Where the Boerne DPS Office Is and What It Handles

The Boerne Driver's License office is run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and sits in Kendall County, about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. This office issues and renews driver's licenses, issues learner permits, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and processes Real ID documents. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those go through your county tax assessor's office.

The office is located at 1400 River Road, Boerne, TX 78006. Hours and wait times change seasonally and by day of the week; the Texas DPS website shows current hours and lets you check how busy the office is before you go. Calling ahead at the office number listed on the DPS site can save you a trip if you have questions about what documents you need.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boerne DPS office issues driver's licenses, learner permits, and Real ID documents, but does not handle vehicle registration or title work.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the exact documents depend on whether you are getting a license for the first time or renewing.
  • Real ID documents require additional proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, which takes longer to process than a standard license.
  • The office is open six days a week but closes on Sundays and some state holidays; checking the DPS website for hours before you go prevents wasted trips.
  • If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension reason (unpaid traffic fines, child support, or other court orders) before the Boerne office can reinstate it.

What Documents You Need for a First-Time License

Texas requires three categories of documents for a first-time driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of identity means a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign national ID card. Proof of residency means a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current address. Proof of Social Security number means your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

If you are under 18, you also need a completed process for a Texas Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-44) signed by a parent or guardian. The office staff will help you fill this out if you arrive without it, but bringing it completed saves time. Bring the originals of all documents — photocopies are not accepted.

Real ID vs. Standard License: What the Difference Costs You

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and works as identification for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Texas driver's license does not. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight; a standard license will no longer work for that purpose.

Getting a Real ID at the Boerne office requires everything a standard license does, plus proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. That proof can be a passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), or an employment authorization document (EAD). The Real ID process takes longer because the DPS verifies your citizenship status with federal databases. A standard license is faster but will not work for air travel after May 2025.

Both Real ID and standard licenses cost the same in Texas: $33 for a five-year license if you are 18 to 84 years old. The fee does not change based on which type you choose.

Renewing Your License at Boerne

If your license is not suspended and you have not had a major change in your medical status or driving record, you can renew by mail or online through the Texas DPS website without visiting the Boerne office. Online renewal takes about five business days; mail renewal takes two to three weeks. You pay the same $33 fee either way.

You must visit the Boerne office in person if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address or name, if you are renewing after a long lapse (more than two years expired), or if you are changing from a standard license to a Real ID. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and proof of citizenship if you are upgrading to Real ID.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended

A suspended license means you cannot legally drive in Texas or any other state. The Boerne DPS office can tell you why your license is suspended — common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, a DWI conviction, or a failure to appear in court. You cannot reinstate your license at the Boerne office until you have resolved the underlying reason for the suspension.

If the suspension is for unpaid fines, you must pay the court that issued the ticket. If it is for child support, you must contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division or your local child support office. If it is for a DWI or failure to appear, you must resolve that with the court. Once the reason is cleared, the Boerne office can reinstate your license, usually the same day. Bring proof that the suspension reason has been resolved — a receipt from the court, a letter from child support, or a court order.

Getting a Learner Permit at Boerne

A learner permit lets you drive under supervision before you take the driving test for a full license. In Texas, you must be at least 15 years old to get a learner permit. You need the same documents as for a first-time license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian signature on Form DL-44.

At the Boerne office, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test is 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you pass, you pay $16 for a learner permit valid for one year. You can take the driving test (the road test) anytime after you have held the permit for at least 14 days.

Bringing Your Out-of-State License to Boerne

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you can exchange it for a Texas license at the Boerne office without retaking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will keep your out-of-state license and issue you a Texas license with the same expiration date as your old one (unless your old license expires more than five years away, in which case Texas gives you a five-year license).

If your out-of-state license is suspended or expired by more than two years, you cannot exchange it — you must explore as a first-time applicant and take both the written and driving tests. Bring all the documents listed in the "What Documents You Need for a First-Time License" section above.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary by day and season. The Texas DPS website shows real-time wait estimates for the Boerne office. Most people are seen within 30 to 90 minutes during off-peak hours, but peak times (lunch, late afternoon, end of month) can mean two to three hours. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits.

Can I take my driving test at the Boerne office?

Yes. The Boerne DPS office administers both the written test and the road test. You must hold a learner permit for at least 14 days before you can take the road test. Schedule your road test appointment through the Texas DPS website or by calling the Boerne office directly.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement at the Boerne office by bringing your proof of identity and proof of Social Security number. A replacement license costs $11 and is issued the same day. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Boerne office?

No appointment is required, but the Texas DPS website lets you check wait times and book an appointment if you prefer. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking an appointment can reduce your wait time during busy periods.

Can I get a Real ID by mail or online?

No. Real ID documents require in-person verification of your citizenship or lawful presence. You must visit the Boerne office or another Texas DPS location to get a Real ID. Standard license renewals can be done by mail or online, but upgrading to Real ID requires a visit.