How to Get or Renew Your Driver's License in San Antonio

Where to get your San Antonio driver's license

In San Antonio, you get your driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS has one full-service office in San Antonio where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license. That office is located at 7575 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78216, and it handles all driver's license transactions for the area.

You cannot get a Texas driver's license from the San Antonio city government, the Bexar County tax assessor, or any other local office. The DPS is the only place that issues them. If you need to renew by mail or online, those options exist but have specific requirements covered below.

The DPS office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by season and staffing, so call ahead at 1-888-589-6556 or check the DPS website before you go. Wait times can be long during lunch hours and on Fridays, so arriving early in the morning on a weekday other than Friday usually means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

The Texas DPS office at 7575 Blanco Road is the only place in San Antonio that issues driver's licenses.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
A new license costs $45 and is valid for six years; a renewal costs $45 and extends your license for six more years.
You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have no medical conditions that require a new photo.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with you at the DPS office.

Documents you need to bring

The DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Bringing the wrong documents will delay your transaction or force you to come back another day.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you will need to contact the DPS before you go to the office.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current San Antonio address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows your address. If you are homeless or living temporarily, ask the DPS office about alternative documents.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, bring documentation of your process for one. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Cost and how long a license lasts

A new Texas driver's license costs $45. A renewal also costs $45. If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the replacement also costs $45. These prices do not change based on age or driving record.

A standard driver's license is valid for six years from the date you receive it. If you turn 79 before your license expires, your license will expire on your 79th birthday instead. If you are under 18 when you get your license, it will expire on your 18th birthday, and you will need to renew it in person at that time.

You do not pay extra for a REAL ID-compliant license. All Texas driver's licenses issued since 2017 are REAL ID-compliant, which means they can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your license is older than that, you can renew it to get a REAL ID license, or you can use a passport for federal purposes.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your current license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, you can renew without going to the DPS office. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if your license is valid, you have no address changes, you have no medical conditions that would require a new photo, and you are not changing your name. The online renewal costs $45 and takes about 10 business days.

You can also renew by mail if you meet the same conditions. Mail your current license, a completed DL-44 form (available on the DPS website), and a check or money order for $45 to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually three to four weeks — because the DPS has to process it and mail your new license back to you.

If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to the DPS office in person and explore for a new license. The same rule applies if you have changed your address, changed your name, or have a medical condition that requires a new photo.

What to expect when you arrive at the DPS office

When you arrive at the DPS office on Blanco Road, you will take a number from the ticket machine and wait for your number to be called. Bring all your documents with you. Do not leave them in the car.

When you reach the window, the DPS employee will check your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photograph. You will also take a vision test at the window. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. The DPS will not let you retake the vision test on the same day if you fail, so if you think your vision might be a problem, get it checked before you go.

After the employee processes your process, you will pay the $45 fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

If you are under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with you at the DPS office. The parent or guardian must bring their own proof of identity and proof of residency. You cannot explore for a license without them.

If you are under 18, your license will expire on your 18th birthday, not six years from the date you receive it. When you turn 18, you will need to renew your license in person at the DPS office. You can renew it online or by mail after that, as long as you meet the conditions for remote renewal.

Texas has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. Your first license will have restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you. These restrictions are printed on your license. You can read the full rules on the DPS website.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the DPS office and tell the employee. You will fill out a form, pay $45, and receive a temporary paper license that day. Your replacement license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.

You do not need to report a lost or stolen license to the police unless you believe someone has used it fraudulently. If you suspect fraud, contact the DPS and your local police department.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive. You do not have to replace it when ready. However, if the DPS employee at the window cannot read it, they may ask you to replace it before they renew it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have either, bring documentation showing you have applied for one. The DPS will issue your license while your process is pending, but you will need to provide your SSN or ITIN within 60 days or your license will be suspended.

What if I moved to San Antonio from another state?

You can drive with your out-of-state license until it expires. When you move to Texas, you should get a Texas license within 30 days. Go to the DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in San Antonio, and proof of identity. You will take a new written test and vision test. The fee is $45.

How do I change my name on my driver's license?

Go to the DPS office with your current license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change, and proof of residency. You will pay $45 for a new license. You cannot change your name by mail or online — you must do it in person.

What if I fail the written test or vision test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day. If you fail the vision test, you cannot retake it the same day. You will need to come back another day after you have had your vision checked by an eye doctor. Bring a corrective lens prescription if you need one.

Can I get a Real ID license for air travel?

All Texas driver's licenses issued since 2017 are Real ID-compliant. If your license is older, you can renew it to get a Real ID license. You do not pay extra. If you need to fly before your license arrives, you can use your passport instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.