Where to go for your Texas driver's license in El Paso
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license system in Texas. In El Paso, you get your license at a DPS Driver License office, not at a county courthouse or city hall. There are two main DPS locations in El Paso where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license.
The main office is at 4001 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79903. There is also a satellite office at 9420 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79936. Both locations handle the same services. You do not need an appointment at either location, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or weekends.
Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm current hours, because they change seasonally and occasionally close for state holidays. The phone number for the Montana Avenue office is (915) 834-4400.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person; you cannot get a Texas driver's license by mail or online.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
- A standard Class C driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you explore.
- Processing takes a few minutes for the written and vision tests on the same day, but your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents you need to bring
Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three categories of proof. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you are renewing a license that is not expired, your current Texas driver's license counts as proof of identity.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current El Paso address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement all work. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else and your name is not on the utility bill, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The written test and vision screening
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the DPS office on the same day you explore. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one day before a third attempt.
Before the written test, you will take a vision screening. An employee will check your eyesight using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until you see an eye doctor and bring a corrective lens prescription to the DPS office.
To study for the written test, read the free Texas Driver Handbook from the DPS website (dps.texas.gov). It is available in English and Spanish. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment and pass on the first try. Take your time reading it—the test is not timed, and you can take as long as you need to answer each question.
Cost and payment methods
A standard Class C driver's license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you explore. The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders.
If you are renewing a license that expired within the last two years, the cost is the same as a new license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore as if it is your first license, which includes the written test and vision screening.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the cost is $11. You do not retake the written test or vision screening for a replacement.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass the written test and vision screening, a DPS employee will take your photograph and fingerprints. Your temporary license prints when ready on paper. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license works—you can drive legally with it right away.
Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. It is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with USPS mail forwarding, or you can return to the DPS office and request that they mail it to a new address.
Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic one arrives. If the plastic license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DPS office to check the status.
If you are under 18
Drivers under 18 must bring an additional document: written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must sign the consent form in front of a DPS employee. They do not need to be present at the office—you can bring a notarized consent form instead. The DPS office has a notary on staff if you need one, though there may be a small fee.
Drivers under 18 also receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL), which has restrictions. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a licensed adult 21 or older is in the car. After six months, the restriction lifts to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. At age 18, the restrictions end and you can renew as a regular adult driver.
Renewing or replacing an existing license
If your Texas license is still valid and not expired, you can renew it in person at the DPS office or by mail. In-person renewal takes a few minutes and you get a temporary license when ready. Mail renewal takes longer but saves you a trip.
To renew by mail, visit the DPS website and request a renewal process. Mail it back with your current license and payment. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you changed your name, or if you need to update your address.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must go to the DPS office in person. Bring your proof of identity and residency (the same documents as for a new license) and pay the $11 replacement fee. You do not retake the written test or vision screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, along with your other proof of identity and residency. You will still get a full Texas driver's license with no restrictions.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail again, you must wait at least one day before a third attempt. Most people pass after studying the Texas Driver Handbook for a few days.
Do I need an appointment at the DPS office in El Paso?
No. Both DPS locations in El Paso operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary, but you can call ahead to ask how busy they are. Early mornings on weekdays are usually faster than afternoons or weekends.
How long does it take to get my permanent license after I pass the test?
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office to check the status.
Can I change my address on my license without going to the DPS office?
No. You must go to the DPS office in person to change your address. Bring your current license and proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days). The change is free and takes a few minutes.