Where the Waxahachie Driver License Office Is Located

The Waxahachie Driver License Office is in Ellis County, Texas, at 1200 West Jefferson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. This is the only Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in Waxahachie itself. If you cannot reach this location, the next nearest office is in Arlington, about 30 miles north.

The office is inside a DPS facility that also handles vehicle registration and title services. Street parking is available, though the lot can fill during peak hours. The building is accessible from the main road and has standard parking spaces near the entrance.

Office Hours and When to Go

The Waxahachie office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch closure from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and Texas state holidays. These hours are current as of 2024, but DPS occasionally adjusts hours without advance notice, so call ahead if you are traveling from out of town.

The busiest times are typically Tuesday through Thursday mornings and the first week of each month. If you need a standard renewal or replacement, arrive before 11:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. to avoid the longest waits. First-time license applicants and commercial driver license (CDL) transactions often take longer and should plan for 45 minutes to two hours, even during slower periods.

You can call the office directly at (972) 937-7700 to confirm hours or ask basic questions about what documents you need. The staff can also tell you whether a specific service is available that day, since some transactions require a supervisor or specialized equipment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waxahachie office is at 1200 West Jefferson 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.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and any existing license or ID; requirements differ for renewals, replacements, and first-time licenses.
  • Arrive before 11:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. on weekdays to avoid peak wait times, and plan for 45 minutes to two hours if you are explore for a license for the first time.
  • Call (972) 937-7700 to confirm hours, ask whether a specific service is available, or verify what documents you need before you go.
  • The office is closed on weekends and state holidays, and DPS may change hours without notice, so confirm before traveling from a distance.

What Documents to Bring for a License Renewal

For a standard renewal by mail or in person, you need your current Texas driver license and proof that you live in Texas. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address on your license is current, you may not need separate proof, but bring it anyway to avoid a trip back home.

If your license has expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it in person at the Waxahachie office—you must reapply as a new driver. That requires a Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and a completed DL 43 form (process for Texas Driver License). The office staff can provide the form, or you can print it from the Texas DPS website before you arrive.

What Documents to Bring for a First-Time License or Replacement

A first-time Texas driver license requires six documents: a Social Security card (original or certified copy), a birth certificate or U.S. passport, two proofs of residency (both dated within 60 days), a completed DL 43 form, and proof of a lawful presence in the United States. Lawful presence can be shown with a passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a Social Security Administration letter or a W-2 form instead.

A replacement license (if yours was lost, stolen, or damaged) requires your current license or ID number, proof of residency, and the DL 43 form. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate for a replacement, but bring them anyway if you have them, because the staff may ask to verify your information if anything on file looks incomplete.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver license renewal costs $25. A first-time license or replacement costs $16 for a five-year license. If you are 85 years or older, renewal is $10. The Waxahachie office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. There is no fee reduction for online or mail renewal; the cost is the same regardless of how you renew.

If you need your license the same day, you can request a temporary paper license at no extra charge. This is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent card is being mailed. The permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When You Cannot Use the Waxahachie Office

The Waxahachie office does not issue commercial driver licenses (CDL). If you need a CDL, you must go to a DPS office that offers CDL testing and issuance. The Arlington office (1701 West Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010) handles CDL transactions and is about 30 miles away. You can also check the Texas DPS website for other CDL-issuing offices in the region.

The Waxahachie office also does not conduct road tests for first-time drivers. You must schedule a road test appointment through the Texas DPS online system or by calling the office. Road tests are often booked weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you pass the written exam. Some testing can be done at the Waxahachie location, but availability varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Waxahachie office?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other information. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website. The fee is the same ($25), and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit the office unless you need a license the same day or your renewal does not meet the online requirements.

How long does it take to get a license after I explore at the Waxahachie office?

If you receive a temporary paper license the same day, your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not request a temporary license, you must wait for the permanent card to arrive before you can drive legally. The office cannot issue a permanent license on the spot.

What if I do not have a Social Security card for a first-time license?

You can bring a Social Security Administration letter, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form instead. The document must show your full name and Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or letter before you visit the office.

Is the Waxahachie office open on holidays?

No. The office is closed on all Texas state holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day. Check the Texas DPS website for the full holiday schedule before you plan your visit.

Can I bring someone else to help me with my process?

Yes. You can bring a family member or friend to help you gather documents or fill out forms. However, you must be present and sign all documents yourself. The staff will not accept an process signed by someone else on your behalf.