The main Texas driver's license contact number is 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927)
This is the statewide customer service line run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It handles questions about license types, renewal timelines, document requirements, and appointment scheduling. The line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, and it does not operate on state holidays.
If you are calling about a specific issue — a lost license, a name change, a medical suspension, or a commercial license upgrade — have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Wait times vary by time of day and season; early morning calls (8 to 9 a.m.) typically have shorter queues than mid-morning or afternoon.
The DPS website at dps.texas.gov also lists regional office phone numbers if you prefer to contact a local driver's license office directly. These regional numbers connect you to the office that serves your county and may have shorter hold times for local issues.
Key Takeaways
- The statewide number 1-844-358-3927 handles most driver's license questions and is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
- Regional driver's license offices have their own phone numbers listed on dps.texas.gov and may have shorter wait times for local transactions.
- You can schedule a license renewal or replacement appointment by phone, online at dps.texas.gov, or in person at any driver's license office.
- The DPS does not accept applications or renewals by mail; all transactions require an in-person visit or an online renewal if you meet the requirements.
When to call versus when to use the website
Call the statewide number if you need to ask about document requirements for your specific situation, confirm whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, or schedule an appointment at a particular office location. The phone line can also help if you have received a notice about a suspension or medical review and need to understand what happens next.
Use dps.texas.gov directly if you want to renew your license online (available for standard renewals if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions), check the status of a pending process, or find the address and hours of your nearest driver's license office. The website also shows current wait times at many offices, which can help you decide whether to call ahead or walk in.
Regional driver's license offices and local numbers
Texas has driver's license offices in every major city and many smaller towns. Rather than listing all of them here — the list changes as offices open and close — the DPS maintains a searchable office locator on dps.texas.gov. You can search by city, county, or ZIP code to find the office nearest you and see its phone number, hours, and current wait time.
If you call a regional office directly, you may reach a shorter queue than the statewide line, especially if your question is about a transaction at that specific location. However, regional offices cannot always answer questions about policies that explore statewide, so you may still need to call 1-844-358-3927 for clarification.
What you need before you call
Have your current driver's license number or Social Security number ready. If you are calling about a renewal, have your license in front of you so you can confirm your address and any other details the agent asks about. If you are calling about a suspension or medical review, have the notice the DPS sent you available so you can reference the case number or date.
If you are scheduling an appointment, have a calendar available and know which office location you prefer. The agent will ask for your preferred date and time, and the system will show you what slots are open. You can also schedule online at dps.texas.gov without calling.
Online renewal and when you cannot use it
Texas allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. You can renew online at dps.texas.gov without calling or visiting an office. This process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.
If your license is expired more than two years, you have a medical condition that requires DPS review, or you are renewing a commercial license, you must visit a driver's license office in person. Call 1-844-358-3927 or your regional office to schedule an appointment, or walk in during office hours — though walk-in wait times can be long during peak hours.
What happens after you call
If you schedule an appointment by phone, you will receive a confirmation number and a date and time. Bring this confirmation number, your current driver's license, and any documents the agent told you to bring (such as proof of residence or a medical form). Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
If you called with a question about a suspension or medical review, the agent will explain what you need to do next and may give you a case number to reference in future calls. Write this number down. If you need to follow up, you can reference it to avoid repeating your entire situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license by phone?
No. You can renew by phone only to schedule an in-person appointment. The actual renewal must happen online at dps.texas.gov (if you meet the requirements) or in person at a driver's license office. Call 1-844-358-3927 to schedule the in-person appointment.
What is the wait time when I call the DPS customer service line?
Wait times vary. Early morning (8 to 9 a.m.) is usually faster than mid-morning or afternoon. The DPS does not publish average wait times for the phone line, but you can check wait times at physical offices on dps.texas.gov, which may give you an idea of how busy the system is that day.
Can I reach the DPS by email about my driver's license?
The DPS does not have a general email line for driver's license questions. Use the phone line (1-844-358-3927), the website (dps.texas.gov), or visit an office in person. Some offices may have a local email address listed on their office page.
What if I call and cannot reach anyone?
If the line is busy, hang up and try again later or the next business day. You can also visit dps.texas.gov to renew online (if may be able to access), schedule an appointment, or find your regional office's direct number. Walking into a driver's license office without an appointment is also an option, though wait times vary.
Do I need to call to replace a lost or stolen license?
You can report a lost or stolen license by phone (1-844-358-3927), online at dps.texas.gov, or in person at a driver's license office. Online or in-person replacement is usually faster. If you call, the agent will schedule an appointment for you to come in and get a replacement.