San Antonio DPS Driver License Offices and Their Locations

San Antonio has two full-service Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license offices where you can explore for, renew, or replace your license. The main office is located at 4821 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, and a second location operates at 7959 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229. Both offices handle the same services: new license applications, renewals, replacements, and corrections to your record.

Each office operates on the same schedule and requires the same documents, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Medical Drive location typically serves more customers, particularly during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). The Wurzbach Road office is often less crowded, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Neither office requires an appointment. You walk in, take a number, and wait your turn. However, Texas DPS now offers an online system to check current wait times at both San Antonio locations before you leave home. Visit the DPS website, enter your county (Bexar), and select the office you plan to visit to see real-time wait estimates.

Key Takeaways

  • San Antonio has two DPS driver license offices: one at 4821 Medical Drive and one at 7959 Wurzbach Road, both open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • You do not need an appointment; both offices operate on a walk-in basis, but you can check wait times online before you go.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) to any transaction.
  • The Wurzbach Road location is typically less crowded than Medical Drive, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
  • Fees for renewals, replacements, and new licenses vary by license type and validity period; bring cash, debit, or credit card.

Hours of Operation and How to Plan Your Visit

Both San Antonio DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch closure from noon to 1:00 p.m. They are closed on weekends and all state and federal holidays. The offices stop accepting new customers at 4:30 p.m., so arrive before that time if you want to be seen the same day.

Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. are typically the least crowded times. Mondays, Fridays, and afternoons after 2:00 p.m. tend to have longer waits. If you have a complex transaction—such as a name change, a corrected birth certificate, or a medical condition affecting your vision or mobility—call ahead to the office you plan to visit. Staff can tell you whether you need additional documents or whether your situation requires extra time.

The Wurzbach Road office phone number is (210) 207-2500. The Medical Drive office phone number is (210) 207-2700. Both numbers connect you to the same DPS customer service line, which can answer questions about documents, fees, and processing times.

Documents You Must Bring

Every transaction at a San Antonio DPS office requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Missing any one of these will stop your transaction, so verify you have all three before you leave home.

Proof of identity must be an original document (not a photocopy) and can be a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or permanent resident card. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current San Antonio address.

If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you may not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number—your current license serves as proof. However, if your license is expired, suspended, or you are changing your address, you must bring all three document categories. When in doubt, bring everything.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Texas depend on the type of license, the validity period you choose, and whether you are renewing, replacing, or explore for a new license. A standard Class C driver license renewal costs between $25 and $40, depending on whether you choose a four-year or six-year license. A replacement (for a lost, stolen, or damaged license) costs $11. A new license process for a first-time driver costs between $25 and $40.

All San Antonio DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you pay by card, bring the card itself—you cannot pay over the phone or online for in-person services. Fees are set by the state and do not vary between locations.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and must bring their own proof of identity and residency. Minors cannot renew or explore for a license without a parent or guardian in the office.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at either San Antonio office, you will take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The office displays your number on a digital board when it is your turn. Walk to the window indicated and present your documents to the clerk. The clerk will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information on file, and may ask you questions about your driving history or medical conditions.

If you are renewing a license, the process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. If you are explore for a new license, you will also take a photograph and a vision test at the office. The vision test is straightforward: you look into a machine and read letters or numbers. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. The photograph is taken by the clerk or an automated camera; you cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless for religious reasons.

After the clerk processes your transaction, you will receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using your receipt until your new license arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at the office for an additional fee, though this is rarely necessary.

Special Situations and Additional Services

If you need to change your name on your license—due to marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). A photocopy will not be accepted. The name change process takes the same amount of time as a renewal and costs the same fee.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor. Conditions such as seizure disorders, severe vision loss, or cognitive impairment may result in restrictions on your license (such as daylight-only driving or corrective lenses required). The DPS office can tell you whether your condition requires documentation; call ahead if you are unsure.

If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa or work authorization, you can obtain a driver license at either San Antonio office. Bring your passport, visa, and I-94 arrival/departure record (if applicable). Non-citizens can renew their license only as long as their immigration status remains valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Texas allows online renewal only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical updates. You can renew online through the DPS website if you meet these conditions. If your license is expired or you need to update any information, you must visit a San Antonio office in person.

What if I lost my documents and cannot bring proof of residency?

If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring two documents from an alternate list: a bank statement, government mail, insurance policy, or vehicle registration. The documents must still be dated within 90 days and show your current San Antonio address. If you have no documents at all, call the office before you go; staff can advise you on other options.

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

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. You can drive legally using your receipt during this time. If you need your license urgently, ask the clerk about a temporary paper license, though this adds an extra fee and is not always necessary.

Do I need to take a driving test at the DPS office?

No. The DPS office administers a vision test and a written knowledge test only if you are explore for a new license for the first time or if your license has been suspended or revoked. If you are renewing an existing license, you take only the vision test. The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices.

What if the office is too crowded when I arrive?

You can leave and return another day. Your number is not valid once you leave the office. Check the online wait time tool before you go, or call the office to ask about typical wait times for that day. Arriving early on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning usually means a shorter wait.