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, located at 5302 Avenue Q. You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, which we cover below.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your original documents or certified copies; photocopies alone will not work.

You do not need an appointment at the Lubbock DPS office, but you should check their current hours before you go. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, but hours change seasonally and may shift without notice. Call 806-747-2400 to confirm hours before your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lubbock Driver License Office is at 5302 Avenue Q and does not require an appointment, but you should call 806-747-2400 to confirm hours before going.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number; if your name changed, bring a certified document showing the change.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had a vision or medical suspension, which takes about two weeks.
  • Renewal fees are $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • If your license is expired, you must renew in person at the DPS office; mail renewal is not an option.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

Texas allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. Your license must not have been suspended or revoked, you cannot have had a vision or medical suspension, and you must not have changed your address since your last renewal. If all of these explore to you, you can request a renewal process by calling the Lubbock DPS office or visiting the Texas DPS website.

Mail renewal takes roughly two weeks from the time the DPS office receives your process. You will need to include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of residency. The DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. This route works well if you have a valid license and your life circumstances have not changed, but if anything is uncertain, renewing in person at the office is faster and lets you resolve issues on the spot.

Understanding license terms and renewal fees

When you renew, you choose between a four-year license for $25 or an eight-year license for $50. The four-year option is cheaper upfront but means you renew more often. The eight-year option costs more but you do not have to renew again for eight years. Neither option is objectively better — it depends on whether you prefer lower costs now or fewer trips to the DPS office later.

These fees are current as of 2024, but Texas occasionally adjusts renewal costs. If the fee has changed, the DPS office will tell you the new amount when you arrive. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the Lubbock office; call ahead to confirm payment methods if you have a strong preference.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to the Lubbock DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process is the same as renewing a valid license, and the fee remains $25 for four years or $50 for eight years.

An expired license does not disqualify you from renewing; the DPS handles expired renewals routinely. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renewing in person as soon as you can is important. The office typically processes renewals the same day, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is.

Vision tests and medical requirements

During an in-person renewal, the DPS will test your vision. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew that day, and the DPS will tell you what steps to take next — usually getting an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and returning with the results.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or certain medications — the DPS may require a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor. The office will let you know if this applies to you. These requirements exist to keep you and others safe on the road.

Replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you need a replacement rather than a renewal. A replacement costs $11 and can be done at the Lubbock DPS office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with the Lubbock Police Department, though this is not required by the DPS.

A replacement license is issued the same day in most cases. If you also need to renew (because your license is expiring soon), you can do both at once — the DPS will charge you the replacement fee plus the renewal fee. Ask the staff at the office which option makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at the Lubbock DPS office or by mail if you meet the conditions listed above. The mail option is the closest to remote renewal available.

What if I moved to Lubbock recently?

If you moved to Lubbock from another state or another part of Texas, you need to update your address on your license. You can do this during renewal at the DPS office. Bring your current license and proof of your new Lubbock address. The renewal fee is the same whether or not you are changing your address.

How long does renewal take at the office?

In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license the same day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter wait times than late afternoon or Friday.

What if my name is different on my documents?

Bring a certified document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name during renewal. If your documents do not match, the office will ask you to resolve the discrepancy before they can issue your new license.

Can I renew before my license expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the term of your new license — a four-year renewal is still four years from the date you renew, even if you renew a year early.