San Antonio DPS Driver License Offices and Their Hours

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license offices in San Antonio. There are two locations in the city where you can explore for, renew, or replace a driver license or ID card. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by location and may change seasonally.

The main San Antonio office is located at 4821 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229. The second location is at 7959 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78251. You can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to confirm current hours before you go, or visit the Texas DPS website to check wait times and book an appointment online. Booking ahead can cut your wait time significantly, especially during lunch hours and late afternoons.

Both offices handle the same services: new driver licenses, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, address changes, and Real ID upgrades. If you need an ID card instead of a driver license (for example, if you do not drive), you can also get that at either location.

Key Takeaways

  • San Antonio has two DPS driver license offices: one on Medical Drive and one on Culebra Road, both open Monday through Friday.
  • You can book an appointment online through the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6900 to check wait times and hours before visiting.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), and any documents related to your specific transaction (renewal notice, court order for name change, etc.).
  • The fee for a new driver license is $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license; renewals and replacements cost less.
  • Real ID upgrades are available at both offices and cost $16 extra, but are only required if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 2025.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Texas DPS requires specific documents depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost one. For any transaction, you must bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of identity (a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or foreign passport with visa), and proof of your current address in Texas (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are renewing your license, bring your current license or renewal notice. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are a non-citizen, bring your visa or immigration documents along with your passport.

For a Real ID upgrade, bring the same documents as a renewal or new license, plus one additional document that proves your current address if your identity document does not show it. A Real ID is marked with a gold star and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.

Fees and Payment Methods

A new Texas driver license costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. Renewals cost $16 for a two-year renewal or $32 for a five-year renewal. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $11. An ID card (non-driver) costs $16 for two years or $32 for five years. A Real ID upgrade adds $16 to any of these fees.

Both DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location is wise. If you renew by mail (available for some renewals), you can pay by check or money order.

When You Can Renew by Mail Instead of Visiting in Person

You do not have to visit a DPS office every time your license expires. Texas allows mail-in renewal if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change since your last license was issued, you are not explore for a Real ID, and your license is not more than two years expired. You can renew by mail up to one year before your license expires.

To renew by mail, fill out Form DL-44 (available on the Texas DPS website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks. This option saves you a trip to San Antonio if you live outside the city or have a busy schedule, but you cannot upgrade to Real ID through the mail.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk with your documents. You will be given a number and asked to wait. Wait times vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than afternoons.

When your number is called, you will go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photo and fingerprints. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will pay the fee at this time. Your temporary license will be printed on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are upgrading to Real ID, the process is the same, but the employee will verify your identity documents more carefully. Real ID licenses are also mailed to you; you cannot take them home the same day.

Suspended License or Failure to Appear Issues

If your license is suspended (for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or other reasons), you cannot renew it at the DPS office. You must first resolve the suspension by paying fines, appearing in court, or completing a required program. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew or replace your license.

To learn about your license is suspended, visit the Texas DPS website and use the license status check tool, or call 1-888-589-6900. If your license is suspended, the DPS website will tell you the reason and what you need to do to clear it. In most cases, you will need to contact the court or agency that issued the suspension, not the DPS office itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment online, or do I have to walk in?

You can book an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which is faster than walking in. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer. Booking ahead is especially helpful during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon).

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can get a Texas ID card instead, but you will need your visa or immigration documents and a passport. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to confirm what documents you need.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail after my visit?

Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to report it.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Texas?

No. A Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. For driving within Texas, a standard driver license is enough. Real ID becomes required for federal buildings and flights on May 7, 2025.

What if I moved to San Antonio from another state?

You must get a Texas driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Texas address, and proof of identity. The DPS will issue you a new Texas license; you do not need to keep your old one.