Where to Get Your Texas Driver's License in Garland

The Garland Driver License Office is located at 520 West Avenue A, Garland, TX 75040. This is a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office that issues original licenses, renewals, and replacements. You can walk in during business hours, but the office often has wait times of 30 minutes to two hours, especially on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

If you want to avoid the Garland location, you can visit any other DPS driver license office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The nearest alternatives are in Arlington, Dallas, and Plano. All Texas DPS offices issue the same documents and accept the same forms of proof, so choosing a less busy location can cut your wait time significantly.

You can also check current wait times before you go by visiting the Texas DPS website or calling the Garland office directly at (469) 326-7601. Some people find that visiting early in the morning or on Tuesdays and Wednesdays produces shorter waits than other times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DPS office is at 520 West Avenue A and handles all driver license transactions without an appointment system.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it to get a license.
  • Texas requires a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes like flying or entering military bases, which needs one extra document beyond a standard license.
  • Wait times at the Garland office often run 30 minutes to two hours, and you can check current wait times online before visiting.
  • If you have a suspended or revoked license, you must resolve the suspension with the Texas DPS before you can renew or replace it.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas 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, and the DPS office will turn you away if any are missing.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver license. If you are under 18, you may also use a school ID with a photo. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and your Garland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter. A piece of mail from your employer or a school does not count. If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, you can use an affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at a fixed address and is willing to vouch for you.

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

Real ID vs. Standard License in Texas

Texas offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you fly domestically, enter a federal building, or access a military base. Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will not accept a standard Texas driver license for these purposes.

A Real ID license requires one additional document beyond the standard three: a document showing your current address and full legal name. This can be the same residency document you bring for the standard license, so you do not need to gather anything extra. The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and looks nearly identical, except for a small star in the upper right corner.

If you are not sure whether you need a Real ID, ask yourself: do you fly on airplanes, work in a federal building, or visit military installations? If yes, get the Real ID. If you only drive locally and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. You can always upgrade to a Real ID later when you renew.

Fees and Payment Methods

A five-year Texas driver license costs $25. A Real ID license costs the same. If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, the fee is $16. The Garland DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but does not accept checks or mobile payment apps like Venmo or PayPal.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is $11. If you are changing your name on your license due to marriage or court order, you pay the standard renewal or replacement fee, depending on whether your current license is still valid.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Texas driver license is suspended or revoked, the Garland DPS office cannot issue you a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. A revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions set by the court or the DPS.

Before you visit the Garland office, check your license status on the Texas DPS website or call (888) 589-6884. The automated system will tell you whether your license is suspended, revoked, or clear. If it is suspended, the system will also tell you the reason and what you need to do to clear it — usually paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a child support issue.

Once you have resolved the suspension, you must wait for the DPS to process the clearance, which usually takes three to five business days. After that, you can visit the Garland office to renew or replace your license. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue, such as a receipt showing a fine was paid or a letter from the court.

Hours and What to Expect on the Day You Visit

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 federal holidays. There is no appointment system, so you arrive, take a number, and wait your turn.

Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. Bring your glasses or contacts if you need them to see, because the DPS will test your vision as part of the license process. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, unless you are renewing a license that is not yet expired. If you are getting your first license or a license after a long gap, study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.

The office will take your photo and fingerprints on the day you visit. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days.

Other DPS Offices Near Garland

If the Garland office is too busy or inconvenient, you can visit another DPS driver license office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Arlington office is at 1901 West Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. The Dallas office is at 4201 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75219. The Plano office is at 2610 West Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75023. All of these offices have the same hours and accept the same documents as Garland.

Some offices are busier than others depending on the time of day and day of the week. If you have flexibility, calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose the fastest option. The DPS website also shows estimated wait times for each office in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license online instead of visiting Garland in person?

You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical conditions that affect your driving. Visit the Texas DPS website to check whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you can renew online and your new license will be mailed to you. If you are not may be able to access, you must visit the Garland office or another DPS location in person.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find my birth certificate or Social Security card?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the state where you were born. You can order a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local Social Security office. Both take one to two weeks. In the meantime, you cannot get a driver license, so plan ahead if you need one soon.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Garland DPS office?

No. The Garland office does not use an appointment system. You walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait. However, you can check estimated wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go, which helps you decide whether to visit now or come back at a quieter time.

How long does it take to get a driver license after I visit the Garland office?

Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 45 days and can be used in place of your permanent license.

What if I am under 18 and want to get my first driver license in Garland?

You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just like an adult. You will also need to bring a parent or guardian, who must sign a consent form. You will take a written test and a driving test. Some DPS offices offer the driving test on-site, but the Garland office may refer you to a third-party testing location. Ask when you visit.