How to Schedule a Killeen DMV Appointment: DPS vs. Tax Office Guide

If you are new to Killeen or stationed at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), you need to know one critical fact before you leave your house: There is no “DMV” in Texas.

The state splits driver services between two completely different government agencies located on opposite sides of town.

• Need a Driver’s License? You must go to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on Elms Road.
• Need License Plates? You must go to the Bell County Tax Office on Priest Drive.

If you book an appointment at the Tax Office to renew your license, you will be turned away. This guide will show you exactly how to schedule the right appointment, how to snag a “Same-Day” slot using the 7:45 AM hack, and when you should drive to the Mega Center instead.

How to Schedule a Killeen DPS Appointment (For Licenses)

The Texas DPS appointment system is centralized. You cannot call the local office to book; you must use the online portal.

1. Access the Portal: Go to public.txdpsscheduler.com.
2. Language & Login: Select English or Spanish. Enter your First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, and Last 4 Digits of SSN. Click “Log On.”
3. Click “New Appointment”: Do not select “Existing Appointment” unless you are rescheduling.
4. Select Your Service: Be specific.
   • Choose “Renew Texas DL/Permit” for standard renewals or address changes.
   • Choose “Road Skills Test” if you need to take the driving test (you cannot book a driving test under a “Renewal” slot).
5. Enter Contact Info: Input your email and phone number. This is required to receive your confirmation code.
6. Search by Zip Code: Enter 76549 (Killeen) or 76504 (Temple).
7. Select Location: Look for “Killeen” in the list.
   • Troubleshooting: If Killeen does not appear or shows “No Availability,” scroll down to check Temple (20 mins away) or the Pflugerville Mega Center (45 mins away).
8. Confirm: Select your date/time and click “Confirm.” You will receive a text message/email immediately.

The “7:45 AM” Appointment Hack If you log in and see no appointments available for months, do not panic.

• The Secret: The Killeen DPS releases a batch of “Same-Day” appointments every morning around 7:45 AM.
• The Strategy: Wake up early. Log into the scheduler at 7:30 AM and refresh the page every few minutes. As soon as you see a slot for that day pop up, grab it immediately. They are usually gone by 8:15 AM.

The “Mega Center” Backup Strategy

Killeen is a small office serving a massive military and civilian population. If you cannot wait, drive 45 minutes south to the Pflugerville Mega Center (216 E Wells Branch Pkwy). They have 3x the staff and often have same-week availability.

How to Schedule a Bell County Tax Office Appointment (For Vehicles)

You do not use the DPS scheduler for this. You must use the Bell County system.

Option A: The Walk-In Method (Most Common)

The Killeen Annex (301 Priest Drive) accepts walk-ins.

1. Arrive at the office (Open Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM).
2. Go to the Q-Matic Kiosk in the lobby.
3. Select “Motor Vehicle” and take a ticket.
4. Wait for your number to be called.
   • Warning: Avoid the Lunch Rush (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) and the End of the Month, as wait times can exceed an hour.

Option B: The Appointment Method (Skip the Line)

If you want to avoid the wait, you can book a slot online.

1. Visit the Bell County Tax Assessor website.
2. Select “Make an Appointment.”
3. Choose the “Killeen” location (be careful not to select Belton or Temple unless you want to drive there).
4. Select “Motor Vehicle Transaction.”
5. When you arrive, you do not take a number—you go straight to the “Appointments” check-in desk.

Option C: The “H-E-B” Shortcut (Registration Renewal Only)

If you just need to renew your sticker and it is not expired:

• Go to H-E-B: Visit the service desk at the H-E-B on Stan Schlueter Loop or Trimmier Rd.
• Requirements: You must bring your Renewal Notice and Proof of Inspection (VIR). You will get your sticker instantly.

How To Schedule a Road Test in Killeen (Vehicle Rules)

You must bring your own vehicle for the driving test. The DPS does not provide cars.

1. Book the “Road Test” Slot: When scheduling, select “Road Skills Test” specifically. If you book a “Renewal” slot, they will not have time to test you.
2. Vehicle Requirements: Your car must have:
   • Valid Texas Registration Sticker.
   • Valid Insurance (Paper or Digital).
   • Front and Back License Plates (Texas law requires both).
   • Working brake lights, blinkers, and horn.
3. Impact Texas Drivers (ITD): You must watch the mandatory safety video online (ITYD for teens or ITAD for adults) before your test and bring the printed certificate. The certificate is only valid for 90 days.

Required Documents Checklist (Texas REAL ID)

When visiting the DPS for a license, you must bring original documents. Photocopies are not accepted.

• 1. Proof of Identity:
  • Valid U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate.
• 2. Proof of Social Security:
  • Original Social Security Card (not laminated) or W-2 Form.
• 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 Killeen/Bell County address.
• 4. Vehicle Registration Receipt:
  • New Residents: You must register your car at the Tax Office (Step 2) before you go to the DPS for your license. The DPS will ask to see your Texas Registration receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions