Where to go for your McAllen driver license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver license services in McAllen. You cannot get a Texas driver license from city hall, the county clerk, or any other local office — only from a DPS Driver License office.

McAllen has one DPS Driver License office located at 1900 South 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501. This is the office that serves Hidalgo County residents. You can walk in during business hours, but the office also takes appointments through the Texas DPS website, and appointments often have shorter wait times than walk-ins.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day and change seasonally, so check the DPS website or call ahead before you go. The phone number for the McAllen office is (956) 618-8000.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the DPS Driver License office at 1900 South 10th Street in McAllen issues Texas driver licenses — no other local office can do this.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; a birth certificate or passport counts as identity proof for most people.
  • If you are a new Texas resident, you have 30 days from the date you move to get a Texas license before driving with an out-of-state license becomes illegal.
  • The office takes appointments through the DPS website, which usually means a shorter wait than walking in.
  • The cost is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; you choose the length when you explore.

What documents you need to bring

The DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three, so check what you have before you go to the office.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid foreign passport with a visa, a military ID card, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). A school ID, work ID, or credit card does not count. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DPS will not accept it.

For proof of residency, bring a document that shows your name and your current McAllen address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A phone bill, insurance bill, or government mail counts if it shows your address. A post office change-of-address form does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The process process at the McAllen office

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in and take a number. If you have an appointment, you will be called in the order of appointments first; walk-ins are called after appointments. You will then sit with a DPS employee who will verify your documents and ask you questions about your address, your name, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving.

After the employee verifies your documents, you will go to a station where you will have your photo taken and your signature captured. You will then take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you pass the written test, you will then take a vision test. The DPS will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a license that day.

If you pass both tests, you will pay the fee ($33 or $66, depending on whether you want a five-year or eight-year license) and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver license in Texas. If you are 16 or 17, you must first hold a learner permit for at least six months and pass a driver education course before you can take the driving test for a full license. The McAllen DPS office handles both learner permits and full licenses.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.

Renewing or replacing your McAllen driver license

If your license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it at the McAllen DPS office. You will need to bring the same documents as you would for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to retake the vision test and the written test.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the McAllen office. Bring your documents and tell the DPS employee that you need a replacement. You will pay the same fee as for a new license. A replacement license is issued the same way as a new license — you get a temporary paper license and the permanent one arrives in the mail.

Texas also allows online renewal for some people. If your license is not suspended, you have not had any address changes, and your license is not more than two years expired, you may be able to renew online through the DPS website. Online renewal costs $25 and takes about a week. However, if you have had any changes to your information or your license status, you must renew in person at the McAllen office.

What to do if you are a new Texas resident

If you have just moved to McAllen from another state, you have 30 days from your move date to get a Texas driver license. After 30 days, driving with an out-of-state license is illegal in Texas, even if your out-of-state license is still valid.

When you explore for your Texas license, bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents. The DPS will take your out-of-state license and destroy it. You will not get it back. You will take the same written test and vision test as anyone else getting a new license in Texas.

If you are moving to Texas from another country, bring your passport and visa along with your other documents. You will also need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security number. If you do not have either, you cannot get a Texas driver license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the McAllen DPS office online?

Yes. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the McAllen office location. You can choose a date and time that works for you. Appointments usually have much shorter wait times than walk-ins, sometimes 15 minutes or less instead of an hour or more.

What if I fail the written test or vision test?

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription if you need one. You can then return to the office with your prescription to retake the vision test.

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

You receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the McAllen office to check the status.

Do I need to take a driving test with an examiner to get my license?

No. Texas does not require a behind-the-wheel driving test for a standard driver license. You only need to pass the written test and the vision test. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get your license.

What if my documents are in a different name than the name I want on my license?

Bring documents that show both names — for example, a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name. The DPS will update your name on your license to match the legal documents you provide.