Where to go for your Denton driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Denton. You cannot get a license at a local city office or courthouse — you must visit a DPS Driver License office. Denton has one office located at 1400 Fort Worth Drive, Denton, TX 76201. This is the only full-service location in the city where you can take your written test, driving test, and photograph on the same day.

You can also visit DPS offices in nearby cities if the Denton location has a long wait or limited appointment slots. The closest alternatives are in Lewisville (about 15 miles south) and Frisco (about 20 miles south). All DPS offices accept the same documents and follow the same rules, so location is mainly about convenience and appointment availability.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 1400 Fort Worth Drive in Denton is the only place in the city to test and photograph for a Texas driver's license.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form — missing any one will delay or stop your appointment.
  • Texas requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test; you can schedule both online through the DPS website or by phone at 1-844-DPS-TEXAS.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license or learner's permit if you have one, because it may reduce the documents you need to bring.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, and appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially near the end of the month.

Documents you must bring to the Denton DPS office

Texas requires four categories of documents before you can test for a driver's license. You need at least one document from each category, and the DPS office will not test you without all four. Bring originals — photocopies are not accepted.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you are under 18, a school ID with a photo counts. If you have a current out-of-state driver's license, bring it — it counts as proof of identity and may reduce other document requirements.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax receipt, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your current Denton address and be dated within 90 days of your appointment. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else, you can bring their utility bill plus a signed letter from them saying you live there.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access.

Completed DL 44 form: read and fill out the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) before you go. You can print it from the DPS website or fill it out by hand at the office, but filling it out ahead saves time. Sign it in front of the DPS employee — do not sign it before you arrive.

How to schedule your appointment in Denton

You can book an appointment online through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-377-8329). Online scheduling is faster and shows you available times when ready. The phone line has wait times, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Select the Denton office location, then choose the type of test you need. If you are getting your first license, you will need both the knowledge test (written) and the driving test. The system will show you available dates and times. Book as early as possible — slots fill up quickly, especially on Thursdays and Fridays and near the end of each month.

You will receive a confirmation email or text with your appointment number and time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose your slot and must book again.

What happens during your first appointment

Your appointment covers three separate steps: document verification, the written knowledge test, and the driving test. The entire process usually takes two to three hours, depending on how many people are ahead of you.

First, a DPS employee will check your documents against the four categories listed above. If anything is missing or expired, they will tell you when ready and may reschedule you. If everything is in order, they will take your photograph and ask you to sign the DL 44 form in front of them.

Next, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts. You get three chances per appointment.

If you pass the written test, you will take the driving test. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and watch you drive for about 20 minutes. You must show that you can start the car, control it safely, follow traffic laws, and park. If you fail, you can retake it at a future appointment.

Costs and payment methods at the Denton office

A Texas driver's license costs $33 for a five-year license if you are 18 or older. The fee is $16 if you are under 18. You pay this fee only once, when you pass both tests and are issued your license. The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

There is no separate fee for the written test or the driving test — both are included in the license fee. If you fail a test and retake it, you do not pay again. If you fail the driving test and need a new appointment, you will pay the appointment fee again when you book, but that fee is usually waived or credited when you return.

What to bring on test day besides documents

Bring your vehicle keys and proof of insurance. Texas law requires you to have liability insurance on any vehicle you drive, even during the driving test. Your proof of insurance can be a printed card, a digital copy on your phone, or a screenshot from your insurance company's app. If you do not have insurance, you cannot take the driving test.

Bring your learner's permit if you have one. If you are under 18 and do not have a permit yet, you must get one before you can test for a license. The Denton DPS office issues learner's permits on the same day, so you can get your permit and then schedule a separate appointment for the license test.

Do not bring pets, children, or other passengers into the testing area. Only you and the examiner can be in the vehicle during the driving test.

How long it takes to receive your license after you pass

If you pass both tests, the DPS office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works as your legal driver's license while you wait for the plastic card.

Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. It will be sent to the address you listed on your DL 44 form. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website, and they will remail it.

If you do not receive your card within two weeks, call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-TEXAS to check the status. Bring your temporary license with you if you are pulled over while waiting for the permanent card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a borrowed car?

Yes. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must have current liability insurance and pass a safety inspection. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test starts. If anything is broken, you cannot test that day.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it at a future appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can try, but you must book a new appointment each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. The DPS office does not charge an extra fee for retakes.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can test for a license?

Only if you are under 18. Adults 18 and older can go straight to the license test without a permit. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can test for a license.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address online through the DPS website without visiting the office. Go to dps.texas.gov, select "Change of Address," and follow the steps. The change takes effect when ready, and you do not need a new license card.

Can I get a Real ID at the Denton DPS office?

Yes. A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and works for domestic air travel and federal building access. It costs $33, the same as a standard license. You will need one extra document: proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Ask about Real ID when you book your appointment.