Fort Worth Driver's License Office Locations and Hours

Fort Worth has two Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license offices where you can renew, replace, or obtain a license. The main office is located at 1515 East Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011 (technically Arlington, but it serves the Fort Worth metro area). A second office operates at 3228 East Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76103. Both offices handle standard driver's license transactions, but hours and wait times vary by location and time of day.

The Arlington location (Randol Mill Road) typically operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The East Lancaster location in Fort Worth operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., with no Saturday hours. Both offices close on state holidays. Wait times are longest on Tuesdays through Thursdays and shortest on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. You can check real-time wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Neither office requires an appointment for standard renewals or replacements, but you must bring all required documents. Walk-in service is first-come, first-served. If you are explore for a license for the first time or after a suspension, some offices may require you to schedule ahead; call ahead to confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth has two DPS driver's license offices: one in Arlington (Randol Mill Road) and one on East Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth, both open weekdays and the Arlington location open Saturday mornings.
  • You do not need an appointment for renewals or replacements, but you must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • Wait times are shortest on Monday mornings and longest mid-week; the Texas DPS website shows real-time wait estimates before you visit.
  • If you are explore for your first license or after a suspension, call ahead to ask whether you need to schedule an appointment.
  • Both offices close on state holidays and do not accept walk-ins for certain transactions like commercial driver's license (CDL) testing.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires three categories of documents for any driver's license transaction: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Your current driver's license counts as proof of identity if it is not expired by more than two years. If your license is older than that or you do not have one, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card instead.

Proof of residency must show your current Fort Worth or Tarrant County address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, voter registration card, court document) also counts. You need only one document, but it must have your name and address on it.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.

Renewing Your License in Fort Worth

A standard driver's license renewal in Texas is valid for eight years. You can renew in person at either Fort Worth office, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website — but only if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that require an in-person exam. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your driving record, and pay the renewal fee (currently $33 for an eight-year license, though fees can change). Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you want to change your address, bring proof of your new address in Fort Worth or Tarrant County.

If you renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal process (Form DL-44, available on the Texas DPS website), and the fee to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes — but you must have a valid license that is not expired and no medical restrictions.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you must replace it in person at a Fort Worth DPS office. Bring your proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will have a new photo taken and pay a replacement fee (currently $11, though this may vary). The replacement process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the counter.

If your license was stolen, you can report it to the Fort Worth Police Department or your local police jurisdiction, but reporting is not required to get a replacement. The DPS office will issue you a new license number if you request it, which can help protect you from identity theft. Ask the clerk about this option when you arrive.

Your replacement license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license (valid for 45 days) to use while you wait for the permanent card. This temporary license is free and allows you to drive legally in Texas during the waiting period.

Getting Your First License or Reinstating a Suspended License

If you are explore for your first Texas driver's license, you must visit a DPS office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test (road test). The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving; you can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, available free on the DPS website.

The road test is scheduled separately after you pass the written test. Some DPS offices in the Fort Worth area conduct road tests on-site; others refer you to a third-party testing facility. Ask the clerk which applies to your office. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The total cost for a first-time license is $33 for an eight-year license.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you must contact the DPS directly to learn what steps are required before you can reinstate it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to find out your specific requirements. Many reinstatements require an in-person visit, a reinstatement fee (typically $100), and proof that the reason for suspension has been resolved.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Testing in Fort Worth

If you need a commercial driver's license, the Fort Worth DPS offices do not conduct CDL road tests on-site. Instead, you must first pass the CDL written test at a DPS office, then schedule your road test at an approved third-party testing facility. The written test covers general knowledge, air brakes, and any endorsements you need (hazmat, tanker, passenger, etc.). Study materials are available on the Texas DPS website.

After you pass the written test, you will receive a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) valid for 180 days. You must then schedule your road test with a third-party examiner. Several testing facilities operate in the Fort Worth and Dallas area; the DPS office can provide you with a list. Road test fees vary by facility but typically range from $100 to $150. The CDL itself is valid for four years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I live in Fort Worth?

You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical conditions requiring an in-person exam, and you are renewing for a standard eight-year license. Visit the Texas DPS website to check your may be able to access and complete the renewal. Online renewal costs $33 and takes a few minutes. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person or by mail.

What is the wait time at the Fort Worth DPS offices right now?

Wait times change throughout the day and vary by location. The Texas DPS website displays real-time wait estimates for both the Arlington and East Lancaster offices. Check before you go to plan your visit. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons typically have shorter waits than mid-week afternoons.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in Fort Worth?

No appointment is needed for standard renewals or replacements. Both offices serve walk-in customers on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you are explore for your first license, after a suspension, or for a CDL, call ahead to ask whether an appointment is required or recommended.

What if my address changed but I still live in Fort Worth?

Bring proof of your new Fort Worth or Tarrant County address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) along with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS office will update your address during your renewal or replacement. There is no extra fee for an address change.

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

Your replacement license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at the time of process, which is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent card. The temporary license is free.