Where to renew your license in Garland

In Garland, you can renew your driver's license at the Garland Driver License Office, located at 520 West Avenue A, Garland, TX 75040. This is a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office that handles renewals, replacements, and other license services for Garland residents and anyone else in the area.

You can also renew by mail or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you cannot have any medical conditions that require a vision test, and you must be renewing for the standard five-year term. Not everyone qualifies for mail or online renewal, so check the DPS website first to see if your situation allows it.

Walk-in service is available at the Garland office, but wait times vary. The office is busier on weekdays and during lunch hours. You can also make an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which often reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland Driver License Office is at 520 West Avenue A and handles renewals during business hours, with or without an appointment.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • Standard renewals cost $25 for a five-year license; Real ID licenses cost $27 and require additional identity documents.
  • If your license is expired by more than two years or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at the office.
  • Making an appointment online through the Texas DPS website typically cuts your wait time in half compared to walk-in service.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Texas driver's license or ID card. If you no longer have it, bring a document showing your name and date of birth, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.

You also need proof of residency — a document showing your name and current Garland address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government check or tax return also counts. Bring the original or a certified copy; a photo will not be accepted.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the easiest option, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are renewing for a Real ID license — which is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — you need one additional document proving your identity and one proving your residency. The identity document can be a passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. The residency document is the same as listed above.

Real ID versus standard license: what you need to know

A standard Texas driver's license costs $25 for five years. A Real ID license costs $27 for five years and has a gold star in the upper right corner. The Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, military base, or nuclear power plant starting May 7, 2025. After that date, a standard license will not be accepted for these purposes.

If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is fine. If you do either of those things, you will eventually need a Real ID. You can renew as a standard license now and upgrade to Real ID later, or get the Real ID during this renewal. The choice is yours, but keep in mind that Real ID requires extra documents at the office.

Both licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew either type in person at the Garland office, by mail (if you meet the conditions), or online through the Texas DPS website.

How to renew by mail or online

To renew by mail, visit the Texas DPS website and fill out Form DL-43. You can print it or request it by mail. Mail the form with your current license, a check or money order for $25 (or $27 for Real ID), and a copy of your proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

Online renewal is faster and available through the Texas DPS website. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have medical conditions that require a vision test, if you are changing your name, or if you are upgrading to Real ID for the first time. In any of those cases, you must renew in person at the Garland office.

What happens at your appointment or walk-in visit

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. A staff member will check your paperwork, take your photo, and administer a vision test. The vision test is straightforward — you read letters on a screen from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment.

You will also answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Be honest about medical conditions; they may result in restrictions on your license, but hiding them can lead to license suspension later.

Once everything is complete, you will pay the fee in cash, by debit card, or by credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Office hours and how to make an appointment

The Garland Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Hours may change during holidays, so check the Texas DPS website before you go.

To make an appointment, visit the Texas DPS website and select the Garland office. You can choose a date and time that works for you, usually within the next two to four weeks. Appointments are free. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online so someone else can use that slot.

If you show up without an appointment, you will be placed in the walk-in queue. Wait times are usually longer during lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and on Fridays. Early morning or mid-afternoon visits tend to be faster.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25. A Real ID renewal costs $27. These are the only fees; there are no additional charges for processing or handling.

At the Garland office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. If you renew online, you must use a debit or credit card.

If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may owe additional fees related to the suspension or revocation. Check your license status on the Texas DPS website before you renew to see if any holds or fines are attached to your record.

What to do if your license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Check your license status on the Texas DPS website or call the Garland office to find out why it is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical conditions reported by a doctor.

If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew in person at the Garland office. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring all the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal, plus any documents related to the reason for the long gap (for example, if you were out of state, bring proof of that).

If you have been driving on an expired license, you may face a traffic citation. Renewing as soon as possible is the best way to avoid further penalties. The Garland office can usually renew an expired license on the same day you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of Garland but still have a Garland address on my license?

You can renew at the Garland office if you still live in Garland. If you have moved to a different city or county in Texas, you can renew at any DPS office in the state, or you can renew by mail or online if you meet the conditions. If you have moved out of Texas, you will need to get a license from your new state.

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

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on your process and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it takes longer, contact the Texas DPS to track your license.

What if I need my license before the permanent one arrives?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving and identification for 30 days. If you need a permanent license sooner, you can visit the Garland office again and request an expedited replacement, though this may cost extra and is not always available.

Do I need to pass a written test to renew my license in Texas?

No. Renewals do not include a written driving test. You only take a vision test. If your license was suspended for a medical reason or if you are renewing after a long gap, the office may require additional documentation or a medical evaluation, but a written test is not part of a standard renewal.

Can I renew my license online if I have a Real ID?

You can renew a Real ID online only if you already have a Real ID license and are renewing it as a Real ID again. If you are upgrading to Real ID for the first time, you must renew in person at the Garland office because you need to provide additional identity documents.