Where to go for your Texas driver's license in Waco
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license system in Texas. In Waco, you get your license at the DPS Driver License office located at 1100 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. This is the only place in Waco where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.
You can also renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. The DPS website lets you start a renewal online, but you will still need to visit the office in person if you are getting a license for the first time or if your circumstances have changed.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS Driver License office at 1100 Franklin Avenue in Waco is where you take your tests and get your photo taken for a new Texas driver's license.
- You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the DPS website lists which documents count for each.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free DPS handbook before you go.
- Vision and driving tests happen the same day if you pass the written test, so plan for the full appointment to take one to two hours.
- Fees vary by license type and age, but a standard five-year driver's license costs around $45 to $65 depending on whether you renew in person or online.
What documents you need to bring
Texas requires three types of proof before you can get a driver's license: identity, residency, and Social Security number. You do not need all three from the same document — you can mix and match.
For proof of identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents like a school ID plus a Social Security card, or a work ID plus a utility bill.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Waco address on it. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to fill out an affidavit at the office.
How to prepare for the written test
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the DPS office.
The DPS publishes a free handbook called the Texas Driver Handbook on its website. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. The handbook covers everything on the test — right-of-way rules, speed limits, what different signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most people study the handbook for a few hours before their appointment.
If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day at no extra cost. If you fail twice, you have to wait 24 hours before you can try a third time.
Vision and driving test requirements
After you pass the written test, you take a vision test at the same appointment. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You need to be able to read letters and numbers on a chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can wear them during the test.
If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the driving test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if you need one, and come back to the DPS office with a form signed by the doctor saying you can drive safely.
The driving test happens after you pass the vision test. A DPS examiner rides with you in your own car (or a car you borrow) and watches you perform tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You need to show that you can control the car safely and follow traffic laws.
Fees and how long it takes
A standard five-year driver's license costs between $45 and $65, depending on your age and whether you renew online or in person. A Real ID-compliant license costs a few dollars more. If you are 85 or older, you can get a license valid for two years at a lower cost.
The appointment itself usually takes one to two hours from the time you arrive. Bring your documents, arrive early, and be ready to wait — the Waco office can be busy during lunch hours and late afternoons. You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go.
After you pass all three tests, you get a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited processing.
Real ID requirements for federal purposes
A standard Texas driver's license works for driving and most everyday purposes. However, starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner.
Getting a Real ID license costs a few dollars more than a standard license and requires one extra document: proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address must come from documents issued by the federal government or a utility company. The process is the same — you still go to the DPS office in Waco and take the same tests.
If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can renew early and pay the difference. You do not have to wait until your current license expires.
What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license
If your Texas license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward go to the DPS office and get a new one. You must first clear the suspension or revocation with the agency that imposed it — usually the Texas Department of Public Safety, the court system, or the Texas Department of Transportation.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or driving without insurance. You will need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or satisfy a court order before the suspension is lifted. Once it is lifted, you can go to the DPS office in Waco and explore for a new license.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check the DPS website or call the Waco office directly at the phone number listed on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment at the Waco DPS office or do I just walk in?
The Waco DPS office takes both walk-ins and appointments. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which usually reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis, but wait times can be long during peak hours.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can take the driving test again, but you have to wait at least one day before your next attempt. You do not have to retake the written test or vision test. Each driving test attempt costs the same fee as the first one.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes, you need to bring a car that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car must have working brakes, lights, and wipers. If you do not have access to a car, some driving schools in Waco offer test vehicles for a fee.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.
What if I moved to Waco from another state?
You need to get a Texas driver's license within 30 days of moving to Texas. You will need to surrender your out-of-state license and take the written, vision, and driving tests just like a first-time applicant. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity.