What the Castroville DMV Office Handles

The Castroville DMV office is a Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division location in Medina County. It issues driver licenses, issues and renews identification cards, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and processes name and address changes on your driving record. This office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services stay with your county tax assessor-collector's office.

Castroville is a small office, which means wait times can vary widely depending on the day and time you arrive. The office serves residents of Medina County and surrounding areas who want to avoid the longer lines at larger regional offices in San Antonio or New Braunfels.

You cannot make an appointment at this location. Service is first-come, first-served, so arriving early in the morning or on slower weekdays (typically Tuesday through Thursday) usually means shorter waits than Friday afternoons or the first week of the month.

Key Takeaways

  • The Castroville DMV office issues and renews driver licenses and ID cards, but does not handle vehicle registration or title transfers.
  • No appointments are available — you must arrive in person and wait your turn, so plan to go early in the day or mid-week.
  • You will need to bring original documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number; a list of required documents varies by the service you need.
  • If you need vehicle registration or title services, you must go to the Medina County Tax Assessor-Collector's office instead.
  • Bring cash or a debit card, as not all payment methods are accepted at every DMV location.

Documents You Need to Bring

The documents required depend on whether you are getting a new license, renewing one, or changing information on an existing license. For a new driver license or ID card, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document showing your number, and two documents proving your current address in Texas (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

For a license renewal, you typically need only your current license and may be able to renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — check the Texas DPS website before making the trip. If you are changing your name or address on an existing license, bring your current license plus the document proving the change (a marriage certificate for a name change, or a utility bill for an address change).

Bring your original documents, not photocopies. The office staff will not accept notarized copies of a birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document along with your birth certificate.

Hours, Location, and How to Get There

The Castroville DMV office is located at 1717 Highway 90 East, Castroville, TX 78009. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break (usually noon to 1:00 p.m.). The office is closed on weekends and Texas state holidays.

From downtown Castroville, take Highway 90 East for about two miles. The office is in a state office building and has parking available. If you are coming from San Antonio, take I-35 North to Exit 517, then follow Highway 90 East toward Castroville. The drive from central San Antonio takes about 45 minutes.

Call ahead if you have questions about whether your documents will be accepted or if you want to confirm current wait times. The office phone number is available through the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789 (the statewide DMV customer service line).

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license and ID card fees vary by the type of service and the length of validity you choose. A standard five-year driver license costs less than an eight-year license. Renewal fees are lower than fees for a new license. The Texas DPS website lists current fees by service type.

The Castroville office accepts cash, debit cards, and some credit cards, but policies can change. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods the office accepts on the day you plan to visit. Do not assume that all payment methods work at every location.

If you are paying for multiple services (such as a new license plus a name change), the office will charge separate fees for each service. Ask the staff member to explain the total cost before you pay.

When to Use Castroville vs. Larger Offices

The Castroville office is worth the trip if you live in Medina County or nearby areas and want to avoid the San Antonio regional office, which serves a much larger population and typically has longer waits. However, if you need a service that Castroville does not offer — such as a commercial driver license (CDL) or a hazmat endorsement — you will need to go to a larger office.

If you are renewing your license and you meet the conditions for online or mail renewal, doing so from home is faster than visiting any office in person. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access before making the drive.

If you need vehicle registration or a title transfer, do not go to the DMV office at all. Go directly to the Medina County Tax Assessor-Collector's office in Hondo. The DMV office cannot help with those services.

Scams and Safety Information

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to speed up your DMV process or may provide a shorter wait. These services charge fees for work you can do yourself for free, and some are outright scams. The only official way to renew your license online is through the Texas DPS website directly.

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV asking you to verify your information or pay a fee. The DMV does not contact you by email or text to ask for personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide any information.

When you arrive at the office, bring only the documents you need. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet every day — bring it only when you need it for a DMV transaction, then take it home. The office staff will handle your documents securely, but the fewer times your original documents leave your home, the lower your risk of identity theft.

What Happens After Your Transaction

If you are getting a new driver license or ID card, the office will take your photo and fingerprints on the spot. Your new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, which is valid for driving until your permanent card arrives.

If you are renewing your license in person, the process is faster — you may receive your new card the same day or within a few days. Ask the staff member before you leave whether your card will be mailed or handed to you at the counter.

If you change your name or address, the change appears on your record when ready, but your physical card will not be updated until you renew it or request a replacement. You can drive legally with your old card showing the old information while the change processes, but it is a good idea to carry proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate or utility bill) in case you are stopped by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You may be able to renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you meet other conditions set by Texas DPS. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access before making the trip. Online renewal is faster and costs less than in-person renewal.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate to get a new driver license. If you do not have one, contact the Texas Vital Statistics office or the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

The Castroville office does not take appointments. You arrive and wait your turn. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait than Friday afternoon or the first week of the month.

Where do I go for vehicle registration or a title transfer?

Vehicle registration and title services are handled by the Medina County Tax Assessor-Collector's office in Hondo, not by the DMV. The DMV office in Castroville cannot help with those services. Call the tax assessor-collector's office to find out their hours and what documents you need to bring.

What if I lose my temporary paper license before my permanent card arrives?

Contact the Castroville DMV office or call the statewide customer service line to report the loss. You can request a replacement card, though there may be a fee. Bring your ID and proof of the transaction (such as your receipt from the day you applied) when you go back to the office.