Texas Driver License Offices Are Run by the Department of Public Safety
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates all official driver license offices in Texas. You cannot get a Texas driver license from a county courthouse, city hall, or any other government office — only from a DPS Driver License Division location.
DPS runs about 130 driver license offices across the state. Each one handles the same services: new licenses, renewals, replacements, address changes, and commercial driver license (CDL) transactions. The office you visit does not have to be in your county, though most people choose the one closest to home or work.
Hours and wait times vary by location. Some offices in larger cities stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays; others close at 5 p.m. or earlier. Many offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few locations offer Saturday hours, but this is not standard across the state.
Key Takeaways
- DPS Driver License Division offices are the only places to get a Texas driver license; you can visit any location in the state regardless of where you live.
- You can find office addresses, phone numbers, and hours on the official DPS website at dps.texas.gov, which also shows real-time wait times at some locations.
- Bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to any office visit.
- Many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays; visiting early morning or late afternoon often means shorter waits.
- If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.
How to Find the Nearest DPS Driver License Office
The official DPS website at dps.texas.gov has a searchable office locator. Enter your city name or ZIP code, and the tool shows all nearby locations with their street addresses, phone numbers, and current hours. The locator also displays whether an office is currently open or closed.
Some DPS offices display real-time wait times on the website. If you see a wait time listed, it updates every 15 minutes and reflects how long a new customer would wait from arrival to being called. Wait times are not may provide — they depend on how many people are in line when you arrive — but they give you a sense of whether to go now or come back later.
You can also call a DPS office directly to ask about wait times or to confirm they have the service you need. Phone numbers are listed on the locator. Staff can tell you whether you need an appointment (most offices do not require one, but some do for certain services) and what documents to bring.
What Documents to Bring to a DPS Office
Every DPS office requires the same core documents. Bring a valid photo ID (a passport, military ID, or another state's driver license all work), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can provide the number from memory — DPS will verify it.
For a new license, you will also need to bring proof of your legal name and date of birth. A birth certificate, passport, or court order works. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change.
For a renewal, bring your current or expired license if you have it. If your license was lost or stolen, tell the staff when you arrive — they will process a replacement instead of a renewal, and the fee is the same.
Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. DPS does not accept photocopies or photos of documents on your phone, except in rare cases where the office has made a specific exception. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call the office ahead of time.
DPS Office Hours and When to Expect Shorter Waits
Most DPS driver license offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch closure from noon to 1 p.m. Some larger offices stay open until 6 p.m. A small number of locations have Saturday hours, usually 8 a.m. to noon, but you should check the locator for your specific office because this is not standard.
Wait times are shortest early in the morning (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and late in the afternoon (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Mid-morning (10 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) tend to be busier. Mondays and Fridays are usually more crowded than Tuesday through Thursday. If you can visit on a Wednesday or Thursday morning, you are likely to wait less.
Avoid visiting during lunch hour (noon to 1 p.m.) unless the office stays open through lunch. Some offices close completely during this time, and those that stay open are often understaffed.
What Happens During Your Office Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk. You will be given a number or told to wait for your name to be called. Have your documents ready and organized so you can hand them over quickly when it is your turn.
A DPS staff member will review your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity and residency, and take your photo and fingerprints. The photo is taken on the spot — you cannot bring your own. You will also sign a form confirming the information on your license.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, depending on the service. If you are renewing a license that is not expired or only recently expired, the process is faster. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may need to retake the written test or vision test.
You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the plastic one arrives.
Services You Cannot Do at Every DPS Office
Most DPS offices handle standard driver license services, but some specialized services are only available at certain locations. Commercial driver license (CDL) testing and commercial endorsements, for example, are only done at select offices. If you need a CDL, use the office locator and filter for "CDL services" to find the nearest location that handles them.
Some offices do not process certain types of ID cards or handle all types of license classes. If you are unsure whether your local office can handle what you need, call ahead. The staff can tell you whether to come in or whether you need to travel to a different location.
A few services, like name changes or corrections to your record, may require a visit to a specific regional office. The DPS website or a phone call will tell you if your situation requires a special location.
Alternatives to Visiting an Office in Person
If you cannot visit a DPS office, you may be able to renew your license by mail or online depending on your situation. Online renewal is available for some drivers whose licenses are not expired or only recently expired. You can renew online at dps.texas.gov if you meet the requirements — the website will tell you whether you are may be able to access.
Mail renewal is also an option for certain renewals. You can request a renewal form from DPS, fill it out, and mail it with your documents and payment. This takes longer than visiting an office — usually 4 to 6 weeks — but it avoids a trip.
If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (this varies), you will have to visit an office in person. You cannot renew by mail or online if you need to retake the vision or written test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS driver license office?
Most DPS offices do not require appointments and serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis. A few locations in high-traffic areas may ask you to schedule ahead. Check the office locator or call your local office to confirm whether an appointment is needed.
Can I visit any DPS office in Texas, or do I have to go to the one in my county?
You can visit any DPS driver license office in Texas, regardless of where you live. There is no requirement to use the office in your county. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. DPS will accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for driver license purposes.
How long does it take to get my plastic license after my office visit?
Your plastic driver license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. You receive a temporary paper license to use in the meantime. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to check the status.
Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of visiting an office?
Online and mail renewal are available for some drivers, but not all. Your license must not be expired beyond a certain point, and you cannot have certain restrictions or endorsements. The DPS website will tell you whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal before you start the process.