Where the Arlington Driver's License Office Is Located

Arlington has one main driver's license office run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It is located at 901 East Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76010. This is the office where you can take your written test, road test, renew your license, or handle most other license transactions in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the DPS sometimes closes for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead at the Arlington office number to confirm current hours, since schedules can change.

Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible by car from East Lamar Boulevard, which runs through central Arlington. If you use public transit, check the Arlington Transit (ART) bus routes to see which lines stop near the office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington DPS office is at 901 East Lamar Boulevard and handles written tests, road tests, and license renewals in person.
  • You must bring required documents — a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — or your transaction will be delayed.
  • Road tests must be scheduled in advance; you cannot walk in and take one the same day.
  • Arrive early or use the online appointment system if available, because wait times can be long during peak hours.
  • If you fail your road test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait days or weeks for the next available slot.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The documents you bring depend on what you are doing at the office. For a written test (the permit test), bring your birth certificate or passport, proof that you live in Texas, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. You also need to bring a completed DL 44 form, which is the process for a driver's license or permit.

For a road test, bring the same documents plus your learner's permit and proof of vehicle insurance. The vehicle you use for the test must be registered and insured. You also need to bring someone who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid driver's license to be present during the test — they do not sit in the car with you, but they must be there.

For a license renewal, the documents are simpler: bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online or by mail instead, you may not need to visit the office at all.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. It must be dated within the last 90 days. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are usually not accepted.

How to Schedule a Road Test Appointment

You cannot take a road test without scheduling it first. The DPS office in Arlington does not accept walk-ins for road tests. You must book an appointment in advance, and slots fill up quickly, especially during summer and early fall when many teenagers are getting their licenses.

To schedule, visit the DPS website and look for the appointment scheduling system. You will need your learner's permit number and a phone number where you can be reached. The system will show you available dates and times at the Arlington office. Book as far ahead as you can — sometimes the next available slot is weeks away.

If the online system is full or not working, you can call the Arlington office directly to ask about availability. Have your learner's permit number ready when you call. Some offices allow phone scheduling if the online system is down.

When you book, write down your appointment date, time, and confirmation number. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your slot and have to wait weeks for another one.

What Happens During Your Visit

For a written test, you will check in at the front desk, show your documents, and pay the test fee (the amount varies by license type). You will then be called to a testing station where you take the exam on a computer. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. Results are usually available when ready after you finish.

For a road test, you will check in, show your documents and proof of insurance, and wait for an examiner. The examiner will inspect your vehicle to make sure it is safe, then you will drive a set route through Arlington while the examiner watches and scores your performance. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will be tested on basic skills like parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. Results are given on the spot.

For a license renewal, you may not need to visit the office at all — many renewals can be done online or by mail. If you do go in person, check-in is quick, and you may just need to update your photo and pay a fee.

Wait times vary widely. Early morning (right when the office opens) and late afternoon are usually less busy than midday. Bring something to read or do on your phone, because waits of 30 minutes to an hour are common during peak times.

Fees and Payment Methods

The cost of a driver's license or learner's permit depends on the type and how long it is valid. A learner's permit costs less than a full driver's license. A standard driver's license valid for five years costs one amount; a license valid for eight years costs more. The DPS website lists current fees, which can change.

The Arlington office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some transactions may have a small additional fee if you pay by card. Ask at the front desk what payment methods they accept on the day you visit.

If you fail your road test, you do not pay again to retake it — you only pay the original fee once. However, you do have to schedule a new appointment and wait for the next available slot.

What to Do If You Fail Your Road Test

If you do not pass your road test, you can take it again. You do not have to wait a set amount of time — you can schedule your next attempt as soon as there is an opening. However, openings fill up fast, so the wait between attempts might be several weeks.

When you fail, the examiner will give you a score sheet showing which skills you did not perform well on — things like lane control, stopping distance, or following traffic signs. Study those specific areas before your next attempt. Many people pass on their second or third try.

You must keep your learner's permit valid while you are retaking the test. If your permit expires before your next road test appointment, you will have to renew it and reschedule the test.

Alternatives to Visiting the Office in Person

Not every transaction requires a visit to the Arlington office. If you are renewing your license and have not had any changes to your address, name, or other information, you can renew online through the DPS website. Online renewal is faster and costs less than in-person renewal.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to go to the office. The DPS will send you a renewal packet with instructions. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal, but it is an option if you cannot visit during office hours.

However, if you are taking your written test or road test for the first time, or if you need a new photo, you must visit the office in person. There is no way around it for these transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test the same day I schedule it?

No. Road tests must be scheduled in advance, and you cannot take one on the same day. You need to book an appointment through the DPS website or by phone. Depending on how busy the office is, your appointment might be weeks away.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

A passport works as proof of citizenship and identity instead of a birth certificate. If you do not have either, contact the DPS office to ask what other documents they will accept. Some people use a certificate of naturalization or other official documents.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the office for a written test?

No. You only need your vehicle for the road test. For the written test, you just need your documents and the process form. The road test is when you actually drive.

How long does it take to get your license after you pass the road test?

Your temporary license is printed on the spot after you pass. Your permanent license is mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can drive with the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What if I miss my road test appointment?

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose that slot. You will have to schedule a new appointment, which might not be available for several weeks. Call the office as soon as possible if you need to reschedule.