Where to go for your driver's license in Lubbock

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license office in Lubbock. You will go to the DPS Driver License Division office located at 5302 50th Street, Lubbock, TX 79414. This is the only place in Lubbock where you can get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. You do not need an appointment — the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary depending on the day and time you arrive.

If you cannot visit in person, you can renew your license by mail or online under certain conditions, which are covered in a later section. However, if you are getting your first license, moving to Texas from another state, or need to pass a driving test, you must visit the office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License Division office in Lubbock is at 5302 50th Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost or stolen license.
  • Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years for most adults, and you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain requirements.
  • If you are under 18, you will need to pass a written test and a driving test, and a parent or guardian must be present.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation to the office.

What documents you need to bring

The documents you bring depend on what you are doing. For a new license, you need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous driver's license. If you do not have one of these, the DPS website lists additional documents that work.

Proof of residency must show your current address in Lubbock or Lubbock County. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days will work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub.

If you are renewing a license that has not expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online and will not need to visit the office. If your license has expired or you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring the same documents as you would for a new license, plus a police report if your license was stolen.

Getting your first driver's license in Texas

If you have never held a Texas driver's license, you must visit the office in person. You will need to pass a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs, and then a driving test with a DPS examiner. The written test is 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.

Before you take the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. A DPS examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present when you explore. You will also need to show proof that you have completed a driver education course. Once you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary license that day, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

Renewing your license by mail or online

You can renew your Texas driver's license by mail or online if your license is still valid (not expired) and you meet certain conditions. You cannot renew by mail or online if you are under 18, if your address has changed, if you want to change your name, or if your license was suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew by mail or online if more than two years have passed since your last renewal.

To renew online, visit the DPS website and follow the steps to renew your license. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee. The fee for a six-year renewal is $97. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

To renew by mail, read the process form from the DPS website or pick one up at the Lubbock office. Mail the completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for $97 to the address on the form. Your new license will arrive by mail within three to four weeks.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit the Lubbock office in person. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for a new license. If your license was stolen, also bring a police report or the report number. The fee to replace a lost or stolen license is $11.

You will receive a temporary license that day, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you need a license sooner, ask the DPS staff about an expedited option, though this may cost extra.

License fees and how long they last

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years. The fee for a new six-year license is $97. A renewal also costs $97. Replacing a lost or stolen license costs $11. If you are 85 years old or older, you can get a five-year license for $48, or a two-year license for $24.

Payment methods at the Lubbock office include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. If you renew online, you must use a credit or debit card.

Your license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you get a license on January 15, 2024, it will expire on your birthday in 2030. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.

What to expect when you visit the office

When you arrive at the DPS office in Lubbock, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. You will receive a number and wait for your turn. Wait times vary but can range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. Mornings and early afternoons are usually less crowded than late afternoons.

When your number is called, a DPS staff member will review your documents and ask you questions about your identity and residency. They will take your photograph and your fingerprints. If you are getting your first license or your license has expired, you will take the written test at a computer terminal in the office. If you pass, you will schedule a time to take the driving test, which usually happens within a few days.

Once you pass both tests, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in Spanish?

Yes. The written test is available in Spanish, and you can request a Spanish-speaking examiner for the driving test. Tell the DPS staff when you check in that you need Spanish language services.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again, but you must wait at least one day before retesting. You will need to pay the test fee again, which is included in the license fee. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card specifically, but you must bring one document that shows your Social Security number. A W-2, tax return, or pay stub will work. If you do not have any of these, ask the DPS office what other documents they accept.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary license the same day you pass the test. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you need it sooner, ask the DPS staff about expedited options when you visit.

Can I change my name on my license at the Lubbock office?

Yes, but you must bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS staff will review the document and update your license. You will pay the renewal fee of $97.