Where the Denton DPS Office Is Located and Its Hours
The Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license office in Denton is located at 1623 Scripture Street, Denton, TX 76201. This is the main office serving Denton County residents for all driver's license transactions, including new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the office closed on state holidays and weekends. The office does not accept walk-ins after 4:45 p.m., so you should arrive with enough time to complete your transaction before closing. Call ahead at (940) 349-2500 if you need to confirm hours or ask about wait times on a particular day.
Parking is available on-site. The office is not accessible by public transit, so plan to drive or arrange a ride. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, you may be able to complete some transactions online through the Texas DPS website, though most in-person services require a visit to the office.
Key Takeaways
- The Denton DPS office is at 1623 Scripture Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with no walk-ins accepted after 4:45 p.m.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation in order to renew or obtain a license.
- Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one, along with your birth certificate or passport for proof of identity.
- Wait times vary by day and time; calling ahead can help you choose when to visit, though appointments are not available at this location.
- The office handles renewals, new licenses, replacements, and address changes, but some services may be faster online or by mail depending on your situation.
Documents You Must Bring to the Denton Office
Texas DPS requires specific documents before you can complete any driver's license transaction. Proof of identity is the first requirement. Acceptable documents include your current Texas driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a birth certificate. If you are renewing and your current license is not expired, you can use it as your proof of identity.
Proof of residency must show your current address in Denton County. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A driver's license or state ID with your current address also works if it was issued within the last year.
You must also provide your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation from the Social Security Administration showing you are not may be able to access for one. Bring your current license or ID if you have one, even if it is expired, as it speeds up the renewal process.
If you are explore for a license for the first time or your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need additional documents such as proof of legal presence in the United States. Bring your passport, visa, or other immigration documentation if this applies to you.
What Transactions You Can Complete at the Denton Office
The Denton DPS office handles driver's license renewals for licenses that are expired or expiring within 60 days. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, and the process takes longer. Renewals normally take 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents.
New driver's license applications are processed at this office for people who have never held a Texas license or whose license has been expired for more than two years. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The written and vision tests are given at the office; the driving test is scheduled for a separate appointment at a testing location, usually within one to two weeks.
The office also issues replacement licenses if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You can request a duplicate with the same number or a new number. Replacements are processed the same day if you have your documents and pay the fee.
Address changes can be completed at the office or online through the Texas DPS website. If you move within Denton County or to another Texas county, you can update your address without getting a new license photo. Address changes at the office take 10 to 15 minutes.
Fees and Payment Methods at the Denton Office
Driver's license fees in Texas vary by license type and how long the license is valid. A standard five-year license costs $25, while an eight-year license costs $40. Renewal fees are the same as new license fees. Replacement licenses cost $11. Address changes are free if done online but cost $11 if done at the office.
The Denton office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. If you pay with a card, bring the card itself; online payments are not available at the office. Ask for a receipt after you pay, as you will need it to track your license if it is mailed to you.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone. Military members and their families may be may be able to access for fee waivers or discounts; ask the staff when you arrive.
Wait Times and How to Avoid Them
Wait times at the Denton office range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time. Mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less busy than afternoons and Fridays. The first hour after opening (8:00 to 9:00 a.m.) is often quieter than mid-morning. Avoid visiting on the first and last days of the month, when more people renew licenses before they expire.
The office does not offer appointments, so you cannot reserve a time slot. However, you can call ahead at (940) 349-2500 to ask about current wait times before you leave home. Some staff members can give you an estimate of how long you will wait if you arrive at a specific time.
If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website or by mail. Online renewal takes 5 to 10 minutes and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal before you drive to Denton.
What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person
Texas DPS offers online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not yet expired and who meet other requirements. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if your license was issued in Texas, you have not had any violations or suspensions, and your license is expiring within the next 12 months. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
Mail renewal is also available for some transactions. You can request a mail renewal form from the Denton office by phone or read it from the Texas DPS website. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to mail in your current license along with the form and payment. This option is slower than online renewal but does not require you to visit the office.
If you need your license urgently and cannot visit the office, you can request expedited processing at the time of your transaction. Expedited processing costs an additional fee and your license will be mailed within 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10. Ask the staff at the office or call ahead to confirm the expedited fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Denton Office
The most common mistake is arriving without proof of residency. Many people bring only their expired license or a document dated more than 30 days ago. Check that your utility bill, lease, or bank statement is dated within the last 30 days before you leave home. If your document is older, bring a second recent document to be safe.
Another frequent error is not bringing your Social Security card or number. You cannot complete your transaction without it, and the office cannot look it up for you. Write your number down or bring the card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number, call the office in advance to ask what documentation you need instead.
People also sometimes arrive after 4:45 p.m. and are turned away because the office stops accepting new customers at that time. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before closing to give yourself time to complete your transaction. If you are unsure how long your transaction will take, call ahead and ask.
Finally, do not assume your current license photo will be used for a renewal. Texas DPS takes a new photo for every renewal, even if your photo is recent. Dress appropriately and avoid wearing hats or sunglasses when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail from the Denton office?
Yes, if your license is not yet expired and you meet other requirements. You can request a mail renewal form by calling the Denton office at (940) 349-2500 or read it from the Texas DPS website. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal. You must mail in your current license along with the form and payment.
What if my proof of residency document is older than 30 days?
Bring a second document dated within the last 30 days, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. If you have only one document and it is older than 30 days, call the office before you visit to ask what alternatives they accept. Some documents, like property tax bills, may be accepted even if they are older.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Denton office?
No, the office does not offer appointments. You can walk in during business hours, but wait times vary. Call (940) 349-2500 before you arrive to ask about current wait times. Remember that the office stops accepting new customers at 4:45 p.m., so arrive earlier if possible.
What if I need my license before the mail delivery date?
You can request expedited processing at the office for an additional fee. Your license will be mailed within 3 to 5 business days instead of 7 to 10. Ask the staff about the expedited fee when you arrive or call ahead to confirm the cost.
Can I get my license the same day I explore?
No. All Texas driver's licenses are mailed to you after your transaction is complete. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited processing takes 3 to 5 business days for an additional fee. If you need to drive before your license arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.