If you are new to San Antonio, you might be searching for the “DMV” to get your license and license plates. Here is the most important thing you need to know: You will not find a “DMV” in San Antonio.
Texas splits these services between two completely different agencies:
- The Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety): This is where you get your Driver’s License. It is Appointment Only.
- The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector: This is where you get your Vehicle Registration and plates. It is Walk-In.
If you book an appointment at the DPS to get your license plates, you will be at the wrong building. This guide will show you exactly which office to visit, how to snag a hard-to-find DPS appointment, and the local secrets for skipping the line.
Driver’s Licenses: San Antonio DPS Mega Centers & Offices
Who do I visit? The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Do I need an appointment? YES. You cannot walk in for a license service unless you use the “Same-Day” trick (see below).
San Antonio DPS Locations (The “Mega Centers”)
San Antonio has specific “Mega Centers” designed to handle high volumes. You should try to book at one of these first:
- Leon Valley Mega Center: 7410 Huebner Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78240
- General McMullen: 1803 South General McMullen, San Antonio, TX 78226
- Universal City: 1633 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City, TX 78148
- South East: 6502 South New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78223
How to Book Your DPS Appointment Online
- Go to the Official Portal: Navigate to the Texas DPS Appointment Scheduler.
- Verify Identity: Enter your Name, DOB, and Last 4 of SSN.
- Select Your Service:
- “Apply for First Time Texas DL/Permit” (New residents/teens).
- “Renewal/Replacement” (Existing drivers).
- “Road Test” (Driving exam).
- Enter Your Zip Code: Use a San Antonio zip (e.g., 78240 for Leon Valley) to find the nearest office.
- Book: Select a date and time.
Pro-Tip: The “7:00 AM” Same-Day Secret
Appointments are often booked out for months. However, each DPS office releases a batch of “Same-Day” appointments every morning.
- The Strategy: Log on to the scheduler website between 7:00 AM and 7:45 AM.
- The Action: Refresh the page repeatedly. If you see a slot open for “Today,” book it immediately. They disappear in minutes.
Vehicle Registration: The Bexar County Tax Office
Who do I visit? The Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector. Do I need an appointment? NO. This is primarily a walk-in service.
Walk-Ins vs. Appointments for Tags & Titles
You can visit any of the Bexar County Tax Office branches. The main downtown location is:
- Vista Verde Plaza Building: 233 N. Pecos La Trinidad, San Antonio, TX 78207
The H-E-B Renewal Secret (Skip the Office)
If you are a current resident just looking to renew your registration sticker, you do not need to go to the Tax Office.
- Where: Participating H-E-B grocery stores in San Antonio.
- What to Bring: Your renewal notice (sent by mail), proof of insurance, and your inspection report.
- Result: You walk out with your sticker in 5 minutes while buying groceries.
Required Documents Checklist (REAL ID & New Residents)
When you go to your DPS appointment for your license, you must bring original documents. Photocopies will be rejected.
- Proof of Identity: U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, or Permanent Resident Card.
- Proof of Social Security: Original Social Security Card (not laminated) or W-2.
- Two (2) Proofs of Texas Residency:
- Current Utility Bill (Water, Electric, Gas).
- Vehicle Registration Receipt (from the Tax Office).
- Auto Insurance Policy.
- Note: Documents must show your name and physical San Antonio address.
- Vehicle Registration (New Residents): If you are moving from another state, you must go to the Tax Office (Step 2) first to register your car. You must bring the registration receipt to your DPS appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Walk-Ins, Wait Times & Cancellations
Yes, and you should. If you are a U.S. citizen and your last renewal was in-person, you can likely renew online at Texas.gov. This saves you a trip to the Leon Valley Mega Center.
You went to the DPS (Driver’s License) office. They only handle licenses. For plates, you must go to the Tax Assessor-Collector. This is the most common mistake in San Antonio.
The Bexar County Tax Office has unique hours. They are generally open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM, but the main Vista Verde location often has extended hours on Wednesdays (until 6:30 PM). Always check their website before you go.
You cannot call the local office to cancel. You must find your confirmation email and click the “Cancel/Reschedule” link, or log back into the scheduler portal with your personal info.
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