Where to go for your Weslaco driver license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license office in Weslaco. You'll go to the local DPS office to take your written test, vision test, and driving test, and to pick up your license once it's issued. The Weslaco office is located at 1017 South 10th Street, Weslaco, TX 78596.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On busy days — typically mid-morning on weekdays — you may wait 30 minutes to two 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 before you go, you can call the office at (956) 968-2571.

You do not need to make an appointment to take a test or renew a license in Texas, but you do need to bring all required documents with you on your first visit. If you're missing anything, the office will turn you away and you'll have to come back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Weslaco DPS office is at 1017 South 10th Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment needed.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and completed process form DL-44 to get your first license.
  • Texas requires you to pass a written test, vision test, and driving test before you receive your license.
  • Your Texas driver license is valid for six years if you're under 85, and you can renew it in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.

Documents you need to bring to the Weslaco office

Texas has specific document rules for first-time driver licenses. You need four things: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or work ID does not count. Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill does not count. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it.

You also need to fill out form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) before you arrive or at the office. You can read it from the Texas DPS website or pick up a copy at the Weslaco office. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign the process in front of a DPS employee.

The three tests you must pass

Texas requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test before you get your license. You take all three at the Weslaco DPS office, usually on the same day if you pass the written and vision tests.

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The office provides the test on a computer, and you get your results when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one day before your third attempt.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. You need to read a chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail, you may be required to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the office.

The driving test happens on a closed course or quiet streets near the Weslaco office. A DPS examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test takes about 10 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again.

How long your license lasts and when to renew

A Texas driver license is valid for six years if you're between 18 and 84 years old. If you're 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

You can renew your license in person at the Weslaco DPS office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but only if you meet certain conditions. You can renew by mail or online only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If any of those things explore to you, you must renew in person at the office.

If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and the renewal fee. The fee varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid for. If you renew by mail, you'll mail in your current license and a check or money order. If you renew online, you'll pay by credit card or debit card.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Texas driver license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in Texas or most other states. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored on a specific date. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal process to get it reinstated.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving with an expired license, or accumulating too many traffic violations in a short time. If your license is suspended, the DPS will send you a notice in the mail explaining why and when it will be restored. You can also check your license status on the Texas DPS website or by calling the Weslaco office.

If you need to drive before your suspension ends, you may be able to get a Occupational Driver License from the justice court in Hidalgo County (where Weslaco is located). An Occupational License lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, and a few other essential places. You have to pay a fee and show the court that you have a genuine need to drive. The Weslaco DPS office can give you information about how the process works.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license in Weslaco

A Real ID is a federal security standard for driver licenses. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A regular Texas driver license will not be accepted for these purposes after that date.

Getting a Real ID license in Weslaco is the same process as getting a regular license, except you bring one extra document: proof of citizenship. This can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a military discharge paper (DD-214). You also pay a slightly higher fee — currently $16 more than a regular license — and your license will have a gold star in the top right corner to show it meets the Real ID standard.

If you already have a regular Texas driver license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can go to the Weslaco office, bring your proof of citizenship and current license, and pay the upgrade fee. You do not have to retake the tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my driving test in a borrowed car?

Yes, as long as the car is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the registration and insurance documents are in the car, and that the person who owns the car gives you permission to use it for the test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need a Real ID if I don't fly or go to federal buildings?

No. A regular Texas driver license will still work for driving, voting, and most everyday purposes. Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025. You can choose to get a Real ID or stick with a regular license.

Can I renew my license online if I've moved to a new address?

No. Online renewal is only available if your address has not changed since your last license. If you've moved, you must renew in person at the Weslaco DPS office and bring proof of your new address.

How do I check if my license is suspended?

You can check your license status on the Texas DPS website or by calling the Weslaco office at (956) 968-2571. The DPS will also send you a notice in the mail if your license is suspended, explaining the reason and when it will be restored.