Where to go for your Garland driver license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver license services in Garland. You cannot get a license at City Hall or any other local office — you must visit a DPS Driver License office. Garland has one office located at 2610 West Avenue J, open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Hours change seasonally, so check the DPS website or call ahead before you go.

If the Garland office has a long wait, you can visit any other DPS Driver License office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The closest alternatives are in Arlington, Mesquite, and Dallas itself. All offices issue the same license and accept the same documents, so location is purely about convenience and wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person; Garland's office is at 2610 West Avenue J and is open weekdays only.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Texas charges different fees for different license types — a standard five-year license costs less than a REAL ID, which costs less than a commercial license.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and photo, and you may be asked to take a driving test depending on your age and driving history.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks for a standard license; REAL ID licenses may take longer if documents need verification.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot get a license without all three, and the DPS office will turn you away if any are missing.

For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy is not enough — it must be an original document or certified by the issuing agency. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your Garland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. You need only one document, but it must show your current address.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. The DPS will not accept a number you recite from memory — they need a document.

What the written and vision tests cover

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and the DPS provides a study guide free on their website. Most people pass on their first try if they study the guide for a few hours.

The vision test checks whether you can read a chart at 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you will be tested with them on. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it when ready or come back another day. Some people are issued a license with a restriction requiring corrective lenses.

You will also have a photo taken at the office. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for five years (or longer if you get REAL ID).

Driving test requirements and when you need one

Not everyone takes a driving test. Texas waives the test if you have held a valid driver license from another state within the past year, or if you are renewing a Texas license. You do need a test if you are getting your first license, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you have had a suspension or revocation.

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You provide the vehicle — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route in Garland.

You can schedule a driving test appointment online through the DPS website, or you can take the written and vision tests first and ask the office staff to schedule you for a test on a future date. Many people prefer to schedule ahead so they do not have to wait.

License types and what each costs

Texas offers three main driver license types, each with a different cost and validity period. A standard driver license is valid for five years and costs the least. A REAL ID-compliant license is valid for five years and costs more — it meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. A commercial driver license (CDL) is for people who drive trucks or buses for work and costs the most.

Exact fees vary slightly by year and are set by the state legislature. As of 2024, a standard five-year license costs around $33, a REAL ID costs around $43, and a CDL costs significantly more depending on the endorsements you need. Call the Garland DPS office or check their website for the current fee, since prices do change.

If you are under 18, you get a Graduated Driver License (GDL) instead. A GDL has restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you. The restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18 or after you hold the license for a certain period, whichever comes first.

How long processing takes and what to expect after

After you pass your tests and pay the fee, the DPS prints your license on site or mails it to you within one to two weeks. If you paid for a standard license, you usually get it in the mail within 7 to 10 days. REAL ID licenses sometimes take longer because the DPS verifies your documents with federal databases.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days while you wait for the plastic card. Use this temporary license to drive legally. When your plastic license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.

If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Bring your temporary license and your receipt. They can check the status and reissue if needed.

Special situations: suspensions, restrictions, and renewals

If your Texas license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward walk in and get a new one. You must first resolve the suspension by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or waiting out the suspension period. The DPS office can tell you the reason for your suspension and what you need to do to clear it.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the office — unless you need to update your photo, address, or license type. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years, you must visit the office in person and retake the written and vision tests.

If you have moved to Garland from another state and want to convert your out-of-state license to a Texas license, bring your current license plus the same identity and residency documents as a first-time applicant. You do not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid, but you will retake the vision test and have a new photo taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, bring your ITIN letter instead of a Social Security card. The DPS accepts ITINs for people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but are authorized to work or live in Texas.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at the same office, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the full license fee each time. Most people pass on the second try after studying the guide more carefully.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Texas?

No. A standard driver license is legal for driving anywhere in Texas and the U.S. You need a REAL ID only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 2025. If you are unsure whether you need it, a standard license is the cheaper option.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provided at the office. You cannot have it sent elsewhere or picked up by someone else. If you move before it arrives, contact the DPS office to update your mailing address.

What if I lose my license after I get it?

You can replace it at the Garland DPS office by bringing your ID and paying a replacement fee, which is lower than the original license fee. You do not need to retake any tests. Replacements are usually processed within one to two weeks.