How to Renew Your Driver's License in Arlington, Texas

Where to Renew in Arlington

Arlington has one full-service Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office located at 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. This office handles all renewal types — standard renewals, replacements, and address changes — and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

If you want to avoid the Arlington office, you can renew at any other DPS Driver License office across Texas. The nearest alternatives are in Fort Worth (multiple locations) and Irving, each about 15 to 20 minutes away depending on traffic. Some people find off-peak hours at the Arlington location faster than driving elsewhere.

You cannot renew by mail in Texas unless you meet very specific conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and your license must not have been lost or stolen. Most Arlington residents renew in person.

Key Takeaways

The Arlington DPS office is at 3200 W. Division Street and accepts walk-ins during business hours without an appointment.
You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment in cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted.
Standard renewals cost $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; Real ID renewals cost $33 for four years or $66 for eight years.
Processing takes about 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is; your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is expired by more than two years, you must take a written test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal steps.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a police report number or file one at the Arlington Police Department before you go to the DPS office. Without either your license or a police report, you cannot renew and must instead explore for a replacement, which requires additional documents.

You must also bring proof of residency — a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Arlington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency even if it shows your address.

If your address on your license does not match your current address, bring the proof of residency document. The DPS office will update your address during renewal at no extra cost.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $33. An eight-year renewal costs $66. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025), the cost is the same: $33 for four years or $66 for eight years.

The Arlington DPS office accepts cash, checks, and debit cards. Credit cards are not accepted. If you do not have cash or a debit card, you can use a check, but bring your checkbook or a blank check with you. Some people withdraw cash at a nearby ATM before arriving.

There is no fee to update your address during renewal. If you also need to change your name (due to marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Name changes do not add a fee to the renewal.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Step 1: Gather your documents. Collect your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and payment method (cash, check, or debit card). If your address has changed, have the proof of residency ready to show.

Step 2: Go to the Arlington DPS office. The office is at 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., but check the DPS website or call 512-424-2000 to confirm current hours before you go. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building.

Step 3: Take a number and wait. When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. Wait for your number to be called. Bring something to read — wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day.

Step 4: Present your documents to the clerk. When called, go to the window and hand over your current license and proof of residency. Tell the clerk if your address has changed. The clerk will verify your information and ask you to confirm your address, name, and other details on screen.

Step 5: Take a new photo. You will sit for a new photograph. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. Sunglasses, hats, and head coverings are not allowed unless for religious reasons, in which case the clerk will ask you to remove them briefly for the photo.

Step 6: Pay the fee. Pay $33 (four-year) or $66 (eight-year) using cash, check, or debit card. The clerk will give you a receipt.

Step 7: Receive your temporary license. The clerk will print a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being mailed. Keep this receipt in your wallet.

Step 8: Wait for your license by mail. Your new plastic license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the DPS at 512-424-2000 to check the status.

If Your License Is Expired by More Than Two Years

If your Texas license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot straightforward renew. You must instead take a written knowledge test and a vision test at the DPS office, in addition to the standard renewal steps. This takes longer — usually 45 minutes to two hours — because you must pass both tests before the clerk can process your renewal.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it when ready. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Bring the same documents as a standard renewal (current license or police report, proof of residency, and payment). Arrive early because the test adds time to your visit, and the office may have a limit on how many tests they can administer per day.

Real ID Compliance for Arlington Residents

Texas Real ID licenses are now standard. When you renew, you will receive a Real ID-compliant license at no extra cost if you bring proof of residency. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

If your current license does not have the gold star and you want one before your renewal date, you can exchange it at the Arlington DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and $33 (four-year) or $66 (eight-year). This is treated as a replacement, not a renewal, but the process is the same.

If you do not have proof of residency, you can still renew, but your new license will not be Real ID-compliant. You will need to return later with proof of residency to get the Real ID version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a credit card — the Arlington office does not accept them. Bring cash, a check, or a debit card instead. Do not bring an expired utility bill or lease; proof of residency must be dated within 90 days. If your bill is older, bring a recent bank statement or government check instead.

Do not assume your address will update automatically if you moved. Tell the clerk at the window that your address has changed and bring proof of your new address. Without telling the clerk, your new license will be mailed to your old address and you will not receive it.

Do not wear sunglasses or a hat for your photo unless required for religious reasons. Do not bring children or other people into the photo booth — only you will be photographed. Do not lose your temporary paper license; you need it to drive legally until your permanent license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail from Arlington?

Texas does not offer online renewal for most drivers. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your license has not been lost or stolen. Most Arlington residents must renew in person at the DPS office.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and allows you to drive for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS at 512-424-2000 to check the status.

What if I moved out of Arlington but still have an Arlington address on my license?

Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) to the DPS office. The clerk will update your address during renewal at no extra cost. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the Arlington DPS office?

No. The Arlington office accepts walk-ins during business hours. However, you can call 512-424-2000 to ask about current wait times before you go, and visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Saturday.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the issue. Call 512-424-2000 or visit the DPS website to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are required to restore it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.