Texas DPS offices are the only place to get a driver license, and you can find your nearest location through the official DPS website or by phone

You cannot get a Texas driver license at a county courthouse, city hall, or third-party vendor. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only agency that issues driver licenses in Texas. DPS operates a network of driver license offices across the state, and you must visit one in person to complete your written test, road test, and final license issuance.

The fastest way to find your nearest office is to visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use their office locator tool. You can search by city, zip code, or county. If you do not have internet access, you can call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 and they will tell you the closest office, hours, and whether you need an appointment.

Not all DPS offices offer the same services. Some locations handle written tests only, while others offer both written and road tests. A few offices are appointment-only, while others accept walk-ins during certain hours. Before you go, confirm that your chosen office offers the specific service you need — especially if you are ready for your road test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS website locator tool shows every driver license office in your area, along with hours and services offered.
  • Some DPS offices handle written tests only, while others offer both written and road tests, so check before you visit.
  • Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online or by phone at 1-888-589-6556.
  • Bring all required documents — your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — or the office will turn you away.

How to use the DPS office locator online

Go to dps.texas.gov/driverlicense and look for the "Find a Driver License Office" link on the main page. Click it, and you will see a search box where you can enter your city, zip code, or county name. The tool will show you every DPS office within that area, listed by distance from your location.

Each office listing includes the street address, phone number, hours of operation, and a note about which services are available there. Some offices show "Written Test Only" or "Road Test Available." This matters: if you need a road test and the nearest office only does written tests, you will need to travel farther or schedule your road test at a different location on a different day.

The locator also tells you whether the office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins. If an office is appointment-only, the listing will say so clearly. You can usually schedule an appointment directly through the website or by calling the office number shown.

Scheduling an appointment at your chosen office

Most Texas DPS offices now use an appointment system, especially for road tests. To schedule, you have two options: book online through the DPS website, or call the office directly. Online scheduling is usually faster — you pick your date and time slot, and you get a confirmation number when ready.

If you call to schedule, have your name, date of birth, and the type of test you need ready. The staff member will tell you available dates and times and confirm your appointment over the phone. Write down your confirmation number and the date and time you were given.

Appointment wait times vary by location and season. In busy urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, you may wait several weeks for a road test appointment, especially in summer. Rural areas often have shorter waits. If your nearest office has a long wait, ask whether you can schedule at a less busy location — you do not have to use the closest office, and traveling farther might get you tested sooner.

What to bring to your DPS office visit

Before you go, gather all required documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or school ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. If you do not have all three, the office will not test you and you will have wasted the trip.

Bring the originals, not copies. DPS staff must see the actual documents to verify them. If your proof of residency is old or unclear, bring two documents instead of one — a utility bill plus a lease, for example. This reduces the chance of rejection.

Wear clothes you can move in for your road test. You will need to sit in a car, turn the wheel, and use the pedals, so avoid very tight clothing or shoes that make it hard to feel the pedals. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them — you must wear the same correction you used when you took your vision test.

Walk-in offices and when to expect them

A small number of DPS offices still accept walk-ins without an appointment, though this is becoming less common. If you find a walk-in office near you, arrive early — these offices often fill up by mid-morning, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. You may wait 1 to 3 hours even if you arrive early.

Walk-in availability changes without notice. An office that accepted walk-ins last month may require appointments this month. Always call ahead or check the website before you show up, even if you remember it being walk-in before.

If you cannot get an appointment at your preferred location and no walk-in offices are nearby, consider visiting a less busy area. Rural DPS offices often have shorter waits and may have same-week appointments available. The drive may be worth it if it means you can test sooner.

What happens during your office visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your name and confirmation number if you have an appointment. You will be called to a station where staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The fee for a five-year license is $48; a ten-year license costs $65 (if you are over 85, the fee is lower).

If you are there for a written test, you will be directed to a computer station where you will take the exam. You have 45 minutes to answer 30 questions about Texas traffic laws. You must score at least 21 correct to pass. Results are when ready — you will know before you leave.

If you are there for a road test, an examiner will meet you in the parking lot, inspect your vehicle, and take you on a 20-minute drive through local streets. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes — and will watch how you handle traffic, stop signs, and speed limits. You will get your results the same day.

If your nearest office is far away

Texas is large, and some people live far from any DPS office. If you are more than 30 minutes from the nearest location, you have a few options. First, check whether a less busy office farther away has shorter appointment wait times — sometimes it is worth the drive to test sooner. Second, ask the DPS whether you can take your written test at one office and your road test at another; some regions allow this.

If you live in a very remote area, contact DPS directly at 1-888-589-6556 and explain your situation. They may be able to direct you to a mobile testing unit or a satellite office that serves your region on certain days. These are rare, but they exist in some rural counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my written test at one DPS office and my road test at another?

Yes, in most cases. Your written test results are recorded in the DPS system, so you can schedule your road test at any DPS office in Texas. This is useful if one office has a shorter wait for road tests or is more convenient for you. Call ahead to confirm the second office offers road testing.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss an appointment without canceling, you will lose your spot and may have to wait weeks for another one. If you cannot make it, cancel online or call the office as soon as you know. This frees up the slot for someone else and lets you reschedule for a date that works.

Do I need to bring my learner permit to the DPS office?

Yes, bring your learner permit to both your written test and road test appointments. It proves you are authorized to drive under supervision and that you have already passed the vision and written knowledge tests. Without it, the office may not let you test.

Are there DPS offices in shopping centers or malls?

No. All DPS driver license offices are standalone locations or in government buildings. They are not in shopping centers, malls, or private businesses. Use the DPS office locator to find the exact address of your nearest office.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass my road test?

You will receive a temporary paper license the day you pass your road test. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The paper license is valid for driving when ready, so you can drive alone as soon as you leave the office.