The Lubbock Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates one driver license office in Lubbock, located at 5302 Avenue Q. This is the office where you renew, replace, or obtain a driver license in Lubbock. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

You do not need an appointment to visit. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons. If you want to check current wait times before you go, you can call the office at (806) 747-2000.

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. The office is accessible by public transit if you use Lubbock Transit, though you may want to check the current route map before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lubbock driver license office is at 5302 Avenue Q and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are shorter in the morning and early afternoon.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time.
  • The office processes renewals, replacements, and new licenses, but some services like commercial driver license testing require a separate appointment.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, bring your current driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the physical card if you know the number.

For a replacement (if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you may want to bring a police report, though it is not required.

For a new license (if you have never held one), bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency. You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office.

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver license renewal costs $25. A replacement license costs $11. A new license for a first-time driver costs $25. These prices are set by the state and do not vary by location.

The Lubbock office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept personal checks. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself—you cannot pay over the phone or online at this office.

Services Available at This Office

The Avenue Q office handles renewals, replacements, and new driver licenses for standard (non-commercial) drivers. You can also obtain a Real ID-compliant license here if you bring the required documents. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require additional proof of identity and residency.

The office does not conduct commercial driver license (CDL) testing or issue CDL licenses. If you need a CDL, you must go to a separate testing facility. You can find CDL testing locations on the Texas DPS website or by calling the Lubbock office for a referral.

The office also does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or license plate issues—those are handled by the Lubbock County Tax Assessor-Collector's office at a different location.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff will review your documents, verify your information, and take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You will take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also answer questions about your health and driving history. If you are renewing and have no changes to report, this part is quick. If you are obtaining a new license, you will take a written knowledge test on Texas traffic laws.

Your temporary license is printed on the spot. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

Texas allows some renewals by mail if you meet certain conditions. You must be renewing a license that is not expired by more than two years, you must have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed, and you must not have any address changes. If you may have access to, you can request a renewal form by calling the Lubbock office or visiting the Texas DPS website.

You can also renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions. Online renewal is faster than mail and costs the same. However, you will still need to visit the office in person if your license is expired, if you need a replacement, or if you are obtaining a license for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—it will still be valid for five years from the date you renew.

What if I have a name change since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

Do I need to take the written test again if I am renewing?

No. If you are renewing an existing license, you do not take the written test. You only take the vision test. The written test is required only for new drivers or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?

The permanent license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time varies depending on your address. Your temporary license is valid for driving during this period.

What if I moved to Lubbock from another state?

You will need to obtain a Texas driver license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and the other documents listed above. You will take a vision test and written exam. Your out-of-state license is no longer valid once you obtain a Texas license.