Where the Dallas South Center is and what it handles

The Dallas South Driver License Center is located at 4849 S. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75237. This is one of several Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices in the Dallas area, and it issues driver licenses, learner permits, and identification cards. It also handles renewals, replacements, and address changes for people who live in or near South Dallas.

The center does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or certain specialized services like hazmat endorsements — those go to specific DPS locations. For standard Class C driver licenses and ID cards, though, this is a full-service location.

Key Takeaways

  • Dallas South is at 4849 S. Westmoreland Road and issues standard driver licenses, learner permits, and ID cards for people in the South Dallas area.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a valid Social Security card before you arrive.
  • Vision screening and a written test happen at the center; the road test is scheduled separately at a DPS testing location.
  • Wait times vary by day and time of day, so arriving early on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you do not need to update your photo or address, which saves you a trip to the center.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires three categories of documents before you can get a license or ID at Dallas South. First, proof of identity: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver license all work. If you do not have one of those, a combination of documents like a school ID plus a utility bill may work, but the DPS website lists the exact combinations.

Second, proof of residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days with your name and current address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you have just moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord can work in some cases — call ahead to confirm.

Third, proof of Social Security number: your actual Social Security card is easiest, but a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DPS staff will not accept uncertified copies of birth certificates or other vital records.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary — early mornings on weekdays are usually faster than afternoons or Saturdays. Once called, you will go to a window where staff verify your documents and take your process.

Next, you move to the vision screening station. You will read lines on a chart to test your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day and will need to return after correcting your vision.

If you are getting a new license (not renewing), you will take a written test on a computer. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You need to pass with a score of at least 70 percent. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you will wait in line again.

After you pass the written test, staff will take your photo and fingerprints. Your license or ID card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that day.

Road testing and scheduling

The Dallas South center does not do road tests on-site. Once you pass your written test and vision screening, DPS will mail you information about how to schedule your road test at a separate testing location. You have a set window of time to complete it — usually 60 days from the date you pass your written test.

Road tests are scheduled through the DPS online system or by phone. You will need to bring your temporary license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and passes inspection. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.

Hours, wait times, and how to prepare

Dallas South is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Wait times are shortest on weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if you can, as those days draw more traffic.

There is no way to reserve a time slot or check wait times in advance online. You straightforward arrive and take a number. If the line is very long when you arrive, you can leave and come back later the same day or on another day.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand. Leave extra time for parking — the lot can fill up during peak hours.

Renewals and replacements without a visit

If your license is still valid and you only need to renew it, you may not need to visit Dallas South at all. Texas allows online renewal for most people: you can renew for up to two years online through the DPS website if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo or address.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer. Mail renewal takes longer — usually 15 to 20 business days — but you avoid the trip and the wait. If you need to update your photo, change your address, or correct your name, you must visit the center in person.

If your license was lost or stolen, you can order a replacement online or by mail as well. A replacement by mail costs less than an in-person replacement and takes about two weeks.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver license costs $45. A learner permit costs $16. A Texas ID card costs $16. Renewal fees are the same as new issuance fees. Replacement licenses (for lost or stolen cards) cost $20 if you order by mail or $45 if you get one in person.

Dallas South accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There are no refunds if you fail the written test — you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, but you do not get your fee back if you decide not to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Dallas South?

Yes, if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name. Go to the Texas DPS website and follow the online renewal process. It takes about 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your photo or address, you must visit in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You will wait in line again and take a different version of the test. You have up to three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you will need to return on another day.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

Your physical license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass your test, which is valid for driving until your card arrives. The road test must be completed within 60 days of passing your written test.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

Dallas South operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no appointments. Arrive early on a weekday morning for the shortest wait. You take a number when you arrive and wait to be called.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have a number. You can still get a driver license, but the process may take longer because DPS will need to verify your status. Call Dallas South ahead of time to confirm what additional documents you need.