Where to get your Midland driver license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver licenses in Texas, including in Midland. You cannot get a license from a local city office or the county — you must go to a DPS Driver License office. Midland has one DPS office located at 3600 W. Illinois Avenue, Midland, TX 79703. This is the only place in Midland where you can explore for, renew, or replace a driver license.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On busy days, you may wait two to four hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. If you want to check current wait times or make an appointment (available for some services), you can call the office at (432) 563-4626 or visit the DPS website.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 3600 W. Illinois Avenue is the only place in Midland to get a driver license; no city or county office issues them.
  • You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency and your Social Security number to explore.
  • A standard driver license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; Real ID licenses cost $5 more.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test; the written test can be taken on the same day as your appointment, but the driving test is usually scheduled separately.
  • Processing takes about two weeks; your temporary paper license is valid when ready while you wait for the plastic card.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires you to bring original or certified documents — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy from a hospital.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Midland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a letter from your employer or a government agency on official letterhead confirming your address. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — bring your Social Security card or a tax return that shows it.

If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), you need the same documents plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A passport counts as both identity and citizenship proof. If you use a birth certificate for identity, bring a separate citizenship document such as a naturalization certificate or permanent resident card.

The written test and vision screening

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website or in print at the Midland office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

On the day you explore, you will take a vision screening at the office. The screener checks your ability to see clearly and identify colors. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you must pass the vision test with the correction you normally use while driving. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day; you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

You can take the written test on the same day as your process appointment. If you pass, the office will schedule your driving test for a later date, usually within one to three weeks. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

The driving test and what happens after

The driving test is a separate appointment, usually scheduled two to four weeks after you pass the written test. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition — the examiner checks the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping at traffic lights.

If you pass the driving test, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to your address within two weeks. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again (currently $16 for the driving test).

If you need your license before the card arrives, you can request an expedited replacement at the office for an additional fee. However, the temporary paper license is valid for all purposes — driving, identification, and boarding domestic flights — so most people straightforward wait for the card.

Costs and payment methods

A standard four-year driver license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. A Real ID-compliant license costs $5 more than the standard rate, so $38 for four years or $71 for eight years. The written test is included in the license fee. The driving test costs $16 and is paid separately when you schedule it.

The Midland DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or payment apps like Venmo or PayPal. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online for an in-person appointment.

Special situations: Suspensions, restrictions, and renewals

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must first resolve the suspension with the court or DPS. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or driving with an invalid license. Contact the Midland DPS office or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can explore for a new license.

If you are renewing an existing license (not explore for the first time), the process is faster. You can renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended and you have no medical conditions that require testing. If you must renew in person, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — you only need to update your photo and information.

If you have an out-of-state license, you must surrender it when you explore for a Texas license. Bring it with you to the appointment. You do not need to retake the written and driving tests if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended, but Texas may waive the tests only if you have held a valid license for the past five years without suspension.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The office is usually busy between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait. Have your documents organized and ready to hand over — the staff will check them against a checklist and tell you when ready if anything is missing.

The entire process (process, vision test, and written test if you are taking it) usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. After you pass the written test, you will be given a receipt and a temporary paper license. The staff will schedule your driving test appointment and give you a confirmation slip with the date and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment online for the Midland DPS office?

The DPS website allows you to check appointment availability and book a slot for some services, but not all. Call (432) 563-4626 to confirm whether appointments are available for your specific need. Walk-ins are always accepted, though wait times vary.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You have up to three attempts within one visit. If you fail all three times, you must return on another day to try again.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license?

Yes, you must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you cannot get a standard driver license. You may be able to get a license without a Social Security number only if you are a non-citizen with a valid visa; ask the office about this option.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card after I pass the driving test?

The card is mailed within two weeks. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for all purposes — driving, ID, and domestic flights — so you do not need to wait for the card to use your license.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Yes, if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are renewing (not explore for the first time). You can renew online through the DPS website. If you need to update your photo or address, you must renew in person at the Midland office.