Where to Get Your License in Arlington

The Arlington Driver License office is located at 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. This is the only Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Arlington itself. If you cannot reach this location, the next nearest offices are in Fort Worth (multiple locations) and Irving, both within 15 to 20 minutes by car.

You can visit without an appointment, but wait times vary. The office is typically busiest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and mid-month. If you want to check current wait times before you go, call the Arlington office directly at (817) 277-2641. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays.

If you cannot visit in person, Texas also offers online services for certain transactions — primarily renewals and address changes — through the DPS website. However, new licenses, upgrades, and most corrective actions require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington DPS office is at 3200 W. Division Street and is open Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form before you arrive.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test; bring your own vehicle for the driving test unless you arrange otherwise in advance.
  • Fees for a standard five-year license are $95 for a new license and $65 for a renewal, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days; you will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your plastic card by mail.

Documents You Must Bring

Texas requires four categories of documents before the Arlington office will issue or renew a license. Missing even one means you will be turned away and must return another day.

Proof of identity: Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship, a valid foreign passport, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a valid military ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not acceptable — it must be an official certified copy with the state seal.

Proof of residency: Bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Arlington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. A bank statement or credit card statement will not work. If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, you can use a shelter letter or a statement from a social service agency.

Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a benefit statement from Social Security or the Veterans Administration. The document must show your full nine-digit number.

Completed process form: Fill out form DL 43 before you arrive. You can read it from the DPS website or pick up a copy at the Arlington office. Bring it filled out and signed — the office staff will not fill it out for you.

Tests You Must Pass

If you are explore for your first Texas license or upgrading to a higher class (for example, from Class C to Class B), you must pass three separate tests at the Arlington office.

Written test: This covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take it in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts. Many people pass on the first try if they study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free online.

Vision test: The office will test your eyesight to may support you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a medical evaluation or corrective lenses before you can retake it.

Driving test: You must demonstrate basic driving skills on public roads near the Arlington office. The test takes about 10 minutes and covers starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your own vehicle unless you have arranged in advance with the office to use a DPS vehicle (availability is limited). The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail, you can schedule a retest, usually within a few days.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year Class C driver license costs $95 for a new license and $65 for a renewal. A Class B (commercial) or Class A license costs more; ask the office for current rates if you need a commercial license.

The Arlington office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. There is no online payment option; you must pay in person at the office. If you pay by check, write it to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Keep your receipt — you will need it if you need to dispute a charge or request a refund.

If you are a Texas resident over 85 years old, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee. Ask the office staff when you arrive.

Timeline from process to Receipt

The process has two stages: when ready and by mail. When you pass all tests and pay the fee at the Arlington office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent plastic card is being made.

Your permanent license card is mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard mailing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. Do not expect it on a specific date — mail delivery varies. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Arlington office to check the status.

If you need your license sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing, but this is not available for all transaction types. Ask the office whether expedited service is an option for your situation.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your License

Bringing incomplete documents is the most common reason people have to leave and return. The office will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate, a utility bill dated more than 30 days ago, or a Social Security statement without your full nine-digit number. Check the four document categories above before you go.

Arriving without a filled-out DL 43 form also causes delays. The office staff will not complete it for you. read it, print it, and fill it out at home so you are ready when you arrive.

For the driving test, bringing a vehicle that is not registered or insured, or that has mechanical problems, will result in a failed test. Make sure your vehicle passes a basic safety check — lights, brakes, wipers, and horn all working — before you schedule your test.

If you are renewing online and your address has changed, the system may reject your request. In that case, you must visit the Arlington office in person to update your address before you can renew.

When You Need to Visit in Person vs. Online

Texas allows some transactions online through the DPS website, but not all. You can renew your license online if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or medical status. You can also update your address online if your license is still valid.

You must visit the Arlington office in person for: a first-time license, a license upgrade (changing class), a corrected license (name or date of birth change), a replacement for a lost or stolen license, a medical evaluation or vision correction, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

If you are unsure whether your transaction can be done online, call the Arlington office at (817) 277-2641 before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle I do not own?

Yes, but the vehicle must be registered and insured. The DPS does not require the vehicle to be registered in your name, only that it is currently registered and has active insurance. Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration when you arrive for your test.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra charge, but you must wait at least one hour. If you fail a second time, you can schedule another attempt, usually within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Arlington office?

No. The Arlington office operates on a walk-in basis. However, you can call ahead to check wait times. Expect longer waits on Mondays, Tuesdays, and mid-month.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, the temporary license remains valid until day 45.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address online through the DPS website if your license is still valid. If you prefer to update it in person, visit the Arlington office. There is no fee for an address change.