Where the Garland DPS Office Is and What It Handles

The Garland Driver License office is run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and is located at 2713 West Avenue J in Garland. This office issues new driver licenses, renews existing ones, handles license replacements, and administers both the written knowledge test and the road test for first-time drivers. If you're coming from the learner's permit stage or need to renew an expiring license, this is the office that will process your request.

The Garland location serves Dallas County residents and anyone else in the surrounding area. It's one of several DPS driver license offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, but if you live in or near Garland, this is your closest option. The office operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DPS office is at 2713 West Avenue J and handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, written tests, and road tests.
  • You must bring specific documents — a valid ID, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your learner's permit if you're testing for a license — or your process will be rejected.
  • The office operates on a walk-in basis with no appointments, so arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons typically means shorter waits than midday or weekends.
  • Road tests at this location must be scheduled in advance through the DPS website or by phone, even though the office itself takes walk-ins for other services.
  • Bring your own vehicle for the road test, and it must be registered, insured, and in working condition, or you cannot test that day.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific documents before the Garland office will process any driver license transaction. You must bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or an existing Texas ID card all work. You also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address.

You will also need proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all satisfy this requirement. If you're explore for your first license and have a learner's permit, bring that as well — you cannot take the road test without it. If you're renewing or replacing a license, bring your existing license if you still have it.

If any of your documents show a different name than your current legal name, bring documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without these documents, the office will not process your request, so double-check before you go.

Hours and How to Avoid Long Waits

The Garland DPS office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Because the office operates on a walk-in basis with no appointment system, wait times depend entirely on how busy the office is when you arrive.

The shortest waits typically occur on weekday mornings right when the office opens at 8 a.m., or on weekday afternoons after 3 p.m. Midday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Saturday mornings are usually the busiest times. If you can take time off work or school, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning visit will almost always be faster than a Friday or Saturday visit.

Bring something to read or work on — even with a short wait, you may spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office. The office does not take appointments for walk-in services, so there is no way to reserve your spot in advance.

Taking the Written Test at Garland

If you have a learner's permit and are ready to take the written knowledge test, you can do so at the Garland office on a walk-in basis. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will have 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

You do not need to schedule the written test in advance. Bring your learner's permit, valid ID, and proof of residency, and tell the staff member at the window that you want to test. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and you will receive your results when ready. If you pass, you can move forward with scheduling your road test.

If you fail, you can retake the written test, but you must wait at least one day before trying again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt may have a fee — check the current fee with the office when you visit.

Scheduling and Taking the Road Test

The road test is not a walk-in service at the Garland office. You must schedule it in advance through the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov or by calling the Garland office directly. When you call to schedule, have your learner's permit number and a list of times that work for you — the office will tell you which slots are available.

On the day of your road test, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your learner's permit, valid ID, proof of residency, and your own vehicle. The vehicle must be registered in Texas, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you begin. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be allowed to test that day.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills — starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must have a licensed adult (21 or older) in the vehicle with you during the test, though they cannot be a family member in most cases. Ask the office about their specific rules when you schedule.

Fees and Payment Methods

Texas driver license fees vary depending on what you are doing. A new license for someone under 18 costs less than one for an adult, and renewal fees are different from replacement fees. The Garland office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card — ask which methods they prefer when you arrive.

Fees also depend on how long you want your license to be valid. A standard license is valid for several years, but you can request a longer validity period if you pay a higher fee. The office staff can tell you the exact cost for your situation when you arrive, or you can call ahead to ask.

If you cannot afford the fee, ask the office about fee waivers or payment plans — some situations may may have access to for reduced or waived fees, but you must ask and provide documentation of financial hardship.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

Texas allows some license transactions by mail or online, but not all. If your license is expiring and you have held it for at least two years, you may be able to renew by mail or through the DPS website without visiting the office. However, if you are explore for your first license, you must appear in person at the Garland office or another DPS location — there is no way around it.

If you live outside Garland but prefer this office, you can visit — the Garland DPS office serves anyone in Texas, not just Garland residents. However, if another office is closer to you, visiting that one may save you time and travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test at the Garland office if I have a learner's permit from another state?

No. You must have a Texas learner's permit to take the road test at any Texas DPS office, including Garland. If you have a permit from another state, you will need to explore for a Texas learner's permit first, pass the written test, and then schedule your road test.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can test. Each attempt requires a new fee and a new appointment scheduled through the DPS website or by phone.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at the Garland office?

No. License renewals are walk-in only at the Garland office. However, if you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit the office at all. Check the DPS website to see if you are may be able to access to renew without visiting in person.

Can someone else pick up my license for me if I cannot go to the office?

No. You must appear in person to explore for a new license or to pick up a replacement. However, if you are renewing an existing license by mail, you do not need to visit the office.

What if my vehicle fails inspection before my road test?

Reschedule your road test for a later date after you have repaired the vehicle. The examiner will not test you in a vehicle that is unsafe. You can call the Garland office to reschedule once your vehicle is ready.