If you are new to Cleburne, Texas, “going to the DMV” can be confusing. That’s because Texas splits its services between two completely different offices.
If you go to the Driver License office to get your license plates, you will be turned away.
- For Driver’s Licenses: You must visit the Texas DPS on West Kilpatrick Ave.
- For Vehicle Registration: You must visit the Johnson County Tax Office on North Mill St.
This guide will show you how to book an appointment for your license (which is mandatory) and where to go for your vehicle tags.
How to Schedule a Texas DPS Appointment in Cleburne
Location: 600 West Kilpatrick, Cleburne, TX 76033 Phone: (817) 641-2204 Appointment Policy: Mandatory. (Walk-ins are rarely accepted).
How to Schedule a DPS Appointment: Texas DPS uses a centralized online scheduler. You cannot call the local office to book.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the Texas DPS Scheduler.
- Log In: Enter your info (Name, DOB, Last 4 of SSN).
- Select Service: Choose “Renew License,” “Change of Address,” or “Road Test.”
- Search: Enter Zip Code 76033 to find the Cleburne office.
- Note: If Cleburne is full, check the Fort Worth Mega Center (about 30 mins away), which has more staff.
The “7:45 AM” Appointment Hack: If you log in and see no appointments for months, don’t panic.
- The Secret: The Cleburne office releases a batch of “Same-Day” appointments every morning.
- The Strategy: Go to the website between 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM. Refresh the page. You will often see slots open up for that same day. Grab one immediately.
Johnson County Tax Office in Cleburne: Where to Handle Vehicle Registration
Location: 2 North Mill Street, Cleburne, TX 76033 (Historic Downtown) Phone: (817) 558-0122 Appointment Policy:Walk-Ins Accepted.
What They Do:
- Vehicle Titles (New & Transfers).
- License Plates & Registration Stickers.
- Handicap Placards.
How to Visit: You generally do not need an appointment for the Tax Office. However, lines are longest at the end of the month and during lunch hours.
- What to Bring: You must have your Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) (proof you passed the state inspection) and Proof of Insurance before you can renew your registration.
REAL ID in Texas: Required Documents for Your Cleburne DPS Visit
When visiting the DPS for a license, you must bring original documents.
- 1. Proof of Identity: U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate.
- 2. Proof of Social Security: Original Social Security Card (not laminated).
- 3. Proof of Texas Residency (Bring 2):
- Utility bill (Electric, Water, Gas).
- Car Insurance Policy.
- Texas Vehicle Registration.
- Note: Documents must show your name and current Cleburne address.
How to Schedule a Road Test at the Cleburne DPS
If you need to take your driving test, you must bring your own car.
- Book the “Road Test” Slot: Select “Road Test” in the scheduler. Do not book a regular “Renewal” slot; they won’t have time to test you.
- Car Requirements: Your car must have:
- Valid Texas Registration (Sticker).
- Valid Insurance.
- Working brake lights, blinkers, and horn.
- Front and Back License Plates.
- The Impact Teen Drivers: If you are under 18, you must bring your Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)certificate (viewed within the last 90 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, yes, but it is highly risky. They only accept walk-ins if someone cancels. You could wait 4 hours and still be turned away. Use the “7:45 AM” online hack instead.
If Cleburne is booked, the Fort Worth Mega Center (Brentwood Stair Rd) is the closest high-volume office. They process people much faster but are further away.
Yes! If you are a Johnson County resident and your sticker is not expired, you can often renew at the service desk of participating Kroger or H-E-B stores. You must bring your renewal notice and proof of inspection.
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