DMV Employment

Department of Public Safety Positions

As a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which is a state police agency, many driver license office employees are actually Texas State Troopers. In fact, most new Troopers are required to start out in the Highway Patrol or the Driver License Division.

State Troopers are carefully screened and must not have any convictions for driving while intoxicated, driving while under the influence of drugs, or any felony.

If you are determined to work at a driver license office rather than another division within the DPS, in most cases your wishes will be accommodated. But in theory, every applicant must be willing to be assigned or transferred to any office or position anywhere in Texas.

The Department of Public Safety posts job openings online, as well as a number of application forms that you may download and complete. Don't forget to read the instructions. The DPS recruitment office's toll-free number for assistance is (866) 898-7667.

Other positions available within the Texas Department of Public Safety include administrative jobs, computer programming, grounds and office maintenance, and many other types of work. These will be listed along with Driver License Division vacancies among the DPS job openings.

Application Tips

• You may copy an application and change the job posting number accordingly if you are applying for more than one job. However, the DPS recommends that you create an individual application for each job.

• You must describe to the DPS exactly how your qualifications meet the posted job requirements. Lay it on in detail. For example, don't just say you were a clerical assistant; point out how you worked in a similar environment doing similar tasks to what the DPS wants from you in this job.

• Don't leave any question blank. This can result in your application being tossed. Instead, if you are sure the question doesn't apply to you, write "not applicable" or "NA" in the space provided.

• Include copies of all necessary documentation, licenses, transcripts, permits, and anything else that supports the idea that you are fully qualified for this position. You will not be given the chance to add in any missed documents later. They must accompany your original application.

• Again, be detailed and thorough in every aspect of filling out this application.

Department of Transportation Positions

If you're more into maintaining the titles and registrations of Texas motor vehicles, a career with the Department of Transportation's Vehicle Titles and Registration Division might be more up your alley. The Vehicle Titles and Registration Division handles not only those tasks but also issues license plates and makes sure all the cars in Texas are insured.

To start your job search within the Department of Transportation, start with the careers overview page, and don't forget to read about the DOT's hiring process.

From here, you can search for jobs online by city, occupation, or organization within the DOT. Once you find an opening that interests you, you have the choice to either apply online or submit a paper application. The latter page also gives specific instructions for how to complete the application forms; these may differ from the tips given above for Department of Public Safety applications, so be sure you're not including any unnecessary attachments.

Of course, civil service jobs are known for their generous benefits, so you'll enjoy reading about those. If you have any questions about a job opening, the hiring process, how to complete an application, or the perks of the position, you may contact the DOT's human resources department or visit any of its many employment offices. There's also a toll-free job line at (800) 893-6848 for your convenience.

Good luck in your job search!