The Castroville DMV Office: Hours, Services, and What to Bring

Where the Castroville DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Castroville DMV office is a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles service center located in Medina County, about 30 miles west of San Antonio. It is not a full-service DMV — it handles driver license renewals, replacements, and some address changes, but does not issue new licenses to first-time applicants or handle commercial driver license (CDL) services.

If you need a new driver license from scratch, you will need to visit a larger regional office. The nearest full-service DMV is in San Antonio, roughly 45 minutes away. Castroville's office works best for people who already have a Texas license and need to renew, replace a lost or damaged card, or update their address on an existing license.

The office shares space with the Medina County tax assessor's office in the county courthouse building. Hours and staffing can change, so calling ahead before you go is the safest approach.

Key Takeaways

Castroville's DMV handles renewals, replacements, and address changes for people who already hold a Texas driver license.
The office does not issue new licenses or commercial driver licenses — you will need San Antonio or another regional center for those services.
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents related to name changes if you are updating your address.
Call the Medina County tax assessor's office or the Texas DMV before visiting to confirm hours, because staffing varies by day.

Hours and How to Confirm Them Before You Go

Castroville's DMV operates during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the office is closed on state holidays and may have reduced hours during county holidays. Because this is a small county office, staffing is not always consistent — some days may have shorter hours or unexpected closures.

The safest way to confirm hours is to call the Medina County tax assessor's office directly at the courthouse. You can also contact the Texas DMV's general information line or check the DMV website for Castroville location details, though the website sometimes lags behind actual changes. If you are planning a trip specifically to renew or replace your license, a quick phone call takes five minutes and saves a wasted drive.

What Documents to Bring for a License Renewal

For a standard license renewal at Castroville, bring your current Texas driver license and one form of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill — the document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring the proof of residency document that shows your new address. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license plus the legal document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will not accept a name change without the supporting document.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need to bring payment — Texas charges a fee for renewals, and the amount depends on whether you are renewing a standard or enhanced license. The office accepts cash, check, and card payments.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, Castroville can issue a replacement. Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring a form of photo ID such as a passport. You will also need proof of residency showing your current address.

If your license was stolen, you do not need a police report to get a replacement, but if you want to report the theft to law enforcement for your records, you can do that separately. The DMV replacement process is the same whether the license is lost or stolen. You will pay a replacement fee, which is lower than a renewal fee.

Address Changes Without Renewing Your License

You can update your address on your current license without waiting for it to expire. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and payment for the address change fee. The fee is smaller than a full renewal.

Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving, so doing this at Castroville is faster than waiting for your renewal date if you have recently relocated. The office will issue you a new license card with the updated address, and your license expiration date stays the same — you do not lose time on your current license.

When You Cannot Use the Castroville Office

Castroville cannot issue a new driver license if you do not already have one. If you are a first-time applicant, you must visit a full-service DMV office. The nearest option is the San Antonio DMV, which is about 45 minutes away and handles all new license applications, written tests, and road tests.

The Castroville office also does not handle commercial driver licenses (CDL), motorcycle endorsements, or hazmat endorsements. If you need any of these, you will need to go to San Antonio or another regional center. The office cannot issue Real ID-compliant licenses either — those require a full-service office as well.

Parking, Accessibility, and What to Expect Inside

The Castroville office is in the Medina County courthouse building, which has parking available on-site or nearby. The building is accessible to people with mobility needs, with wheelchair access and accessible restrooms. If you have questions about accessibility, call ahead to confirm what accommodations are available.

Wait times at Castroville are usually shorter than at larger San Antonio offices because fewer people visit. On busy days — typically early in the month or near renewal important date — you may wait 30 to 45 minutes. On slower days, you might be seen within 10 to 15 minutes. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week tends to mean shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Castroville?

Texas allows online renewals for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and your address has not changed. If you meet those conditions, you can renew on the Texas DMV website without visiting an office. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must visit Castroville or another DMV location in person.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

You will need to bring one — the DMV requires it. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date, or bring a bank statement or insurance policy showing your name and address. Call the office ahead of time to ask what documents they will accept in your specific situation.

How long does it take to get a replacement license after I explore?

You receive your new license card the same day you explore at the Castroville office. The office prints it on-site before you leave. If you need it mailed instead, you can request that, but it will take several business days to arrive.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

Castroville operates on a first-come, first-served basis — you do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours with your documents, and you will be served in order. However, calling ahead to confirm the office is open and staffed is still a good idea, especially on Fridays or near holidays.

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.