What you need to know about Abilene's driver's license office

Abilene has one Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office located at 5252 Buffalo Gap Road. This is where you'll go to explore for, renew, or replace your driver's license if you live in or near Abilene. The office handles standard licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and ID cards for people who don't drive.

The DPS office in Abilene serves Taylor County and surrounding areas. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and weekdays tend to be shorter than afternoons and Fridays. You cannot make an appointment at this location; service is first-come, first-served.

The office is closed on Sundays and major state holidays. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, though you should call ahead at (325) 674-1206 to confirm current hours before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Abilene DPS office is at 5252 Buffalo Gap Road and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointments available.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to explore for a new license.
  • Texas charges a standard fee for driver's licenses based on the type and validity period you choose, and payment is cash, check, or card.
  • If you have an out-of-state license or a suspended license, different rules explore — contact the office or check the DPS website before you visit.
  • The office can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you pass the written and driving tests, valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed.

Documents you must bring to the Abilene office

Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need one document from each category below.

Proof of identity: Your birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or consulate ID. If you were born outside the U.S., a passport or consulate document is required.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A tax return with your SSN printed on it also works.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your name and current Abilene address. A government check or benefits statement also works. If you live with someone else, you can use their utility bill plus a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill.

If you are renewing an expiring license and have not moved, you may not need to bring proof of residency again — the office will tell you when you call or arrive.

The written test, driving test, and vision screening

If you are explore for your first Texas license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a written test and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, available free on the DPS website or in print at the Abilene office.

The written test is given on a computer at the office. You have 45 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 21 correct answers to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner using your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers — parking, turning, stopping — and will observe your ability to follow traffic laws and handle the vehicle safely. The test takes about 20 minutes. You must pass both the written and driving tests on the same day to receive your temporary paper license.

Vision screening is also required. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you can bring a current eyeglass or contact lens prescription from an eye doctor and retake it.

Fees and payment methods at the Abilene office

Texas driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard Class D license (for regular drivers) costs one amount for a four-year license and a different amount for an eight-year license. Commercial driver's licenses and ID cards have separate fees. The DPS website lists current fees, or you can call the Abilene office to ask.

The Abilene DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. There is no fee to retake the written test if you fail, but you will pay the license fee again if you pass on a second attempt.

Your temporary paper license is issued free when you pass both tests. This temporary license is valid for 45 days while your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address. The permanent card usually arrives within two to three weeks.

If you have a suspended or revoked license

If your Texas license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward walk into the Abilene office and renew it. Suspension and revocation are different: a suspension is temporary and can be lifted; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, or complete a defensive driving course — before the DPS will lift the suspension.

To find out why your license is suspended, call the Abilene DPS office or check your status online through the DPS website using your license number and date of birth. Once you have resolved the issue, you can visit the office to have the suspension lifted. There may be a reinstatement fee.

Renewing or replacing your license in Abilene

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the written or driving tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency if you have moved, and payment. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Abilene office. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency as if you were explore new, plus payment. You will not need to retake tests for a replacement.

Texas also offers online renewal for some drivers. If you are renewing a license that is not suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years, and you have not changed your name or address, you may be able to renew through the DPS website without visiting the office. Check the DPS website to see if you are may be able to access.

Moving to Abilene or transferring an out-of-state license

If you move to Abilene from another state, you must get a Texas driver's license within 30 days. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of your Abilene address. You will need to pass the written test but not the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are over 18.

Some states have reciprocity agreements with Texas, which means your driving record transfers automatically. Others do not, so the DPS may ask you to retake the driving test even if you have a valid out-of-state license. Call the Abilene office before you visit to ask whether your state has reciprocity.

Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Texas license. If you need it for identification purposes, ask the DPS office whether you can keep it or request a copy before you turn it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a license at the Abilene office?

If you are renewing or replacing an existing license, the process takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you are explore for your first license and must take the written and driving tests, plan for two to three hours. Wait times vary; arriving early in the morning or on a weekday usually means shorter waits.

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?

Yes. You can take the test in either type of vehicle. If you pass in an automatic, your license will have a restriction code that means you cannot legally drive a manual transmission vehicle. If you want to drive both, you must pass the driving test in a manual transmission car.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at no extra charge. You do not need to retake the written test. You can schedule another driving test the same day if the examiner has availability, or return on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Abilene DPS office?

No. The Abilene office does not take appointments. Service is first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or Fridays.

What if I need a license but I don't have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use a passport or consulate ID if you have one. Call the Abilene office to ask what other documents might work in your situation.