Where to go for your Waxahachie driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license office in Waxahachie. It is located at 1515 W. Jefferson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. This is the only place in Waxahachie where you can take your written test, road test, or renew a license in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours change seasonally and sometimes shift without notice, so call ahead at (972) 937-7234 before you go. You can also check current hours on the Texas DPS website under "Driver License Office Locations."

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can run 45 minutes to two hours during lunch and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning, especially on Tuesday or Wednesday, usually means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waxahachie DPS office is at 1515 W. Jefferson Street and is open weekdays only; call (972) 937-7234 to confirm hours before you visit.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency — all originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • Texas now requires a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes like flying or entering military bases; a standard license costs less but has limits.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way, and safe driving; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook online.
  • Road tests are scheduled on the spot after you pass the written test, but the soonest appointment may be weeks away depending on demand.

What documents you need to bring

Texas requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies and photos on your phone will not work. Bring your Social Security card (the actual card), a birth certificate or passport, and proof you live in Texas. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address.

If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in front of the DPS officer. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Bring your current license if you have one. If you are explore for a Real ID (required for federal travel after May 7, 2025), you will need one additional document — a certified birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth — in addition to the standard documents.

Real ID versus standard license in Texas

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases. A standard Texas license does not meet this requirement. Both cost money, and the Real ID costs more.

If you fly domestically or enter federal facilities, you will need a Real ID or a passport. If you do neither, a standard license is sufficient for driving and state ID purposes. The Real ID has a gold star in the top right corner so you can tell them apart.

When you renew your license at the Waxahachie office, you can choose which type you want. The officer will tell you the fee for each. Real ID requires one extra document (a certified birth certificate or passport), so have that ready if you choose that option.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the DPS office.

The Texas Driver Handbook is free and covers everything on the test. You can read it online at the Texas DPS website or pick up a printed copy at the Waxahachie office. Most people study for a few hours and pass on their first try. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

You do not need to study for weeks. Focus on road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and what to do at a red light or stop sign. The test is designed to check that you understand basic safety, not to trick you.

The road test: what happens and how to schedule

After you pass the written test, a DPS examiner will schedule your road test. You cannot choose the date — the office books you into the next available slot, which may be weeks away depending on how busy they are. You will receive a paper notice with your appointment date and time.

Bring the same documents you brought for the written test, your vehicle, and proof of insurance. The test takes about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: parking, turning, stopping, and driving on city streets or the highway. You must follow all traffic laws and the examiner's instructions.

If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will have to wait for the next available appointment. Most people pass on the first or second try. Once you pass, the examiner will tell you, and you can pick up your new license at the office within a few days or have it mailed to your address.

Renewing your license at the Waxahachie office

If your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or violations, you can renew in person at the Waxahachie office without taking the written or road test again. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. The process takes about 15 minutes.

Texas licenses are valid for six years. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will have to take the written test again, even if you are just renewing.

You can also renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not suspended and you meet other requirements. Online renewal is faster and you do not have to visit the office, but not everyone is may be able to access. Check the DPS website to see if you can renew online, or ask at the Waxahachie office.

What to do if your license is suspended or you have a hold

If your license is suspended, you cannot get a new one or renew until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions happen for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, DUI convictions, or failure to pay court fines. You will need to resolve the reason for the suspension first.

Contact the Texas DPS at (888) 589-6556 to find out why your license is suspended. They will tell you what you need to do to clear it — usually paying a fine, completing a course, or resolving a court case. Once that is done, you can go to the Waxahachie office and request reinstatement.

If you have a hold from another agency (like child support enforcement), the DPS office cannot issue you a license until that hold is released. The Waxahachie office staff can tell you which agency placed the hold and how to contact them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online instead of going to the Waxahachie office?

No. Texas requires you to take the written test in person at a DPS office so they can verify your identity. You cannot take it online or at home. However, you can study online using the free Texas Driver Handbook before you go.

How long does it take to get your license after you pass the road test?

You can pick it up at the Waxahachie office within a few business days, or it will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks. Ask the examiner which option you prefer when you finish the test.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you will have to wait for the next available appointment at the Waxahachie office. This may be several weeks away. There is no fee to retake the test. Most people pass on the second try.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the written test?

No. You only need your vehicle for the road test. For the written test, bring your documents and take the test on the computer at the office.

Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport or consular report of birth counts as proof of citizenship for Real ID. Bring whichever document you have to the Waxahachie office.