Dallas Driver's License Offices and Their Locations

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license system in Dallas. You cannot get a Texas driver's license from a city office or a courthouse — you must go to a DPS Driver License Division office. Dallas has multiple locations, and which one you can visit depends on what you need and whether you have an appointment.

The main Dallas office is located at 4615 N. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75212. This is the largest location and handles all types of transactions: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. There is also a satellite office at 2626 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX 75231, which handles similar services but often has shorter wait times. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of state holidays.

Before you go to either location, check the DPS website or call ahead. Wait times vary by location and time of day, and some offices now offer online scheduling. Showing up without an appointment can mean a wait of one to three hours, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. If you schedule ahead, you typically wait 15 to 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS operates all Dallas driver's license offices; city offices and courthouses cannot issue licenses.
  • The main office is at 4615 N. Westmoreland Road, and a satellite location at 2626 Abrams Road often has shorter waits.
  • Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you can schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
  • You must bring specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting a new license, and proof of residency is required for all transactions.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The documents required depend on your situation. For a new license, you need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

For a renewal, the requirements are simpler if your current license is not expired or suspended. You can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired more than two years, you must not have any medical conditions that affect driving, and you must not have changed your name. If you cannot renew by mail or online, you go in person and bring your current license plus proof of residency.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring your current license if you have it, or a government-issued ID plus proof of residency. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must resolve the suspension first and may need to take a written test or vision test before a new license is issued.

Real ID and Standard License Differences

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: Real ID and standard. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Texas driver's license will not be accepted as ID for domestic flights or federal facility entry — you will need a Real ID, passport, or military ID instead.

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs the same as a standard license. To get one, you must bring the same documents as a new license (proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency), plus proof of lawful presence in the United States. Proof of lawful presence means a U.S. birth certificate, passport, visa, green card, or employment authorization document.

If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you go to a DPS office in person — you cannot do this by mail or online. The process takes the same amount of time as a renewal, and you do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license is expired or suspended.

Hours, Wait Times, and How to Schedule

Both Dallas DPS offices operate on the same schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed on weekends, state holidays, and some federal holidays. During the winter holidays (late December through early January), hours may be reduced or offices may close for a day or two — check the DPS website before you go.

Walk-in wait times depend on the day and time. Early morning (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) are usually quieter. Mondays and Tuesdays have shorter waits than Thursdays and Fridays. The satellite office on Abrams Road typically has 20 to 40 percent shorter waits than the main office, but this varies by season.

To schedule an appointment, go to the DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and select "Driver License" and then "Schedule an Appointment." You choose your location, the type of transaction, and your preferred date and time. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. If you schedule, you will be called within 15 minutes of your appointment time.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your appointment confirmation (if you have one) or your name. You will be given a number and told to wait. When your number is called, you go to a window where a DPS employee reviews your documents, asks you questions about your address and driving history, and takes your photo and signature.

If you are getting a new license or upgrading to Real ID, you will take a vision test at the window. You read letters on a chart from about 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until you pass it or provide a corrective lens prescription from an eye doctor.

If your license is new or you are upgrading, you will also take a written test unless you are renewing a valid license. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Texas driver's license costs $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. A Real ID license costs the same. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $11. Renewal by mail costs $33 or $66 depending on the length. Renewal online costs $33 for a five-year license only.

The DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are paying for multiple transactions (for example, a license and a vehicle registration), you pay for each separately.

If you cannot afford the fee, the DPS does not offer fee waivers or payment plans. Some nonprofits in Dallas may help with transportation or document costs, but not the license fee itself. Contact 211 Texas (dial 211 or visit 211texas.org) to find local resources.

If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew, replace, or upgrade it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. A suspension is temporary and can be lifted by paying a reinstatement fee, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DPS. A revocation is more serious and usually requires you to wait a set period (often one to five years) before you can reapply.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, go to the DPS website and use the "Check License Status" tool, or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900. You will need your license number or Social Security number. If your license is suspended, the DPS website will tell you why and what you need to do to lift it.

Once you have resolved the suspension or revocation, you can go to a DPS office to get a new license. You will need to bring the same documents as for a new license, and you may need to retake the written and vision tests depending on how long your license was suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going to an office?

Yes, if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical conditions that affect driving, and you have not changed your name. You can renew online at dps.texas.gov for $33 (five-year license only) or by mail for $33 or $66. If you do not meet these conditions, you must go in person.

How long does it take to get a license after my visit?

If you pass the vision and written tests, your temporary license is printed at the window before you leave. Your permanent license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you fail a test, you can retake it the same day.

What if I moved to Dallas from another state?

You must get a Texas license within 60 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. You will take a written test and vision test. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Texas once you get a Texas license.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You can walk in, but you will likely wait one to three hours. Scheduling an appointment online reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes and is free. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks.

What if I cannot find the documents I need?

Contact the DPS office before you go. If you are missing a document, the DPS may accept an alternative (for example, a hospital birth record instead of a birth certificate). For a lost Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or bank statement showing your Social Security number. Do not guess — call ahead.