The Garland DMV location and what it handles

Garland has one Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office located at 1919 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. This office handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and initial applications; vehicle registration and title services; and address changes for both licenses and vehicle records. It does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing — you'll need to go to a separate testing facility for that.

The Garland office is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth region's DMV network, so if you cannot visit this location, you have other options nearby in Arlington, Irving, and Plano. However, the Garland office typically has shorter wait times than the larger regional hubs, especially on weekday mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DMV is at 1919 West Avenue D and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, titles, and address changes.
  • You must bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the specific documents for your transaction type — the office will not accept incomplete applications.
  • Weekday mornings before 10 a.m. typically have shorter lines than afternoons or weekends.
  • You can renew your driver's license online through the Texas DMV website if you meet renewal requirements, which saves a trip to the office.
  • The office does not handle CDL testing; you must go to a separate testing location for commercial licenses.

Hours and how to check wait times

The Garland DMV is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Wait times vary significantly by day and time — Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings are typically the busiest.

Texas DMV does not publish live wait time estimates for individual offices. However, you can call the Garland office directly at (469) 326-3600 to ask about current wait times before you go. Many people find that calling 15 to 30 minutes before they plan to arrive gives them a realistic sense of whether it's worth the trip that day.

If you want to avoid the office entirely, check whether your transaction can be completed online. Driver's license renewals, address changes on your license, and some vehicle registration renewals can all be done through the Texas DMV website without visiting in person.

Documents you need for a driver's license transaction

For a new driver's license or renewal, bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or existing Texas license), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency dated within the last 30 days. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it.

If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office. If your address has changed, you must update it at the DMV — you cannot do this by mail. Bring the same documents listed above plus the proof of your new address.

If you are explore for your first Texas license, bring your current out-of-state license or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your Texas residency (which can be the same document as your general proof of residency). You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office.

Documents you need for vehicle registration and title

For vehicle registration renewal, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment for the renewal fee (which varies by vehicle weight and type). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address as well.

For a title transfer or new title process, bring the current title (or a bill of sale if you do not have one), proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed process for Texas Title and/or Registration form (Form 130-U). You can read this form from the Texas DMV website or pick one up at the office.

If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Texas, bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and a completed Form 130-U. The office will also conduct a vehicle inspection to verify the VIN matches your paperwork.

Address change procedures at the Garland office

To change your address on your driver's license, you must visit the DMV in person — this cannot be done online or by mail in Texas. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and payment for the address change fee if applicable. Some address changes are free; others cost a few dollars depending on whether you also need a new license card printed.

To change your address on your vehicle registration, you can do this at the same visit. Bring your current registration card and proof of your new address. The fee for an address change on registration is typically minimal or free.

If you have moved out of state, you do not need to notify the Texas DMV — your license and registration will remain valid until their expiration dates. However, if you move to another state and plan to get a license there, you will need to surrender your Texas license to that state's DMV.

Parking and accessibility at the Garland location

The Garland DMV office has a dedicated parking lot with accessible spaces for people with disabilities. The building itself is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and seating areas inside. If you need accommodations during your visit, let the staff know when you arrive.

The office is located on West Avenue D, which is accessible by car from I-30 and the Dallas North Tollway. Public transit options are limited in this area — there is no direct bus route to the office, so driving or rideshare is typically the most practical option.

When to use online services instead of visiting in person

Texas DMV allows several transactions online through its website, which can save you a trip to Garland. You can renew your driver's license online if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had more than two consecutive renewals online, and your address has not changed. You can also change your address online if you are not renewing your license at the same time.

Vehicle registration renewal can also be completed online if your vehicle has a current inspection, your insurance is current, and you do not need to make changes to the registration. If you need a new title or are transferring ownership, you must visit the office in person.

Using online services typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs the same as visiting the office. Your new license or registration will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the renewal date — you do not gain extra time by renewing early. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Garland office.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must have proof of residency dated within the last 30 days to complete most DMV transactions. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or government document with your address. If you have none of these, call the Garland office at (469) 326-3600 to ask about alternative documents they may accept.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Garland DMV?

No. The Garland office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, you can call ahead to ask about wait times before you go. Arriving early on a weekday morning typically means a shorter wait than visiting in the afternoon or on Saturday.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Yes. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, the Garland office can issue a replacement on the same day you explore. Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. There is a replacement fee, which is typically under $20.

What should I do if I moved to Garland from another state?

You have 30 days from moving to Texas to get a Texas driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of your new Texas address, and proof that you live in Texas (which can be the same document). You will need to pass a vision test and written exam. You can also transfer your vehicle registration and title at the same visit if you bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale and proof of insurance.