The Dallas DPS offices that issue licenses
Texas driver's licenses are issued only by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and in the Dallas area there are five DPS offices where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or take your road test. The main office is downtown on Lamar Street; the others are spread across Dallas County in Arlington, Garland, Irving, and Mesquite. Each office handles the same services, so you can go to whichever is most convenient to your home or work.
All five offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary slightly by location. None are open on weekends or state holidays. The offices do not take appointments — you arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and longest on Fridays and the first week of the month.
Key Takeaways
- DPS operates five driver's license offices in the Dallas area: downtown Dallas, Arlington, Garland, Irving, and Mesquite, all open Monday through Friday.
- You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early or on a weekday morning usually means shorter waits.
- Bring your documents in person — you cannot explore for a license by mail or online, and you must pass a vision test at the office before you can be issued one.
- Road tests are scheduled at the same offices where you explore, and you can often book a test date while you are there, though some dates fill up weeks in advance.
- The downtown Dallas office on Lamar Street is the busiest; if you have flexibility, visiting an office in a smaller city like Mesquite or Garland may be faster.
What to bring to any Dallas DPS office
Before you go, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current Dallas address), your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. The office staff will tell you on the spot if a document is not acceptable, so if you are unsure about anything, call ahead to the office you plan to visit.
The five Dallas-area DPS offices and their locations
| Office Location | Address | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dallas | 4201 Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75204 | Central location; busiest office with longest waits |
| Arlington | 2600 East Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76010 | West Dallas and Arlington residents |
| Garland | 1500 West Avenue H, Garland, TX 75040 | Northeast Dallas and Garland residents |
| Irving | 4545 West Airport Freeway, Irving, TX 75062 | North Dallas and Irving residents; near DFW Airport |
| Mesquite | 2700 Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150 | East Dallas and Mesquite residents; often shortest waits |
All five offices offer the same services: new license applications, renewals, replacements, vision testing, and road test scheduling. The choice between them comes down to which is closest to you or which has the shortest wait on the day you plan to visit. If you are taking a road test, you will return to the same office where you scheduled it.
You can call any office directly to ask about current wait times before you go. This is especially useful if you are trying to avoid a long line or need a specific road test date. The DPS website lists phone numbers for each location.
How to schedule a road test at a Dallas DPS office
Road tests are booked at the DPS office itself, not online or by phone. When you arrive to explore for your license, the staff will give you available test dates and times. Popular dates — especially afternoons and Saturdays — fill up quickly, sometimes weeks in advance. If the date you want is full, you can ask to be placed on a cancellation list, and the office will call you if a slot opens up.
You can also call the office directly to ask what dates are available before you go in person. This saves a trip if you are looking for a specific time. The phone number for each office is listed on the DPS website under "Driver License Offices."
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance and wait for your number to be called. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address, driving history, and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive. The staff will take your photograph and fingerprints, administer a vision test, and collect your fee.
If you pass the vision test and your documents are in order, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what the issue is and given information about how to correct it before you can return.
Avoiding long waits at Dallas DPS offices
The downtown Dallas office on Lamar Street is the busiest and typically has the longest waits — sometimes an hour or more during peak times. If you have any flexibility, the Mesquite and Garland offices tend to be quieter and move faster. Arriving right when the office opens (usually 8 a.m.) or on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning also reduces your wait.
The first week of each month is busier than the rest, as people rush to renew licenses before important date. The last week of the month is usually slower. Avoid Fridays if you can; many people take care of errands at the end of the week, and offices are crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test at a different office than where I applied?
No. You must take your road test at the same DPS office where you scheduled it. If you applied at the downtown Dallas office, you return there for your test. You cannot transfer a test appointment to a different location.
What if I don't have all my documents when I go to the office?
You will not be able to explore that day. The staff will tell you which documents are missing and what you need to bring back. It is better to call the office ahead of time to confirm you have everything, so you do not make a wasted trip.
How long does it take to get through the office?
If you arrive during a slow time, the whole process — from taking a number to walking out with your temporary license — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. During busy times, it can take two hours or more. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week is your best bet for a shorter wait.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You need to know your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. A birth certificate, passport, or other ID that shows your number is acceptable. If you do not have your number memorized and cannot find it, call the office before you go.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present at the DPS office to explore for a license. You cannot send someone else to do it for you. You must also be the one to take the road test — no one can take it on your behalf.