How to Get Your Texas Driver's License in Carrollton

Where to Get Your Texas Driver's License in Carrollton

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division is the only agency that issues Texas driver's licenses. In Carrollton, you will visit a DPS Driver License office to take your written test, road test, and receive your license. Carrollton is in Dallas County, and the nearest DPS office is located in the Dallas area.

You cannot get a Texas driver's license online, by mail, or through any private vendor. You must appear in person at a DPS office with the required documents. The office will verify your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can test or receive your license.

Before you go to the office, gather all required documents at home. Bringing incomplete paperwork will delay your visit and may require you to return another day. The DPS website lists exactly what documents you need based on your age and citizenship status.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Texas DPS Driver License office in person; there is no online or mail option for getting your first license in Carrollton.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you can test or receive your license.
The DPS office administers both the written knowledge test and the road test at the same location.
Bring all required documents on your first visit to avoid delays or having to return multiple times.
If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can take the road test.

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 must bring at least one document from each category. If you do not have all three, you cannot complete your license transaction that day.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or library card does not count. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document showing your Carrollton address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DPS office. Bring their ID as well. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), bring your original birth certificate or passport instead of a certified copy.

The Written Test and Road Test in Carrollton

After you pass the written knowledge test at the DPS office, you can schedule your road test. The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass.

The road test happens at the same DPS office or at a nearby location. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and merging. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You must bring a valid learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's registration and title.

If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can take both tests on the same day if you pass the written test first. Many people schedule their road test weeks in advance because DPS offices in busy areas like Dallas County fill up quickly.

Learner's Permit Requirements for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the road test. The learner's permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) in the car. You get the learner's permit by passing the written knowledge test at the DPS office.

After you receive your learner's permit, you must wait at least 30 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you should practice driving with a licensed adult. Texas law also requires you to complete a driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction) before you turn 18, unless you are 18 or older when you first explore.

Once you pass the road test, you will receive a Provisional License if you are under 18. This license has restrictions: you cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in emergencies). These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

Real ID Compliance and License Types

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and is required to enter federal buildings, military bases, and to board domestic flights after May 7, 2025. A standard license does not have this star and will not be accepted for these purposes after that date.

To get a Real ID license, you must bring your original birth certificate or U.S. passport to the DPS office. A certified copy is not enough. You will pay the same fee as a standard license. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can renew it as a Real ID license at your next renewal.

If you do not need to enter federal buildings or fly domestically, a standard license is sufficient. Both types are valid for driving in Texas and all other states.

Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $61 depending on how long you want it to last. A four-year license costs $16, a six-year license costs $32, and an eight-year license costs $61. You choose the length when you explore. Drivers under 18 receive a license that expires on their 18th birthday, at no extra cost.

You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard (non-Real ID) license and your address has not changed. If you need a Real ID license or your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

If your license expires, you can still renew it for up to two years after expiration without retaking the written or road test. After two years, you must take both tests again.

Finding the Nearest DPS Office and Scheduling Your Visit

The Texas DPS website has a locator tool where you can search for the nearest Driver License office to Carrollton. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show you office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Many DPS offices in Dallas County accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

You can also schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Appointments fill up weeks in advance in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you know you are ready to test. If you cannot find an appointment in Carrollton, check nearby cities in Dallas County—you can take your test at any DPS office in Texas.

Call the DPS office directly if you have questions about which documents to bring or whether your documents meet the requirements. The staff can tell you over the phone whether your proof of residency or identity will work, saving you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test the same day as my written test?

If you are 18 or older and pass the written test, you can take the road test the same day if the DPS office has an available examiner and you bring all required documents (learner's permit, proof of insurance, vehicle registration and title). If you are under 18, you must wait at least 30 days after getting your learner's permit before you can take the road test.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying or practicing more.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes, you must bring a vehicle you own or borrow. The vehicle must be registered and insured, and you must bring proof of both. The DPS examiner will ride with you in that vehicle. The car must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, and wipers.

Can I get a Texas license if I just moved to Carrollton?

Yes. You can get a Texas license as soon as you have proof of residency in Carrollton (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). You do not have to wait any length of time after moving. If you have an out-of-state license, you can surrender it when you get your Texas license.

What happens if I move after I get my license?

You must update your address with the DPS within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need to retake any tests to update your address—you only need to pay a small fee (usually $11 to $20) or do it free online if your license is not expiring soon.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.