Booking an appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can take up to three months or more, depending on the local office. The long wait time can be frustrating, especially for drivers in need of immediate services, such as license renewal or reinstatement.
In 2024, an NBC 5 investigation found that 45+ DPS offices had no slots available for at least 30 days due to staff shortages or dropped appointments.
Fortunately, with some planning, you can get a Texas DPS appointment faster. Here’s what you need to do.
Read: How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in Texas?
7 Ways to Get a DPS Appointment ASAP
Most DPS offices no longer take walk-ins unless you arrive there very early and join a “standby” list. Your only option is to book an appointment online or from a self-service kiosk inside the driver’s license office. If no slots are available at your local office, go to a different one.
To book an appointment online, access the Texas DPS Scheduler. Next, enter the following information to create an account:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- The last four digits of your SSN
- Your Texas card number (if you have one)
The latter can be a Texas ID card, driver’s license, or election identification certificate. This document is only required for Texas residents, and you can register without it.
This is the standard way to get a Texas DPS appointment. But, as we’ve said, you could be waiting a long time. If that doesn’t work for you, here are seven ways to get a DPS appointment faster.
Drive to a Smaller Town
The DPS offices in smaller towns tend to be less crowded than those in major cities like Houston or Dallas. As a result, you may be better off spending an hour or two on the road than waiting a month or longer to get an appointment at your local office.
First, visit the Texas DPS website to see the estimated wait time in your chosen location.
For example, you may be able to schedule a same-day appointment for a driver’s license renewal or replacement in Bay City, Alice, Big Lake, Edinburg Mega Center, or other small towns and cities.
Next, use the Texas DPS Scheduler to book an appointment at an office that’s most convenient for you.
Search for Same-Day Appointments
All DPS offices offer a small number of same-day appointments. With that in mind, log in to the Texas DPS Scheduler around 7:00-7:30 a.m. and refresh the appointments page a couple of times until an available slot appears.
Check again the next morning if necessary. Make sure you have enough time to get to the DPS office once you’ve booked a slot.
Join the Standby List
Given the large number of no-shows, many offices allow customers to join a standby list. All you need to do is go to your preferred location and ask if there are standby slots available.
Customers on the standby list must wait in the DPS office until they are told someone has canceled the appointment or failed to appear. The downside is that you could wait for hours, so don’t plan anything else that day.
Generally, there are very few standby slots available. To get one, try to arrive at your local DPS early in the morning.
Use Third-Party Apps
Install an appointment app like SearchSlot, DMV Slots, TXDPSAlerts, or TX FastPass on your phone to save time. These apps automatically check for available slots based on your preferred appointment date, time, and location – and send you instant notifications.
For instance, more than 400 people have been able to secure appointments between March and August 2024 via TX FastPass, shortly after the app went live. “We got an appointment for the very next day,” one consumer told People Newspapers.
SearchSlot can even rebook appointments on your behalf when a better slot becomes available. The entire process is automated, so you can go on with your day without constantly checking the Texas DPS Scheduler.
Look for DPS Meta Centers
DPS Mega Centers are large facilities in major urban areas like San Antonio and Spring. Compared to regular offices, they have plenty of staff that can handle high volumes of customers, reducing the waiting time.
Access the Texas DPS website to search for Mega Centers near you. If you find one, book an appointment via the Texas DPS Scheduler.
However, note that Mega Centers don’t guarantee faster appointments. They offer a more streamlined experience than standard DPS offices, but whether or not you can find an available slot when you need it is a matter of luck.
Avoid Peak Times
Texas DPS offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Some locations operate on Saturday too.
Ideally, schedule an appointment later in the morning, preferably mid-week. Avoid peak times like Mondays and Fridays, lunch hours, late afternoons, and the days before and after holidays.
For example, many people visit DPS offices during their lunch breaks or after work, resulting in long queues. Others do it early in the morning before heading to work.
Also, note that summer is one of the busiest seasons at most DPS offices. So, if your driver’s license will expire during this time of the year, it’s best to renew it in advance.
Make Sure You Actually Need to Visit the DPS
Depending on what services you need, you might be able to get things done online and skip a trip to the DPS.
For instance, U.S. citizens whose driver’s licenses are set to expire within one year can renew them online. If you lost your Texas driver’s license, you may be able to get a new one online as well. Check the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify.
Similarly, you can visit the Texas DPS website to:
- Change the address on your driver’s license
- Request a copy of your driving record
- Renew or replace your driver’s license from abroad
- Pay fines and court fees
- Order crash reports
What to Bring to Your Texas DPS Appointment
If you get an appointment with the DPS, don’t waste it by going there unprepared. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including:
- Application forms (e.g., DL 14-A – Driver License or ID Card Application)
- Proof of residency (e.g., a homeowners’ insurance policy, utility bills, or tax forms)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate or ID card)
- Proof of vehicle insurance and registration (if you own a car)
- Proof of driver’s education completion (if you’re applying for a driver’s license)
- Your Social Security Number
The documents you need to bring depend on the service you’re seeking. Check the Texas DPS website or contact the Driver License Customer Service at (512) 424-2600 to ensure you have the right documentation.
Final Thoughts
Most DPS offices are overcrowded and understaffed, making it difficult to get a timely appointment. That’s why you should try to plan things out in advance, whether you want to renew your license, register your car, or apply for a learner’s permit.
Generally, you’re more likely to find available appointment slots at DPS offices in small towns – even if that means spending a few hours on the road. It’s also a good idea to use an appointment app like TX FastPass or SearchSlot.
Last but not least, take the time to prepare for your appointment. If you’re applying for a learner’s permit or driver’s license, you must first complete driver’s education. Choose our online program so you can study at your own pace from any device.
With Traffic Safety Institute, you can start driver’s education for free and take the final exam as many times as you need. Upon completion, we’ll issue a certificate you can bring to your Texas DPS appointment.
Enroll in our Driver’s Education Program today and take the first step to becoming a licensed driver.
FAQs About Getting a DPS Appointment in Texas
Need more information about your DPS appointment? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is the Texas DPS still by appointment only?
Texas DPS offices don’t take walk-ins, but if you get there early, they may put you on a “standby” list. With this option, you’ll have to wait in line until a slot becomes available (e.g., if someone cancels their appointment).
Why is the Texas DPS so backed up?
According to Texas Monthly, the DPS is understaffed in relation to the number of customers who need its services. On top of that, it doesn’t have enough funds to hire more employees or open new offices.
The department also struggles to find qualified candidates to fill open positions. Plus, the driver license department has a 30% no-show rate, which further slows things down.
Can you do a walk-in at the Texas DPS?
Yes, but only if you get there early in the morning when the office opens. With a bit of luck, they might put you on the standby list for the day.
Can I get a Texas ID on the same day?
Every DPS office offers same-day appointments, but their availability is limited. Your best bet is to search for same-day appointments at offices in small or remote towns, which are often less crowded than those in big cities.
Where is the fastest place to get a Texas driver’s license?
If you want to get your driver’s license fast, head over to a small city like Crockett, Dimmitt, Eagle Pass, Seminole, or Vega. Alternatively, schedule an appointment at a DPS Mega Center, such as the one in Edinburg or Corpus Christi.
See this list to get an idea of the estimated wait time for driver’s license applications at every DPS office in Texas.
