Where the Garland DPS Office Is and What It Handles

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Garland is located at 1102 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. This office issues standard driver's licenses, Real ID compliant licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDL), and handles renewals and replacements. It also processes learner permits and issues identification cards if you do not drive.

The Garland office serves residents across the Dallas area and surrounding communities. You can visit in person to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or update your information. The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are handled by your county tax assessor-collector's office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DPS office is at 1102 West Avenue D and handles driver's licenses, Real ID licenses, CDLs, and learner permits.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the exact documents depend on whether you are explore for a standard or Real ID license.
  • Wait times vary by time of day and day of week, and the office does not take appointments — service is first-come, first-served.
  • Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and require additional documents, but are required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For a standard driver's license, acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license. You cannot use a school ID or work ID alone.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You do not need a separate document for Social Security — your Social Security card itself counts as proof, or you can bring a W-2 form or tax return showing your number.

If you are explore for a Real ID license, you need everything above plus one additional document proving your lawful status in the United States. This can be your U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and cost more than standard licenses.

What to Expect When You Arrive

The Garland office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take appointments. You will receive a number when you arrive and wait until your number is called. Wait times depend on the time of day and day of week; mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. The office is closed Sundays and some state holidays.

When your number is called, you will go to a window where staff will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will also take a vision test at that time. If you are explore for a learner permit or your first license, you will need to pass a written knowledge test before you leave — you can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free online at the DPS website.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs $33. A Real ID license costs $37. If you are under 18, a license is valid for four years and costs $27. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees depending on the class and endorsements you need.

The Garland office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but it is safest to bring cash or a card. Fees are set by the state and do not vary between offices.

Renewing or Replacing Your License Without Visiting in Person

If your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than two years, you may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website. Online renewal works only if you have not had any address changes, name changes, or corrections to your vision or medical information since your last license was issued. The online renewal fee is $33 for a standard license.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit an office in person. You cannot renew by mail in Texas. If your license was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by mail, but you will still need to visit an office if you want to update your photograph or information.

Real ID vs. Standard License: What You Need to Know

A Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard Texas driver's license cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025, unless you have a passport or other federal ID. If you fly domestically or visit federal courthouses, national parks, or military bases, you will need either a Real ID license or another form of federal ID.

Real ID requires one extra document proving your lawful status in the U.S., and the license costs $4 more than a standard license. The process process is otherwise the same. If you are unsure whether you need Real ID, the safest choice is to get it — the extra cost is small, and it gives you more options for travel and federal building access.

What to Do If You Have an Expired License or Suspended Status

If your license is expired, you can still visit the office and renew it in person. There is no penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for a short time. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on your age and how long it has been expired.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Garland office. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — this might mean paying traffic fines, completing a defensive driving course, or paying child support arrears. Once the suspension is lifted, you can visit the office to reinstate your license. The DPS website shows your license status if you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth.

Hours and Contact Information

The Garland DPS office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is closed Sundays and state holidays. The phone number is (469) 326-5000, though wait times on the phone can be long. For general questions about driver's licenses, you can also visit the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov.

If you cannot reach the Garland office by phone, you can visit the office in person or contact the DPS main office in Austin. The Garland location is one of many DPS offices across Texas, so if you cannot visit Garland, you can go to any other DPS office in the state — your license will be processed the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Garland office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait until your number is called. There is no way to book an appointment in advance.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Garland?

You can renew online if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than two years, and if you have not changed your address, name, or medical information since your last license was issued. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must visit an office in person.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form showing your Social Security number instead. You do not need the card itself — any official document with your number on it counts as proof.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready. Your plastic card is mailed to you and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, the paper license is your legal proof of driving privilege.

Can I get a Real ID license at the Garland office?

Yes. Bring proof of your lawful status in the U.S. (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document) along with your other documents. The process is the same as a standard license, and the Real ID costs $4 more.