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, the police department, or any private office — only at a DPS Driver License office. Fort Worth has two locations: one on the east side and one on the west side. Both issue the same licenses and handle the same transactions, so you can visit whichever is closer to you.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices in Fort Worth, but wait times vary widely. On weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, lines are usually shorter. Fridays and Mondays tend to be busier. If you want to check current wait times before you go, the Texas DPS website shows real-time estimates for each location.

Bring all required documents with you on your first visit. If you are missing even one document, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day. The documents you need depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth has two DPS Driver License offices, and both are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours with no appointment needed.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form — missing any one document means you cannot complete your transaction that day.
  • A standard Texas driver's license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • If you have a suspended or revoked license, you must clear the suspension through the Texas DPS before you can renew or get a new one.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require an additional document proving citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.

What documents you need for your first Fort Worth license

Texas requires four categories of documents before you can get your first driver's license. The DPS will not issue a license without all four, so gather everything before you go to the office.

First, you need proof of identity. An unexpired U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa all work. A school ID, a work badge, or a social media account do not. If your birth certificate is not certified (it has a raised seal and an official signature), the DPS will not accept it.

Second, you need proof of residency in Fort Worth or Tarrant County. A utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you are homeless or living with someone else, you can use a signed letter from the property owner or manager on letterhead, plus a photo ID showing your name.

Third, you need proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Fourth, you need a completed DL 43 form, which is the Texas Driver License process. You can fill it out at home and bring it with you, or fill it out at the office. Bring a pen — the DPS prefers black or blue ink.

Real ID versus standard license in Fort Worth

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Both cost the same amount and look similar, but a Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

If you want a Real ID license, you need everything listed above plus one additional document proving citizenship or lawful presence. A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), or an employment authorization document (EAD) all work. If you are a foreign national with a valid visa, bring your passport and visa.

You do not have to get a Real ID license. A standard license works for driving, voting, and most everyday purposes. But if you fly domestically or visit a federal courthouse or military base, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or a military ID. Starting in 2025, federal agencies will no longer accept standard driver's licenses for these purposes.

Cost and validity of a Fort Worth driver's license

A standard Texas driver's license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. A Real ID license costs the same. You pay the DPS office in cash, by debit card, or by credit card when you explore. There are no additional fees.

A four-year license is valid from the date you receive it until four years later. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. Texas does not offer one-year or two-year licenses. If you are under 18, your license will expire on your 18th birthday, regardless of which length you choose.

Your license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DPS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited delivery, though this is not always available at every office.

Renewing or replacing your Fort Worth license

If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it at a DPS office in Fort Worth. Bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within the last 30 days), and the DL 43 form. You do not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number again if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to replace it. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and the DL 43 form. You will pay the same fee as a new license. If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DPS at the same time you explore for a replacement.

You can also renew your license online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not suspended, you are not changing your address, and you do not need to update your photo. Online renewal costs less and takes about one week. Not all license types are may be able to access for online renewal, so check the DPS website first.

Suspended or revoked licenses in Fort Worth

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions happen for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, failure to appear in court, or driving without insurance. A revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple DWI convictions or habitual traffic violations.

To learn about your license is suspended, visit the Texas DPS website and enter your license number and date of birth. The site will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to clear it. Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines or fees, appear in court, or complete a required program.

Once you have cleared the suspension, you can go to a DPS office in Fort Worth and explore for a new license or renewal. Bring the same documents you would normally bring, plus any paperwork showing that the suspension has been lifted (such as a court order or a receipt from the DPS showing payment of fees).

Hours and locations of Fort Worth DPS offices

The DPS Driver License office on the east side of Fort Worth is located at 1515 East Pioneer Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76102. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays.

The DPS Driver License office on the west side is located at 3211 Burton Hill Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76116. It has the same hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

Both offices are closed on the following state holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the office is closed on the following Monday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, along with your other required documents. You will still need proof of identity, proof of residency, and the DL 43 form.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

The DPS will not accept an uncertified birth certificate as proof of identity. You will need to bring a different document, such as a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. You can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office if you need one.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Some offices offer expedited delivery for an extra fee, which takes 3 to 5 business days.

Can I change my address on my license without renewing it?

Yes. Go to a DPS office in Fort Worth with your current license, proof of your new address, and the DL 43 form. You do not have to pay a fee to change your address. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

What if I fail the vision or written test?

If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail the written test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You can retake the test at any DPS office in Texas, not just in Fort Worth.