Where to Go for Your Fort Worth Driver's License

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Fort Worth. You cannot get a license at city hall, a police station, or any other local office — you must visit a DPS Driver License office. Fort Worth has two locations: one on the east side and one on the west side. Both issue new licenses, renewals, and replacements.

You do not need an appointment at most Fort Worth DPS offices, but wait times vary. On weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, lines are typically shorter than afternoons or Fridays. The DPS website shows current wait times for each location, updated hourly. If you want to reserve a time slot, you can book one through the DPS online system, though slots fill quickly during peak seasons.

The two Fort Worth locations are the DPS Driver License office at 1515 East Abram Street (east side) and the office at 4900 Bryant Irvin Road North (west side). Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Call ahead to confirm Saturday availability, as it changes seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS Driver License office in Fort Worth — no other city or county office can issue a license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) to your appointment.
  • A new license costs $33 and is valid for five years; a renewal costs $25 and is valid for five years if you are under 85.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office; the road test is scheduled separately at a DPS testing location.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days; your temporary license is valid when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific documents at your DPS appointment. Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you do not have your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DPS visit, but this adds time.

You also need proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license. A school ID or work badge does not count. If your birth certificate is from outside Texas, request a certified copy from the state where you were born — a photocopy is not accepted.

Finally, bring proof of residency. The DPS accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, or a mortgage statement. The document must show your name and a Fort Worth address and be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as a residence address.

If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office. Check the DPS website to see if you meet the requirements for remote renewal.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

At your DPS appointment, you will take a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

The DPS also administers a vision screening at the office. You must read a chart from a set distance to demonstrate that your vision meets the minimum standard of 20/40 in each eye (with or without corrective lenses). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day and must return after seeing an eye doctor.

Study materials for the written test are free on the DPS website. You can read the Texas Driver's Handbook as a PDF or order a printed copy. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. The handbook covers all topics on the exam.

The Road Test: Scheduling and What to Expect

After you pass the written test and vision screening, the DPS will schedule your road test at a separate appointment. Road tests in the Fort Worth area are conducted at DPS testing locations, not at the Driver License office where you took your written test. You will receive a notice with your testing date, time, and location.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. A DPS examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's instructions. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfection. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking.

Bring your temporary license, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors must all function. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day. You can retake the road test as many times as needed; each retake costs $7.

Fees and Timeline for Your License

A new driver's license in Texas costs $33 and is valid for five years. A renewal costs $25 and is also valid for five years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years and costs $25. These fees are paid at the DPS office when you complete your process.

After you pass your road test, the DPS issues a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 10 business days. Do not plan to drive out of state on your temporary license — some states do not recognize it. If you need to travel before your permanent card arrives, contact the DPS to request expedited mailing, though this may add a fee.

The entire process from your first visit to receiving your permanent license usually takes three to four weeks if you pass all tests on your first attempt. If you need to retake the written or road test, add one to two weeks for each retake.

Special Situations: Renewals, Replacements, and Name Changes

If your license is expiring and you have held it for at least one year, you can renew it without retaking the written or road test. Renewals can be done in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online if you meet certain requirements. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that require a new vision test. Mail renewal takes about two weeks.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. A replacement costs $11 and takes about 10 business days. You do not retake any tests for a replacement.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra charge if your license is not expired. If it is expired, you pay the renewal fee of $25.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common reason people have to return to the DPS is bringing incomplete documents. Many applicants bring a photocopy of their birth certificate instead of a certified copy, or a utility bill that is more than 60 days old. Check the DPS document requirements before you go, and bring originals, not copies.

Another frequent mistake is not bringing proof of insurance to the road test. Texas law requires you to carry insurance, and the DPS will not let you test without proof. Get a printed copy of your insurance card or declaration page from your insurer before your test date.

People also sometimes fail the vision test because they did not bring their glasses or contacts, even though they wear them while driving. If you need corrective lenses to see clearly, bring them to both your written test and your road test. The DPS will note on your license that correction is required.

Finally, do not assume your temporary license is valid everywhere. Some states and some rental car companies do not accept temporary licenses. If you are traveling soon, plan to have your permanent card in hand before you leave, or contact the DPS about expedited delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road 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. Bring proof of insurance for that vehicle. Make sure the owner is comfortable with you using it for a test — the examiner will inspect the brakes, lights, and wipers before you start.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the handbook between tries.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent card should arrive by mail before then. If it does not, contact the DPS to check the status or request a replacement.

Do I have to renew my license in person if it is expiring soon?

Not necessarily. If your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions requiring a new vision test, you can renew online or by mail. Check the DPS website to see if you meet the requirements for remote renewal. In-person renewal is required if your license is already expired or if you have certain medical conditions.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address at any DPS office without getting a new license. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. The DPS will issue an updated license with your new address at no cost if your license is not expiring within 60 days.