Where to explore for a Driver License in Lewisville
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver license services in Lewisville. You cannot renew or obtain a license at a local city office — you must go to a DPS Driver License office. Lewisville does not have its own dedicated DPS office, so you have two options: visit the office in nearby Carrollton (about 10 miles south) or the office in Denton (about 15 miles north).
Both offices handle the same transactions: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. The Carrollton office tends to have shorter wait times during weekday mornings. You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go, and you can reserve a time slot online to reduce your time in the office.
Key Takeaways
- Lewisville residents must visit a DPS Driver License office in Carrollton or Denton; there is no office in Lewisville itself.
- You must bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency and Social Security number to get a new license.
- A new driver license costs $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; renewals cost $25 for five years or $50 for eight years.
- You can reserve a time slot online at the Texas DPS website to skip the walk-in line, though some offices still accept walk-ins.
- Texas allows you to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting an office in person.
Documents You Need for a New License
A new driver license in Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot get a license without all three, and the DPS will not accept expired versions of most documents.
Proof of identity must be a Real ID-compliant document. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (certified copy), state ID card, or military ID. A school ID, work badge, or expired driver license will not work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card).
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full SSN. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
Proof of residency must show your current Lewisville address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement or credit card statement will not work. If you just moved to Lewisville, bring your lease or a utility bill in your name.
Steps to Get Your License at the DPS Office
The process at the DPS office takes about 30 to 60 minutes if you have all documents and have reserved a time slot. Walk-ins typically wait longer.
- Gather all required documents (identity, Social Security proof, residency proof).
- Go to the Texas DPS website and reserve a time slot at the Carrollton or Denton office, or arrive early for walk-in service.
- Arrive at your reserved time or during walk-in hours (usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with limited Saturday hours).
- Check in at the front desk and provide your documents to the clerk.
- Pass the vision test (bring glasses or contacts if you use them).
- Take the written knowledge test (50 questions; you must pass with at least 40 correct).
- Take the driving test (if required for your license type).
- Pay the fee ($33 for five years or $66 for eight years).
- Have your photo taken.
- Receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your card is mailed.
Your physical driver license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time.
Renewal and Online Options
If you already have a Texas driver license and it is not expired or suspended, you may be able to renew without visiting an office. Texas allows online renewal for drivers who meet these conditions: your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions that require DPS review, and you have not had certain violations or address changes.
Online renewal costs $25 for five years or $50 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail by submitting your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and the renewal fee. Mail-in renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. If your license is expired by more than two years, you must visit an office in person and retake the written and driving tests.
Fees and Payment Methods
Driver license fees in Texas are set by state law and do not vary by location. A new five-year license costs $33; an eight-year license costs $66. Renewals cost $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. Replacement licenses (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) cost $11.
The DPS office accepts cash, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. Online and mail-in renewal accept credit and debit cards only. There are no additional fees for reserving a time slot online.
DPS Office Locations Near Lewisville
| Office Location | Address | Distance from Lewisville | Weekday Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrollton | 1717 Old Denton Road, Carrollton, TX 75006 | About 10 miles south | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday |
| Denton | 1501 Scripture Street, Denton, TX 76201 | About 15 miles north | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday |
Both offices offer limited Saturday hours (usually 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.), but these fill up quickly. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, typically have shorter waits. You can check real-time wait times on the Texas DPS website before you leave home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common reason people are turned away at the DPS office is bringing documents that do not meet the requirements. An expired passport, a utility bill dated more than 90 days ago, or a school ID will not work, even if they seem reasonable. Bring originals, not photocopies, and bring one extra document in each category if you have it.
Another frequent mistake is not bringing proof of Social Security number. Many people assume their SSN is on file and do not need to bring documentation, but the DPS requires physical proof. If you do not have your Social Security card, get a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your appointment — this takes about two weeks.
If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian present with a valid ID. If you are renewing and your address has changed, you cannot use online renewal; you must visit an office and bring proof of your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online if I live in Lewisville?
You can renew online if your current license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions requiring DPS review, and you have not had suspensions or certain violations. If you meet these conditions, visit the Texas DPS website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee. Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a state ID card, military ID, or Certificate of Naturalization as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you can order a birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office (if you were born in Texas) or from the state where you were born. This typically takes 2 to 4 weeks by mail.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days when ready after you pass the test and pay the fee. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary license during this time.
Do I need to take the driving test if I am renewing my license?
No. If you are renewing an existing license, you only need to pass the vision test. You only take the written and driving tests if you are getting a new license, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you are changing license classes.
What if I move out of Lewisville but keep my Texas license?
You must update your address with the DPS within 30 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or at any DPS office. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver license from that state.