4 Texas Driver License Offices Extend Hours In Pilot Program

AUSTIN, TX — Beginning on Wednesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety began offering extended hours at four driver license offices as part of a pilot program running through September, officials said.

The extended hours run until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday until Sept. 30, officials said in an advisory. The drivers license offices participating in the pilot program are the Fort Worth Mega Center; the Carrollton Mega Center; the Childress driver license office; and the Plainview driver license office, officials said.

Two rural and two urban offices were selected as part of the program — chosen based on size and location. These four offices will extend their hours until 9 p.m. on weekdays for three months to allow additional customers to conduct business. Skill examinations and drive tests will not be offered after 5 p.m.

The four offices participating in the pilot program include the following locations and hours of operation:

• Fort Worth Mega Center (8301 Brentwood Stair Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76120)

Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Carrollton Mega Center (4600 State Highway 121, Carrollton, TX 75010)

Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Childress Office (1700 Avenue F Northwest, Suite A, Childress, TX 79201)

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Plainview Office (1108 South Columbia, Plainview, TX 79072)

Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Given the need for physical distancing amid the coronavirus, officials reminded that driver license services are now offered by appointment only, including at the aforementioned offices and during the extended hour timeframes. Customers can schedule appointments online by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

Once customers schedule an appointment, they will receive a confirmation email to bring with them to the driver license office. Upon arrival, customers can check-in using the kiosk inside the office or from their mobile device. Customers can only check-in up to 30 minutes prior to their appointment time. Due to physical distancing safeguards, officials ask customers who arrive more than 30 minutes in advance of their appointment wait in their vehicle until it is time to check-in.

Texas Department of Public Safety continues to follow extensive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure customers and staff are as safe as possible, officials said. The following safety measures have been put into place at offices across the state:

• All staff members and customers who are taking a driving test will be required to wear face masks or facial coverings.
• Every person (staff members and customers) will be screened for symptoms prior to coming into a DL office; this includes having their temperature checked.
• Customers may be asked to reschedule their appointment if they do not pass the safety screening.
• Only actual customers will be allowed into DL offices to help limit capacity and ensure everyone can maintain a safe social distance. Exceptions include: persons needing ADA accommodations; elderly persons; parents with small children; and parents and legal guardians needed to complete a transaction.
• DPS staff will sanitize workstations and equipment between each customer transaction.
• Eye examinations will no longer require physical contact with an eye testing machine.
• Customers must pay with a credit card, check or money order. No cash payments.