Where the Arlington office is and what it handles

The Arlington Driver License office is located at 2600 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. This is a full-service Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, meaning you can handle most driver license transactions there — whether you're getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or updating your information.

The Arlington office serves Tarrant County residents and anyone else in the region who needs to visit a DPS location. It's one of several offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so if you live closer to another location, you have options. The office is open during standard business hours, though hours can vary by day of the week.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington DPS office is at 2600 W. Division Street and handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.
  • You must bring specific documents — a Real ID-compliant form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — or your transaction will be delayed.
  • Road tests for new drivers are administered at this location, but you must pass your written test first and schedule an appointment in advance.
  • Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons typically means shorter lines.
  • You can check current hours and make an appointment online through the Texas DPS website before you go.

What documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents no matter what transaction you're doing. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth — one of these is your primary ID document. You'll also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address.

If you're getting a Real ID-compliant license (which you'll need for domestic air travel after May 2025), bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you don't have your Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead. Bring your current license if you have one, even if it's expired. If you've changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate proving the change.

The Arlington office staff will tell you when ready if a document is missing or unacceptable — this is the most common reason transactions take longer than expected. Bring originals when possible; photocopies are usually not accepted.

Taking your written test at Arlington

If you're a new driver, you must pass the written knowledge test before you can schedule a road test. The Arlington office administers this test on-site. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score at least 21 correct to pass.

You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the test fee again.

Bring your documents and your learner permit (if you have one) when you come to take the written test. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you're called to a testing station.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass your written test, you're may be able to access to schedule a road test. You cannot walk in and take a road test the same day — you must make an appointment. You can schedule online through the Texas DPS website or by calling the Arlington office directly. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so book as soon as you're may be able to access.

On the day of your road test, bring your learner permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and be in safe condition. A licensed adult (usually 21 or older) must accompany you to the test — this person sits in the passenger seat while the examiner observes from the back.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will direct you where to drive. If you pass, you can often receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you don't pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set period — usually a few days to a week.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your license is expiring or you need a replacement (because it's lost, stolen, or damaged), the Arlington office handles these transactions quickly. Bring your documents and your current license if you have it. Renewals typically take 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish, and you'll receive your new license on the spot or by mail within a few days, depending on the type of license and whether you need a Real ID upgrade.

If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the Arlington office when you explore for a replacement. You may also want to file a police report, especially if you suspect identity theft. A replacement license costs less than a new license and uses your existing license number.

Hours, wait times, and how to prepare

The Arlington office is typically open Monday through Friday, with limited or no Saturday hours. Specific hours change seasonally and by day, so check the Texas DPS website before you go. The office is usually busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. If you can arrive right when the office opens or in the late afternoon, you'll often wait less than 30 minutes. Mid-morning (around 10 a.m. to noon) can mean waits of an hour or more.

You can make an appointment online through the DPS website, which reserves a time slot and typically reduces your wait time significantly. Even with an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents in a folder so you're not searching for them at the counter. Have your Social Security number memorized or written down. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand.

If you're taking a road test, plan for the entire visit to take 45 minutes to an hour, including waiting time. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for driving. Make sure the vehicle you'll use for the road test is fueled and in good condition the night before.

Other Arlington-area DPS offices

If the Arlington location doesn't work for your schedule, several other DPS offices serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Fort Worth office, the Irving office, and others offer the same services. You don't have to use the Arlington office — you can visit whichever location is most convenient. However, if you've already started a transaction at one office (like taking your written test), it's usually simpler to complete it at the same location.

You can find addresses, hours, and phone numbers for all DPS offices on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Some offices have shorter wait times than others depending on the time of day and day of the week, so if you're flexible, you might check multiple locations before deciding where to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Arlington office online?

Yes. The Texas DPS website lets you schedule appointments for written tests, road tests, and other transactions. You can book several weeks in advance. Even with an appointment, arrive a few minutes early, but you should wait much less time than walk-ins.

What if I fail my road test at Arlington?

You can retake the road test after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. You'll need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. The examiner will tell you what skills to practice before your next attempt.

Do I need to bring the vehicle I'll be driving to my written test?

No. You only need the vehicle on the day of your road test. For your written test, bring just your documents and your learner permit if you have one.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass my road test?

If you pass your road test, you may receive a temporary license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Some transactions are faster if you're not upgrading to Real ID.

What's the difference between the Arlington office and other DPS offices nearby?

All DPS offices offer the same services and follow the same rules. The main differences are location, hours, and how busy they are at different times. Choose based on what's most convenient for you.