Where to renew your license in Garland

In Garland, you renew your driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location serving Garland is the DPS Driver License Division office in Garland itself, located at 1919 West Avenue H. You can also use any other DPS office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area if that's more convenient for you.

You do not renew at the city hall or a local courthouse. DPS handles all Texas driver's license renewals, and they are the only office that can issue or renew your license. You can check the DPS website for current office hours and to confirm the address, as hours sometimes change seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew at the DPS Driver License Division office in Garland or any other DPS office in Texas; you cannot renew by mail or online in most cases.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2).
  • Standard renewals take about 20 to 30 minutes in the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at the office.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license as your primary form of ID. If your license is lost or stolen, bring another form of government-issued ID such as a passport or state ID card instead.

You also need proof of residency. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Garland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from DPS also counts as proof of residency.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card is the easiest option. If you don't have it, a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years will work. DPS needs this to verify your identity in their system.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot renew under a different name.

What happens during your renewal visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call you when it's your turn. They will review your documents, confirm your address, and ask you to sign a form stating that the information on your license is correct.

You will have your photo taken for the new license. Wear something you're comfortable with for a photo; the rules are the same as for your original license (no hats, sunglasses, or head coverings unless for religious reasons). You will also pass a vision test — the staff member will use a machine to check that you can see well enough to drive safely.

You will not retake the written test unless your license has been expired for more than two years. If that's your situation, you'll need to schedule a separate appointment to take the written exam before or after your renewal visit.

The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, though this varies. If the office is busy, you may wait longer. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon tends to mean shorter waits than mid-morning or late afternoon.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license renewal in Texas costs $25. If you are 85 years old or older, the renewal is free. Payment is cash, debit card, or credit card — the Garland DPS office accepts all three.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same: $25 for a five-year license. Real ID is now the standard in Texas, so your renewed license will be Real ID-compliant unless you specifically request otherwise.

When your new license arrives

After you complete your renewal at the office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the paper license with you while you wait for the plastic one to arrive.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS to check the status. You can call the DPS Driver License Division or visit the DPS website to track your renewal. If there is a problem with your mailing address or the renewal itself, DPS can reissue your license.

Renewing early or when your license is expired

You can renew your license up to 12 months before it expires. This is useful if you know you'll be traveling or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. The renewal process is the same whether you renew early or on your expiration date.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it at the DPS office as long as it has been expired for less than two years. The process is the same, and you do not face any penalty. However, if your license has been expired for two years or longer, you must retake both the written test and the driving test — a renewal is no longer an option, and you will need to go through the licensing process again as if you were a new driver.

Special situations: Name changes and address updates

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will renew your license under your new name, and your new license will reflect that change.

If you have moved within Garland or to a different city in Texas, update your address during your renewal. Tell the DPS staff member your new address, and it will appear on your renewed license. You do not need to bring a new proof of residency if your current document already shows your new address — but if it doesn't, bring one that does.

If you have moved out of Texas, you cannot renew your Texas license. You must obtain a license from your new state instead. Contact the DPS or your new state's licensing authority for information on how to transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Texas does not offer online or mail-in renewal for standard driver's licenses. You must visit a DPS office in person. The only exception is if you are a member of the military stationed overseas — in that case, contact DPS directly to learn about your options.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You cannot renew without it. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, ask your bank for a recent statement, or contact your landlord for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address. If you are homeless, contact the DPS office directly — they have procedures for people without a fixed address.

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

No appointment is required. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, you can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website if you prefer to reduce your wait time. Check the website for availability.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with DPS or the court. Contact the DPS directly to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your new license will expire five years after the DPS office issues it, not five years after your old license expired.