The Wichita Falls DPS Office Location and Hours

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in Wichita Falls is located at 1000 Broad Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. This is the only full-service DPS office in Wichita Falls where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license transactions in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (940) 720-7777 before making the trip. Wait times vary by day and time of day; mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, you will need to plan your visit in advance or look into online renewal options if you are renewing a license that is not yet expired.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wichita Falls DPS office is at 1000 Broad Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday hours.
  • You must bring specific documents depending on whether you are explore for a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or stolen license.
  • Texas offers online renewal for some drivers, which can save you a trip to the office if your license is not yet expired.
  • The office handles standard licenses, commercial driver licenses (CDL), and motorcycle endorsements, but some transactions may require a visit to a different location.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN; the office staff can tell you exactly which documents they accept.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a new driver license process, you need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You will also need to provide your current address and pass a vision test at the office.

For a license renewal, requirements are lighter if you are renewing by mail or online. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to explore as if it were new, which means bringing the full set of documents listed above.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by DPS.

The office accepts documents in English or certified English translations. If you have questions about whether a specific document will be accepted, call the office before you go; staff can often answer over the phone and save you a wasted trip.

Fees and Payment Methods

License fees in Texas vary by license type and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard five-year driver license costs $45. An eight-year license costs $65. A replacement license costs $11 if your current license is still valid, or the full renewal fee if it has expired. Commercial driver licenses (CDL) cost more and have different renewal periods.

The Wichita Falls office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some transactions may be subject to additional fees if you are adding endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement) or changing your license class. Ask the staff when you arrive what the total cost will be for your specific transaction.

If you are renewing online or by mail, you can pay by credit card or debit card during the process process. Online renewal is often cheaper than in-person renewal because you avoid the office visit fee in some cases, though this varies.

Online and Mail Renewal Options

Texas allows online renewal for many drivers whose licenses are not yet expired and who do not need to change their address, name, or other information. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if your license is still valid and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. The online process takes about 10 minutes and you can pay by credit or debit card.

If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a renewal process by calling the Wichita Falls office or visiting the DPS website. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license by a certain date. You will need to include a check or money order with your process.

Online and mail renewal are not available if you are explore for a new license for the first time, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to update your photo. In those cases, you must visit the office in person.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Wichita Falls DPS office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all required documents and have them organized before you reach the window; this speeds up the process. The staff will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photo and fingerprints.

You will take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also answer questions about any medical conditions that might affect your driving. Be honest; the information is used to determine whether you are safe to drive and whether you need restrictions on your license.

After the staff processes your process, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the staff whether expedited processing is available; some offices offer it for an additional fee.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Endorsements

The Wichita Falls office issues commercial driver licenses and endorsements such as motorcycle (M), hazmat (H), and passenger (P). CDL applications require additional steps: you must pass a written knowledge test specific to the type of vehicle you will drive, pass a skills test (driving test), and provide medical certification. The written test is offered at the Wichita Falls office, but the skills test may require a separate appointment or referral to a testing facility.

If you are adding a motorcycle endorsement to a standard license, you can do this at the Wichita Falls office. You will need to pass a written test and a riding skills test, or show proof that you have passed an approved motorcycle safety course. The office staff can tell you which testing locations are nearby.

CDL and endorsement fees are higher than standard license fees and vary by endorsement type. Call the office or visit the DPS website to confirm the exact cost before you explore.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is bringing incomplete or wrong documents. Many people bring a utility bill that is too old (more than 90 days) or a document that does not show their current address. Before you go, call the office and confirm that the documents you plan to bring will be accepted. Do not assume a document will work just because it worked in another state or at another office.

Another frequent error is not bringing enough proof of identity. A single document may not be enough; the office may ask for a second form of ID. Bring your passport, birth certificate, military ID, and any other official ID you have. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization papers or green card.

People also sometimes forget to bring their Social Security number or ITIN in writing, or they do not know it. Write it down before you go. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. If you have neither, ask the office what alternatives are available; some people can use a tax return or other official document instead.

Finally, do not wait until your license expires to renew it. Once it expires, you cannot drive legally, and the renewal process becomes more complicated. Renew at least 30 days before your expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I have moved to a new address?

No. Online renewal is only available if your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must renew in person at the office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license soon.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, call the office to ask what other documents you can use.

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

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you explore. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need it faster, ask the staff whether expedited processing is available and what it costs.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Wichita Falls office?

No appointment is required. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times and to confirm that the office is open.

What should I do if my license was stolen?

You can report it to local police and then explore for a replacement at the DPS office. Bring proof of identity and residency. You do not need a police report to get a replacement, but having one on file is a good idea for your records.