Where to Go for Your Carrollton Driver's License
Carrollton does not have its own Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will need to visit a DPS Driver License office in a nearby city. The closest options are in Addison (about 5 miles north) or Dallas (multiple locations). You can also use the DPS office in Irving or Plano if those are more convenient for your schedule.
Before you drive to any office, check the Texas DPS website or call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times. Some offices require you to take a number or check in online before arriving. Walk-in service is available at most locations, but arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits.
You cannot renew or obtain a license by mail or online in Texas, even if you live in Carrollton. You must appear in person at a DPS office to pass the vision test and have your photo taken.
Key Takeaways
- Carrollton residents must visit a DPS Driver License office in Addison, Dallas, Irving, or Plano since Carrollton has no local office.
- You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency and Social Security number verification to obtain a license.
- Texas charges $33 for a five-year standard driver's license and $66 for a ten-year license; fees vary slightly for commercial licenses and endorsements.
- First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, vision test, and driving test; renewals require only a vision test unless your license has been suspended or expired for more than two years.
- Processing takes one business day for standard licenses, but you will receive a temporary paper license to drive home when ready after passing your tests.
Documents You Need to Bring
Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot use a photocopy or digital image of most documents—originals or certified copies are required.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you are renewing and your current Texas driver's license is still valid, you can use that instead. A school ID, work ID, or credit card will not work on its own.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your Carrollton address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy. A bank statement or credit card statement with your address also works. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, voter registration card) counts as well. You cannot use a driver's license or ID card as proof of residency.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have these, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office, but this delays processing. Bring your original documents—photocopies are not accepted.
Steps to Obtain Your First License in Carrollton
If you have never held a Texas driver's license, you will follow these steps in order. The entire process typically takes two to four hours at the DPS office, depending on wait time and how quickly you pass each test.
Step 1: Check in and submit documents. Arrive at your chosen DPS office with all three categories of documents listed above. A staff member will verify your identity, residency, and Social Security information. They will also confirm you have no disqualifying medical conditions or license suspensions in Texas or other states.
Step 2: Take the written knowledge test. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 21 correct (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website or in printed form at the office.
Step 3: Pass the vision test. A staff member will check your eyesight using a vision machine. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Step 4: Take the driving test. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) and evaluate your ability to handle basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before the test begins.
Step 5: Receive your temporary license. If you pass all tests, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license allows you to drive legally in Texas and other states during this time.
Renewing Your Carrollton Driver's License
If your Texas driver's license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew without retaking the knowledge and driving tests. You only need to pass the vision test and update your information if anything has changed (address, name, or medical conditions).
Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will be treated as a first-time applicant and must retake all three tests.
A standard five-year renewal costs $33. A ten-year renewal costs $66. You will receive your temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card within one to two weeks.
Fees and License Validity Periods
Texas driver's licenses are valid for five or ten years, depending on which you choose. The fee structure is straightforward and does not vary by location within Texas.
| License Type | Validity Period | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver's License (first-time) | 5 years | $33 |
| Standard Driver's License (first-time) | 10 years | $66 |
| Standard Driver's License (renewal) | 5 years | $33 |
| Standard Driver's License (renewal) | 10 years | $66 |
| Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | 5 years | $75 |
| Commercial Driver's License (CDL) | 10 years | $150 |
Additional endorsements (motorcycle, hazmat, passenger) cost extra. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), there is no additional fee—all Texas driver's licenses issued since 2017 are Real ID-compliant by default.
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at DPS offices. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent reason people are turned away at the DPS office is bringing photocopies instead of originals. Texas law requires original documents or certified copies for identity, residency, and Social Security verification. A photocopy will not be accepted, even if it is notarized.
Another common mistake is bringing proof of residency that is too old. Your utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement must be dated within 90 days of your visit. If your document is older than that, bring a second recent document to establish your current address.
First-time applicants often underestimate the time needed for the driving test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. If your vehicle fails the safety check (broken lights, worn tires, non-functioning wipers), you cannot take the test that day. Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance with you.
Finally, do not assume your current out-of-state license will transfer without testing. Texas requires all first-time applicants to pass the knowledge, vision, and driving tests, regardless of where you previously held a license. If you are moving to Carrollton from another state, plan to take all three tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in Spanish?
Yes. The Texas DPS offers the knowledge test in Spanish at all Driver License offices. You can also request the test in other languages through an interpreter, though availability varies by location. Call the DPS office in Addison or Dallas ahead of time to confirm language options.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retesting. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You must bring a vehicle that passes the safety inspection each time you test.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted at most Texas DPS offices, but you may wait two to four hours depending on the time of day and day of week. Some offices allow you to check in online before arriving to reduce wait time. Call ahead or check the DPS website to see if your nearest office offers online check-in.
What happens if my address changes after I get my license?
You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website without visiting an office, as long as your license is still valid. If you prefer to update in person, bring proof of your new Carrollton address (dated within 90 days) to any DPS office. There is no fee for an address change.
Can I get a license if I have a suspended license from another state?
No. Texas will not issue a driver's license if you have an active suspension or revocation in Texas or any other state. You must resolve the suspension in the state that issued it first. Contact that state's DPS office to find out what steps are required to lift the suspension, then return to the Texas DPS office to explore.