Where to get your Texas driver's license in Plano

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates the driver's license office in Plano at 2610 Coit Road, Plano, TX 75023. This is a full-service location where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or update your information. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

If you want to avoid a long wait, you can check the current wait time online through the Texas DPS website before you go. Early mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. The office is closed on Sundays and some state holidays.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you cannot be renewing for the first time. Not everyone qualifies for mail or online renewal, so check the Texas DPS website to see if your situation allows it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Plano DPS office is located at 2610 Coit Road and handles new applications, renewals, and updates without requiring an appointment.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence to explore for a Texas driver's license.
  • The cost of a standard driver's license is $45 for a five-year license or $90 for an eight-year license, and payment is cash, check, or card.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.
  • Mail and online renewal are available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical restrictions.

Documents you need to bring to the Plano office

Texas requires four categories of documents before you can receive a driver's license. You must bring one document from each category, and originals are required — photocopies are not accepted.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID, or a tribal ID all work. A school ID or work ID does not.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current address. A PO box does not count as a residence address.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number. A tax return or bank statement showing only the last four digits does not work.

Proof of lawful presence: A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, you will need to show a visa or other federal immigration document.

The cost and types of Texas driver's licenses

A standard five-year driver's license costs $45. An eight-year license costs $90. Both are valid for driving in Texas and the rest of the United States. The DPS office in Plano accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.

If you are 85 years old or older, your license is free and valid for four years. If you are a veteran, you can request a veteran designation on your license at no extra cost.

Texas also offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which costs the same as a standard license but is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a Real ID and need to fly domestically, you will need to show a passport or other federal ID instead.

If you are under 18: learner's permit and restrictions

If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to a driver's license. You must first complete a driver education course (either classroom or online), then explore for a learner's permit at the DPS office. The permit costs $16 and is valid for two years.

Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After six months with your permit, you can schedule a driving test at the Plano DPS office. The test includes a written exam and a behind-the-wheel exam. Once you pass, you receive your driver's license with restrictions that last until you turn 18 — you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

Renewing your license in Plano

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it at the Plano office. Bring your current or expired license plus proof of residency. The renewal process is faster than a new process and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore as if it were new — you will need all four categories of documents (identity, residency, Social Security, and lawful presence) and you must pass the written test again. You do not need to take the driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit the Plano office. Mail renewals take about two weeks after the DPS receives your process. Online renewal is faster — you can renew in minutes and your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Changing your address or name on your Texas license

If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this at the Plano DPS office by bringing your current license and proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change, and you do not need to take any tests.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. A name change also costs nothing and does not require a new photo or test.

What to expect on the day of your visit

Arrive at the Plano DPS office with all your documents organized and ready to show. The staff will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. If you are explore for a new license, you will take a written test at a computer terminal in the office — the test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to complete it, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.

If you pass the written test and all your documents are in order, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Texas driver's license the same day I explore in Plano?

No. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The DPS does not issue licenses on-site on the day of process.

Do I need an appointment at the Plano DPS office?

No appointment is required. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. You can check the current wait time on the Texas DPS website before you go.

What if I fail the written test at the Plano office?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. If you fail again, you must wait one day before taking it a third time. After three failures, you must wait one week before trying again.

Can I renew my Texas license online if I live in Plano?

Yes, if your license expired within the last two years, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not renewing for the first time. Online renewal takes a few minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What if my documents are from outside the United States?

Foreign documents must be certified or notarized, and you must provide a certified English translation. Bring the original foreign document, the certified translation, and your visa or immigration document to the Plano office.