Texas Driver's Licenses Are Issued Only at DPS Offices

You cannot get a Texas driver's license at a county courthouse, city hall, or any office other than a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. DPS is the only state agency that issues driver's licenses in Texas. You must visit one of these offices in person to explore for a new license, renew an expired one, or make changes to your current license.

Texas has DPS Driver License offices in every county. The office you visit depends on where you live or where you prefer to go — you are not required to use the office closest to your home, though many people do for convenience. Each office handles the same transactions and uses the same forms and requirements.

You cannot complete a driver's license transaction online, by mail, or by phone, except for certain renewals of standard licenses that meet specific conditions. Even then, you will eventually need to visit an office in person to renew your photo and update your address or other information.

Key Takeaways

  • All Texas driver's licenses are issued only at DPS Driver License Division offices, which exist in every county.
  • You must explore in person for a new license or a commercial driver's license (CDL), and you cannot use mail, phone, or online channels for these transactions.
  • Standard license renewals can sometimes be done online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, but you will need to renew in person every eight to ten years.
  • DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch.
  • You will need to bring specific documents — a Real ID-compliant document, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — to any DPS office visit.

Finding the DPS Office Nearest You

The Texas DPS website has a Driver License Office Locator tool that shows the address, phone number, and hours of every DPS office in the state. You can search by city name, county, or zip code. The locator is at the main DPS website under the Driver License Division section.

Each office has its own hours. Most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., and a few have different schedules. Hours also change seasonally or during holidays. Call the office directly or check the locator before you go — arriving at a closed office wastes a trip.

Some larger cities have multiple DPS offices. If you live in or near Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or Austin, you may have several options. Smaller towns may have only one office serving the entire county. If your county office is far away, you can visit any DPS office in Texas; your license will be mailed to the address you provide, regardless of which office you visit.

What Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

You will need to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The DPS office staff will check your documents before you take the written test or photo. Bring more documents than you think you need, because if one is rejected, you may not be able to complete your transaction that day.

For a new license or a renewal that requires in-person service, you must bring:

  • A Real ID-compliant document (a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or military ID) to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency.
  • Proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form).
  • Proof of current Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days, or a government letter with your name and address).
  • Your current driver's license or ID card, if you have one.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present.

Appointment vs. Walk-In at DPS Offices

Most DPS offices accept both walk-ins and appointments. During busy times — typically mid-morning on weekdays and all day on Saturdays — wait times can be one to three hours or longer. Scheduling an appointment through the DPS website or by phone usually shortens your wait to 15 to 30 minutes.

To schedule an appointment, visit the DPS website and use the online appointment system, or call the office directly. You will need to select the type of transaction (new license, renewal, CDL, etc.) and a date and time. Some offices fill their appointment slots weeks in advance, especially in large cities.

If you cannot get an appointment or prefer to walk in, go early in the morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday. Avoid Mondays and Fridays, which tend to be busier. Bring something to read or do — DPS offices do not always have seating for everyone waiting.

What Happens During Your DPS Office Visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number or be called to a window. A DPS employee will review your documents, verify your information against state records, and ask you to sign forms. You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs (unless you are renewing a standard license and do not need to retake the test).

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening and have your photo taken for your license. The DPS office will tell you when your license will arrive by mail — standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during peak times. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card.

If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is longer. You will take a more detailed written test, a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a driving test with a DPS examiner. CDL appointments must be scheduled in advance, and the entire process can take several hours.

Fees and Payment Methods at DPS Offices

DPS offices charge a fee for each transaction. A standard five-year driver's license costs $25. A standard eight-year license (for drivers 67 and older) costs $20. A commercial driver's license costs more and varies by endorsement type. Renewal fees are the same as new license fees.

DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may not accept checks. Ask when you call or check the office's page on the DPS website to confirm what payment methods that specific office takes.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can request a replacement at any DPS office. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is processed the same way.

Online and Mail Renewals for Standard Licenses Only

If your standard (non-commercial) driver's license is not yet expired and you have not changed your name, you may be able to renew online through the DPS website without visiting an office. Online renewal is available only if your license was not suspended or revoked and you do not need to update your address or other information.

Online renewal costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete the online transaction, and your plastic card will arrive by mail.

Mail renewal is also available under the same conditions. You can request a mail renewal form from the DPS website or by calling a DPS office. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks — because the form must be processed manually.

Even if you renew online or by mail, you will eventually need to visit a DPS office in person. Texas requires all driver's licenses to be renewed in person every eight to ten years so that your photo can be updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I live outside Texas?

No. You must be a Texas resident to get a Texas driver's license. You need proof of current Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or similar document dated within the last 30 days). If you move to Texas, you have 30 days to get a Texas license before driving with an out-of-state license becomes illegal.

What if I cannot find my Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card. Bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other official document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number before you visit the DPS office.

Do I have to take the written test if I am renewing my license?

Not always. If you are renewing a standard license and your license is not expired, you may not need to retake the test. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to retake the test as if you were explore for a new license. Ask the DPS office when you call to confirm what you will need to do.

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

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive when ready. Your plastic card will arrive by mail at the address you provided. Processing can take longer during peak times, such as summer or after holidays.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. Your license is mailed directly to you at the address you provided during your DPS office visit. You cannot pick it up at the office or have someone else collect it. If you move before your license arrives, contact the DPS office to update your mailing address.