach the window — this speeds up the process.
The staff member will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your information, and take your photograph and fingerprints. You will pay the fee, and if you need to take a written test, you will be directed to a computer to do so. If everything is in order, your new license or ID card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use until the permanent one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?
You may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions. Not all renewals are available online. Check the Texas DPS website to see if your renewal is may be able to access, or call the Garland office at 972-205-3600 to ask.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another document that shows you have applied for a Social Security number. Bring the document that shows your ITIN or your process receipt. If you do not have either, ask the staff at the Garland office what alternative documents they can accept.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call 972-205-3600 to check the status.
Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
The Garland office is walk-in only — no appointments are needed or taken. You will receive a number when you arrive and wait until it is called. Waits are usually shorter in the morning and mid-week. Call 972-205-3600 if you want to ask about current wait times before you go.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts if you fail.