Where the Carrollton DPS Office Is and What It Handles

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Carrollton is located at 1313 E. Hebron Parkway, Carrollton, TX 75010. This office issues driver licenses, issues and renews identification cards, and handles written and road tests for people seeking their first license or renewing an existing one.

The Carrollton location serves Dallas County residents and people in surrounding areas. It is one of several DPS offices in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, so if you cannot get an appointment here, you may find availability at offices in nearby cities like Arlington, Irving, or Plano.

Key Takeaways

  • The Carrollton DPS office is at 1313 E. Hebron Parkway and handles driver license issuance, renewals, and both written and road tests.
  • You must schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website before visiting; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity; the office will not accept expired documents for identity verification.
  • Road tests at this location are administered by DPS examiners, and you must bring your own vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • If you cannot get an appointment in Carrollton, the DPS website shows real-time availability at other Dallas-Fort Worth offices.

How to Schedule an Appointment at Carrollton

You cannot walk into the Carrollton office without an appointment. All visits must be scheduled in advance through the Texas DPS online appointment system at dps.texas.gov. When you visit that site, select "Driver License" as your transaction type, then choose the Carrollton location from the list of offices.

The system shows available dates and times for the next several weeks. Appointment slots fill quickly during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays), so if you see no availability, check back the next day or consider visiting a different DPS office in the Dallas area. The system updates throughout the day as cancellations occur.

Write down your appointment confirmation number and bring it with you. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to schedule a new one.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring originals, not copies. The Carrollton office requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. A single document cannot count toward more than one category.

For proof of identity, bring a current U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver license or ID card. If your birth certificate is not certified (raised seal), it will not be accepted. Expired documents do not count as proof of identity.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security benefit statement. A tax return is not accepted.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your confirmation number. A DPS employee will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take the written test (also called the knowledge test) on a computer at the office.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment.

If you are taking a road test, that happens after you pass the written test. You will drive a predetermined route with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle. The examiner watches for safe handling, proper signaling, correct speed, and obedience to traffic laws. The road test takes about 20 minutes.

Bringing Your Vehicle for the Road Test

If your appointment includes a road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Texas, has current liability insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker, working brakes, functioning lights, and a steering wheel on the left side (no right-hand-drive vehicles).

The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but you must have the owner's permission to use it. Bring the vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you. If the examiner finds a safety defect during the pre-test inspection (such as a cracked windshield, worn tires, or a broken mirror), you will not be allowed to test that day.

Fees and Payment Methods

The fee for a Texas driver license depends on the type and validity period you choose. A standard Class C license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs less than a commercial license. The Carrollton office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards; they do not accept checks or money orders.

If you are renewing a license, the fee is lower than the fee for a new license. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you pay a replacement fee. Ask the DPS employee at check-in what your specific fee will be based on your transaction type.

If You Cannot Get an Appointment in Carrollton

The Carrollton office sometimes has no available appointments for several weeks, especially during summer and around the end of the month. Rather than wait, check the Texas DPS website for real-time availability at other Dallas-Fort Worth offices. The Arlington, Irving, Plano, and Garland DPS offices often have sooner openings.

You can schedule an appointment at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one closest to you. Your license will be the same regardless of which office issues it. If you are willing to travel 20 or 30 minutes, you may be able to get tested within days instead of weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test at Carrollton if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the written test, but you must still pass the road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and your vehicle. You will skip the written portion and go straight to the driving exam.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment at the Carrollton office or any other DPS location. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas, so you can retake the test as soon as another appointment is available. You will pay the test fee again.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. You need one document that proves your Social Security number. A W-2, 1099, or Social Security benefit statement counts. You do not need to bring the card itself.

Is the Carrollton office open on weekends?

No. The Carrollton DPS office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Check the Texas DPS website for exact hours, as they may vary by season or holiday.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot return to the office?

No. You must pick up your license in person at the office where you took your test. Bring your receipt and a photo ID. Licenses are usually ready within one business day of passing your test.