Where the Fort Worth Driver's License Office Is Located

The main Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office in Fort Worth is at 1919 Hemphill Street, Fort Worth, TX 76110. This is the office that handles most driver's license transactions for Tarrant County residents, including new licenses, renewals, replacements, and road tests.

Fort Worth also has a second location at 3201 Mercado Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76111, which operates as a satellite office. Both locations are run by the Texas DPS and handle the same types of transactions, though wait times and hours may differ between them.

Before you go to either location, check the Texas DPS website or call ahead to confirm current hours. DPS offices sometimes adjust their schedules, and some services may require an appointment rather than walk-in service.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Worth has two DPS driver's license offices: the main office at 1919 Hemphill Street and a satellite location at 3201 Mercado Drive.
  • Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and road tests, but you should call or check online first to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
  • Bring your original documents (birth certificate, proof of residency, Social Security card) because the office will not accept copies for most transactions.
  • Road tests are scheduled through the DPS, and you must bring your own vehicle and a licensed adult if you are under 18.
  • Wait times are often shorter at the Mercado Drive location, especially on weekday mornings.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires original documents for most driver's license transactions — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of current residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).

If you are explore for your first license or a learner's permit, bring your birth certificate, not a copy. If you are renewing or replacing a license, you may be able to do some transactions online or by mail, which means you do not have to visit the office in person.

Bring your current driver's license if you have one. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

How to Schedule a Road Test in Fort Worth

Road tests in Fort Worth are scheduled through the Texas DPS, and you cannot straightforward walk in and take one. You must first have a learner's permit and then schedule your test appointment online through the DPS website or by calling the Fort Worth office directly.

When you call to schedule, have your learner's permit number ready. The DPS will give you a date and time, usually within two to four weeks depending on how busy the office is. You must bring your own vehicle (it must be registered and insured), your learner's permit, and a valid ID. If you are under 18, you must also bring a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

The test itself takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. You will drive on local streets, not highways. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but there is usually a waiting period before you can retake it.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive early — the Fort Worth offices get busy, especially on Thursdays and Fridays and during lunch hours. If you do not have an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and which location you choose. The Mercado Drive office tends to have shorter waits on weekday mornings.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will then wait for your number to be called. When it is, a clerk will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and process your transaction. Most visits take 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the window.

If you are taking a written test (for a learner's permit or license), you will be directed to a testing station after your documents are processed. The written test takes about 30 minutes. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

Renewal and Replacement Services

If your license is expiring soon or you have lost it, you do not always have to visit the Fort Worth office in person. Texas allows online renewal for some drivers and mail-in renewal for others. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo.

If you need to renew in person or replace a lost or stolen license, visit either Fort Worth office. Bring your current license (if you have it), proof of residency, and your Social Security card. A replacement license costs less than a new license and takes the same amount of time to process.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at the office if you need to drive before your permanent license arrives.

Contact Information and Hours

The main Fort Worth DPS office phone number is (817) 465-2000. You can also visit the Texas DPS website to check current hours, schedule a road test, or renew your license online. Hours vary by location and season, so always call or check online before you go.

Both the Hemphill Street and Mercado Drive offices are typically open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Some services, such as road tests, may have different scheduling windows than regular office hours.

If you cannot reach the Fort Worth office by phone, you can also visit a DPS office in a nearby city such as Arlington or Irving, though you may have longer waits. All Texas DPS offices handle the same transactions and accept the same documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to get a driver's license in Fort Worth?

Appointments are not required for most transactions like renewals or replacements, but road tests must be scheduled in advance. You can walk in for a written test or license renewal, but you will wait longer during busy hours. Call ahead to ask about appointment availability for your specific transaction.

Can I take my road test at the Mercado Drive location?

Yes, both Fort Worth locations schedule road tests. Call the main office number to schedule, and you can request either location. The Mercado Drive office sometimes has shorter wait times for test appointments.

What happens if I fail my written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts for the written test. You must pay the test fee again if you retake it.

How long does it take to get my new license after my visit?

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Yes, if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. Visit the Texas DPS website to renew online. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at the Fort Worth office.