Where to Go for Your Midland Driver's License

The Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office handles driver's license services for Midland residents. This is the only place in Midland where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or update your information. The office is located at 200 W. Wall Street, Midland, TX 79701, and you must go in person — you cannot complete a driver's license transaction by mail or online.

Texas driver's licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), but the local tax assessor's office processes your process and collects your documents and fees. You will receive your physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment. A temporary paper license is issued at the counter on the day of your visit.

The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis during walk-in hours, though you can also schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website. Scheduling an appointment reduces your wait time but is not required. Hours vary by season and holiday, so check the Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector website or call 432-688-4370 before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office in person at 200 W. Wall Street; no online or mail-in options exist for initial applications or renewals.
  • Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence — missing documents will delay or prevent your transaction.
  • The fee for a standard five-year driver's license is $45, and the fee for a six-year commercial driver's license is $75; fees are cash, check, or card.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you are renewing, you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, but most people renew in person at the office.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific documents for every driver's license transaction. Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The office will not accept documents that are expired, altered, or damaged beyond clear readability.

You must bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Texas residency. A valid passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license counts as identity proof. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current Midland address. A bank or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or the office can verify it through the Social Security Administration if you do not have the card with you. You must also prove citizenship or legal presence in the United States. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or valid visa counts. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your original birth certificate plus a certified English translation if it was issued in another language.

If you are changing your name, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts; the office will test your vision during your appointment.

The process Process and Fees

When you arrive at the Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, you will complete the Texas Department of Public Safety form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver's License). The staff will help you fill it out if you need information. You will answer questions about your driving history, medical conditions, and whether you want to register as an organ donor.

The office will take your photograph and conduct a vision test. You must read the eye chart at a certain distance; if you cannot, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving. The office will also take your fingerprints and verify your documents against state and federal databases.

The standard fee for a five-year driver's license is $45. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday, and the fee is $30. A six-year commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $75. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing a license that expired within the last two years, you pay the same fee as a new license.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that window, contact the Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office with your receipt number.

Renewal by Mail (Limited Circumstances)

If your current Texas driver's license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting the office in person. You must have held your current license for at least two years and have no changes to your name, address, or other information.

To renew by mail, contact the Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office at 432-688-4370 and ask whether you are may be able to access. If you are, the office will send you a renewal packet with instructions. You will mail back your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a signed form. The office will process your renewal and mail your new license to you.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the office receives your packet. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail and must explore in person.

Special Situations: CDL, Endorsements, and Restrictions

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds or carry hazardous materials. The Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office can take your CDL process, but you must pass a written knowledge test and a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and on-road driving). You can schedule the skills test through the office, though the actual test may be conducted at a separate testing location.

Endorsements allow you to drive certain vehicle types or carry certain cargo. Common endorsements include Hazmat (H), Passenger (P), and Tanker (N). You must pass an additional written test for each endorsement you want. The office can administer these tests during your appointment.

Restrictions appear on your license if you have medical conditions or vision limitations. If you must wear corrective lenses, a restriction will be added. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the office may require a medical evaluation form from your doctor before issuing your license.

What Happens If You Fail the Vision or Knowledge Test

If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license that day. The office will tell you to return with corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) or to see an eye doctor and return with a new prescription. You do not pay the fee again if you return within a certain period — ask the staff for the exact timeframe.

If you are explore for a CDL or endorsement and fail the written knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Each retake may have a small fee; ask the office for the current amount. You have a limited number of attempts within a certain period before you must wait and reapply.

If you fail the CDL skills test, you must schedule a new test appointment. The office will tell you when the next available test date is and what the retake fee is. You do not need to reapply or pay the full process fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment online, or do I have to walk in?

You can schedule an appointment through the Texas DPS website, which reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are also accepted during office hours. Both options cost the same and require the same documents. Scheduling ahead is helpful if you want to avoid a long wait, but it is not required.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can request a replacement at the Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office. Bring your ID and proof of residency as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to take a written test if I already have a valid driver's license from another state?

Yes. Texas requires all new residents to pass the written knowledge test, even if you hold a valid license from another state. You do not need to take the vision or skills test if your out-of-state license is current, but you must pass the written exam. The office will tell you when you can take it during your appointment.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the office with your receipt number to check the status.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address at the Midland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office without renewing your entire license. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change. You will receive an updated license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.