How to Renew Your Driver's License in Lubbock, Texas

Where to go and what to bring

In Lubbock, you renew your driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is the Lubbock Driver License Office at 5102 50th Street, Lubbock, TX 79414. You can walk in during business hours — no appointment is required, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $45 for a standard five-year renewal as of 2024, though fees can change.

If you cannot go in person, Texas allows mail-in renewal for some drivers. You are may be able to access if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. The DPS will mail you a form; you complete it, include a check or money order, and mail everything back. This takes longer than in-person renewal — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if you choose this route.

Key Takeaways

The Lubbock DPS office at 5102 50th Street handles all driver's license renewals and does not require an appointment.
Bring your current license, proof of residency from the last 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
The renewal fee is $45 for a five-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
Mail-in renewal is an option if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions, but it takes three to four weeks.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of an in-person renewal.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review what you brought to make sure everything is there. If you are missing something, they will tell you what you need to get before they can process your renewal.

Once your documents are accepted, you will have your photo taken for the new license. The photo is taken at the office, so you do not need to bring one. You will also answer questions about your health and any medical conditions that might affect your driving — be honest here, as false answers can result in your license being suspended later. After that, you pay the fee and you are done. The staff will give you a receipt showing your new license number.

Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The receipt you receive at the office is proof that your license is valid during that waiting period, so keep it with you if you drive before the new license arrives.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush of renewing at the last minute. The renewal process is the same whether you are early or at the expiration date — you still bring the same documents and pay the same fee.

If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date. So if your license expires in December 2025 and you renew in January 2025, your new license will expire in January 2030. This means you will not lose any time on your license — you are straightforward starting a fresh five-year cycle.

If your license is already expired

You can still renew at the DPS office if your license has been expired for less than two years. Bring the same documents as you would for an on-time renewal. The process is identical, and the fee is the same.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you will have to explore for a new license instead. This requires additional documents, including a birth certificate or passport, and the process takes longer. Contact the Lubbock DPS office directly if this applies to you, as the steps are different from renewal.

Handling name or address changes

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The DPS will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.

If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are moving and do not yet have a document showing your new address, you can use a lease or purchase agreement. The staff will tell you what counts as proof if you are unsure.

Wait times and busy periods

The Lubbock DPS office is usually busiest on Mondays and Fridays, and during lunch hours (noon to 1 p.m.). If you can go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will likely wait less. The office opens at 8 a.m., so arriving early in the day often means a shorter wait.

There is no way to reserve a time slot at the Lubbock office, but you can call ahead at the DPS office to ask about current wait times. The phone number for the Lubbock Driver License Office is (806) 747-2500. Staff can tell you roughly how long the wait is at that moment, which can help you decide whether to come in now or come back later.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you do not have to wait until the expiration date to get a new one. You can go to the DPS office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is $11, which is less than a full renewal.

If you get your lost license back after you have already replaced it, do not use the old one — it is no longer valid. Destroy it or return it to the DPS office. Using an expired or replaced license to drive is illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online in Texas?

No, Texas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you can go to the DPS office in person. Mail-in renewal is the closest option to online, but it still requires you to mail in documents and a check.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, other documents that count include a mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. Call the Lubbock DPS office at (806) 747-2500 to ask if a specific document will work before you come in.

Do I need an eye exam to renew my license in Lubbock?

No eye exam is required for renewal. You will read a line of letters on a chart at the DPS office to confirm your vision is acceptable for driving. If you fail that test, you may be required to get a formal eye exam, but this is rare.

How long is my license valid after I renew it?

Your new license is valid for five years from the date you renew. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of the card. You can renew again up to one year before that date expires.

What if I moved out of Lubbock but still have a Texas license?

You can renew your license at any DPS office in Texas, not just in Lubbock. If you have moved to another city, you can go to the nearest DPS office there. Your license will still be a Texas license with your new address. You do not have to renew in Lubbock.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.