Visiting the Texas DMV: appointments, what to bring and what to expect

In Texas, DPS handles driver licenses and county tax offices handle vehicles for TxDMV. What you can do online, how DPS appointments work, and which documents and payment to bring.

Guide · Texas · Appointments · updated October 29, 2026

Texas splits the work usually done by a "DMV" between two state agencies. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver licenses, learner licenses and ID cards at its driver license offices. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) handles only vehicles: titles, registration and plates. TxDMV says most motorists do that business at their county tax assessor-collector's office, which processes transactions on TxDMV's behalf. This guide covers what you can do without going in, how to book a DPS visit, and what to bring.

Who handles what

• DPS driver license offices: new licenses and ID cards, learner and provisional licenses for teens, testing, in-office renewals and replacements.
• County tax assessor-collector offices: initial registration for people moving to Texas, registration renewals, title transfers, address changes on vehicle records, disabled parking placards and temporary registration. TxDMV notes that these offices are run independently by each county, so hours and services vary; contact your county office for its current hours and services.
• TxDMV Regional Service Centers (16 statewide): replacement titles, title error corrections, vehicle transfer notifications and title history inquiries. TxDMV's RSC appointment page books slots for the current business day and the next two.

For offices near you, see the Texas DMV office list on this site.

Check whether you need to visit at all

DPS encourages eligible customers to use its online services. Through Texas.gov you can:

• Renew a driver license, CDL or ID card, if you are eligible. The Texas license renewal guide explains who qualifies.
• Change the address on your license or ID.
• Order a replacement card, if nothing on the front changes. You need your card number, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number and the card's audit number.
• Request your driver record, check your driving eligibility and fees owed, and pay reinstatement fees.
• Track a card you recently renewed or changed.

DPS also says you may be able to do a driver license or ID transaction by telephone or by mail. It also announces that a virtual renewal or replacement through the MyTexasDPS app is coming soon, for eligible customers.

For vehicles, you can renew registration online through Texas by Texas, by mail or in person. See the Texas vehicle registration guide.

DPS appointments

DPS offers all in-office driver license and ID card services by appointment only. The FAQ Do I need an appointment at a Texas DPS driver license office? has the short answer. The main rules from DPS:

• Book online at txdpsscheduler.com, up to six months ahead. The scheduler also tells you if your transaction can be done online instead.
• Same-day slots are released at most offices during the day and fill quickly. If you arrive without an appointment, you can use the office's self-service kiosk to book a slot that day, if one is open, or another day or office.
• Timing: arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your appointment. Appointments are cancelled after 30 minutes.
• Who can come in: generally only the customer. DPS makes exceptions for ADA accommodations, customers with small children, elderly persons and business needs such as parental authorization or an address change.
• Holding both a license and an ID: Texas allows only one. To switch, choose "Service Not Listed" when booking and be ready to surrender the card you have.

New residents can book without an existing Texas license or ID.

What to bring to DPS

For a new license, DPS lists:

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship, or of lawful presence if you are not a U.S. citizen.
2. Proof of identity.
3. Your Social Security number, which DPS verifies electronically.
4. Two proofs of Texas residency, printed, each showing your name and Texas residential address. One must show you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. That 30-day rule is waived if you are surrendering a valid license or ID from another state. Accepted documents include a lease or mortgage document, a utility bill dated within 180 days, a Texas voter registration card, an insurance policy and a bank statement dated within 180 days.
5. Proof of insurance for each vehicle you own, or a statement that you do not own one.
6. Evidence of Texas vehicle registration for each vehicle you own, if you are a new resident surrendering an out-of-state license.

DPS's online REAL ID Document Check tool asks you questions and builds a personal list of the documents you need. Use it before your appointment. Background: REAL ID explained.

Forms to fill in beforehand

• Form DL-14A: the application for a driver license or ID card, also used for renewals and replacements. It is available online or at the office.
• Form DL-14B: the application for a teen learner license.
• Form 130-U: TxDMV's Application for Texas Title and/or Registration, for vehicle transactions at the county tax office.

DPS says an online application for a license or ID is coming soon.

Paying

DPS driver license offices accept credit cards, cash, checks, money orders and tap-to-pay, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. The appointment page says checks must be for the correct amount and that credit cards are preferred. For vehicles, TxDMV says accepted payment methods vary by county, so check with your county tax office.

At the counter

At a DPS office, a license and permit specialist reviews your application and documents. You then give your signature and thumbprints, have your photo taken, pay the fee and take a vision exam. First-time applicants also take the knowledge and driving skills tests. You leave with a temporary license; check it for errors before you go. DPS says the permanent card usually arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks, and you can track it online.

Accessibility

DPS says it tries to provide reasonable accommodations at its offices for customers with disabilities. You request one through an online form on its Assistance for People with Disabilities page. DPS asks you to allow up to two business days for a reply. It will then call you to discuss the request and aims to arrange the accommodation within four business days of that reply.