The Arlington Driver's License Office location and hours
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates a driver's license office in Arlington at 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. This is the main location where Arlington residents can renew, replace, or obtain a driver's license without traveling to another city.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Arrive early if you can — wait times tend to be longer in the late afternoon and on Fridays. The office does not take appointments, so service is first-come, first-served.
If you cannot reach the Arlington office during business hours, you can call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm current hours or ask about wait times. The DPS website also lists any temporary closures or schedule changes.
Key Takeaways
- The Arlington DPS office is located at 3200 W. Division Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., with no weekend service.
- You do not need an appointment — service is first-come, first-served, so arriving early in the day usually means shorter waits.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents required for your specific transaction (renewal, replacement, or new license).
- If you cannot visit in person, Texas offers online renewal for some driver's licenses, though you will still need to visit an office for your first license or a road test.
What documents to bring to the Arlington office
The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time. For any transaction, bring a current photo ID (passport, military ID, or previous driver's license) and one document proving your current address in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
If you are renewing your license, bring your current license and your Social Security number (or a document showing it). If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring your Social Security number and proof of your identity. If you are obtaining your first Texas driver's license, you will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your Texas residency.
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.
When you need to visit in person versus online renewal
Texas allows online renewal for some driver's licenses, but not all. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you have not had any address changes since your last license was issued. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website without visiting the Arlington office.
You must visit the Arlington office in person if you are obtaining your first driver's license, if your license has expired, if you need to take a road test, if you are changing your address, or if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review. You also must visit in person if you are upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license, which is now required for federal travel.
If you are unsure whether you can renew online, call the DPS customer service line or check your renewal notice — it will tell you whether online renewal is an option for you.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your visit
A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Texas began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and as of May 2025, all driver's licenses must be Real ID-compliant to use them for federal travel.
If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. When you renew or replace your license at the Arlington office, you can request a Real ID license at no extra cost. You will need to bring the same documents as for a standard renewal, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not already have one on file with DPS.
The process takes the same amount of time as a standard license transaction, and your new Real ID license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Road testing at the Arlington office
If you need to take a road test to obtain your first driver's license or to reinstate a suspended license, you can schedule one at the Arlington DPS office. Road tests are offered Monday through Friday during regular office hours. You must bring your learner's permit (or your current license if you are reinstating), proof of vehicle insurance, and a vehicle that is safe and properly registered.
The test itself takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You do not need to schedule in advance — you can walk in and request a road test, though wait times may be longer than for other services. Some people choose to visit early in the morning to reduce their wait.
If you fail the road test, you can take it again the same day or return on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though you must pay the test fee each time.
Parking and accessibility at the Arlington location
The Arlington DPS office has a parking lot on-site, so you do not need to search for street parking. The building is accessible to people with mobility disabilities and has accessible restrooms. If you have questions about accessibility or need special accommodations, call ahead at 1-888-589-6556 to speak with office staff.
The office is located near Division Street and is straightforward to find from major roads in Arlington. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter the full address: 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called, then proceed to a service window. The staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photo and signature. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
If you are obtaining your first license or reinstating a suspended license, you may be asked additional questions about your driving record or the reason for suspension. Answer honestly — the DPS staff are there to help you complete the process correctly.
Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient proof of licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail instead of visiting the office?
Texas does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew online if you meet the requirements, or you must visit the Arlington office in person. Online renewal is available through the Texas DPS website and takes about 10 minutes.
How long does it take to get a new license after my visit?
Your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day of your visit that is valid for 45 days, so you can drive legally while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
What if I cannot visit during the office's weekday hours?
The Arlington office is open only Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. If you cannot visit during these hours, you may be able to renew online if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. For other transactions, you will need to take time off work or school to visit in person.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the office?
You do not need to bring your physical Social Security card. You can bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2, or you can straightforward provide the number verbally to the staff member. They will verify it in their system.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test the same day or return on another day at no additional cost beyond the test fee. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people find it helpful to practice with a licensed driver before their next attempt.