Where to renew your license in Lubbock
In Lubbock, you renew your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. The main office is located at 5302 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79412. This is the only location in Lubbock where you can complete an in-person renewal.
You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation. Mail renewal and online renewal have different rules about who can use them, so your renewal method depends on when your license expires, how many times you've renewed it before, and whether you need to change any information on your license.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS Driver License office at 5302 Avenue Q is open Monday through Friday, and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works only if your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and you have no address or name changes.
- Mail renewal is available for some drivers but requires your current license and a completed process form mailed to Austin; processing takes two to three weeks.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number to renew in person.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after an in-person or mail renewal; you cannot take it with you the same day.
In-person renewal at the Lubbock DPS office
Walking into the DPS office at 5302 Avenue Q is the most straightforward way to renew. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and you do not need an appointment. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Wait times at the Lubbock office vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons. If you go on a Monday or Friday, expect longer waits than mid-week.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not yet expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, you have no changes to your name or address, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes.
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Renewal," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal—for example, if your license has already expired or if you need to update your address—you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal for may be able to access drivers
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years. You cannot change your name or address by mail; those changes require an in-person visit.
To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at the Lubbock DPS office. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it along with your current license to the address shown on the form (in Austin). Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Processing takes two to three weeks after the DPS receives your process.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to be without your physical license for several weeks. Most drivers in Lubbock find in-person or online renewal more practical.
What documents you need to bring
For in-person renewal at the Lubbock office, bring the following:
- Your current Texas driver's license
- Proof of Texas residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy showing your current address
- Your Social Security number (or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2)
If you are renewing after a name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are renewing after a move within Texas, bring proof of your new address.
If you have lost your current license or it has been stolen, you cannot renew; you must explore for a replacement or new license instead. A replacement is different from a renewal and requires an in-person visit to the DPS office.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
The cost of renewing your driver's license in Texas depends on how long you want it to be valid. A standard renewal is valid for five years and costs one amount; a renewal valid for eight years costs more. You can choose which length you prefer when you renew.
The exact fee varies slightly depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is typically the least expensive option. Ask the DPS office or check the Texas DPS website for the current fee amounts, as they may change.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license that day, which is valid until your plastic license arrives. Do not throw away the temporary license; keep it with you until the new card comes.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license has expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to the DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
An expired license can still be renewed at the office, but you may be asked additional questions about your identity and residency. The process is otherwise the same as a standard renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the day you visit.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test, even though you are renewing rather than explore for a new license. Call the Lubbock DPS office at the number listed on their website to ask about your specific situation before you go in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you are about to travel or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date one year (or more) in the future.
What if I need to change my address when I renew?
If you have moved within Texas, you must renew in person at the DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. You cannot change your address by mail or online renewal.
How long can I drive on the temporary paper license?
The temporary paper license is valid until your new plastic license arrives in the mail, which is normally 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive. Once your new license arrives, the temporary is no longer valid.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a replacement license instead, which requires an in-person visit to the DPS office. A replacement is a different process than a renewal and may have different fees and requirements.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at the DPS office in Lubbock. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.