Where to get your Dallas driver license
In Dallas, you get your driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You cannot get one from Dallas city government or a local office — DPS is the only place that issues them. DPS has a Driver License office in Dallas itself, and you can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website.
The Dallas DPS Driver License office is located at 4410 S. Westmoreland Road. Hours vary by day, but the office is typically open Monday through Friday. You can check the exact hours and book an appointment at the DPS website before you go, which saves time and reduces wait times.
If you cannot reach the Dallas office or prefer a different location, DPS has other offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. However, the process and requirements are the same no matter which office you visit.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only agency that issues driver licenses in Dallas, and you must visit a DPS Driver License office in person.
- You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number before you go to the office.
- You must pass a written test covering Texas traffic laws and a road test in your own vehicle or a DPS-approved test vehicle.
- First-time drivers under 18 must hold a learner permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course before they can take the road test.
- The cost of a driver license in Texas varies depending on the type and length of validity, but a standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license.
Documents you need to bring
Before you go to the DPS office, gather the documents in three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security proof. You cannot complete your process without all three.
For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were not born in the United States. A photocopy is not acceptable — it must be an original or certified document.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Dallas address on it. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Texas.
For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver license, but you will need to bring additional documents — ask DPS about this when you call or visit.
The written test and what it covers
The written test at DPS covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it on a computer at the DPS office, and you must pass it before you can take the road test. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass.
The test asks about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies like brake failure or a skid. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS provides free online and in print at the office. Many people also use practice tests available on the DPS website to prepare.
You get one attempt at the written test during your visit. If you fail, you can return and take it again, but you will pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their first try if they study the handbook beforehand.
The road test and how it works
After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test. A DPS examiner watches you drive and scores you on vehicle control, following traffic laws, and awareness of other drivers and pedestrians. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers city streets, not highways.
You can use your own vehicle for the road test, or DPS has test vehicles available for an additional fee. Your own vehicle must be safe and legal — it needs working brakes, lights, wipers, and a valid inspection sticker. If you use a DPS test vehicle, you still need to show that you have a valid learner permit or a license from another state.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure. You get one attempt per visit, and you can retake the test if you fail.
Different license types and how long they last
Texas offers several types of driver licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class C license is what most people get — it lets you drive a regular passenger car. A commercial license (Class A, B, or C with endorsements) is for people who drive trucks or buses for work and requires additional testing.
A standard license is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old, or ten years if you renew online and meet certain requirements. A license for someone 85 or older is valid for two years. You can renew your license before it expires, and you can do some renewals online without visiting the office.
If you are under 18, your first license is called a Graduated Driver License (GDL) and has restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the GDL for a certain period.
Costs and payment methods
The cost of a driver license in Texas depends on the type and length of validity. A five-year standard Class C license costs one amount, and a ten-year license costs more. The exact fee changes occasionally, so check the DPS website for the current price before you visit.
You also pay a separate fee for the written test and the road test if you take them. If you use a DPS test vehicle instead of your own, there is an additional fee for that as well. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than two years ago, the cost may be lower. Military members and veterans may also be may be able to access for fee reductions — ask at the office.
What happens after you pass
After you pass both the written and road tests, DPS issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive when ready while you wait for the plastic card.
Your new license will have your photo, signature, address, and license number on it. Check all the information for accuracy before you leave the office — if something is wrong, tell the examiner right away so it can be corrected.
Once you have your license, you are legal to drive in Texas and in all other states. You must carry it with you whenever you drive. If you move, change your name, or want to update your address, you can do that at a DPS office or online for some changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a learner permit before I can take the road test?
If you are under 18, yes — you must hold a learner permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner permit and go straight to the written and road tests at DPS.
What if I fail the road test?
You can take the road test again. You will need to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Can I take the written test online from home?
No, you must take the written test in person at a DPS office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study at home using the free Texas Driver Handbook and practice tests on the DPS website before you go.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
If you are 18 or older and already have your documents ready, you can complete the written and road tests in one visit, which takes a few hours. If you are under 18, you need to hold a learner permit for at least six months first. After you pass, your license arrives within one to two weeks.
What if I move out of Dallas after I get my license?
Your Texas driver license is valid anywhere in the state and in all other states. If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a license from that state, but you can drive on your Texas license for a grace period while you settle in.