Renewing Your License in Lubbock: The Basic Process

In Lubbock, you renew your driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can renew in person at the Lubbock Driver License office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Texas DPS website for standard renewals. Most Lubbock residents renew in person because mail and online options have strict may be able to access rules — you must have a clean driving record, no medical restrictions, and no address changes to use those routes.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lubbock Driver License office is located at 1302 Avenue K and is open Monday through Friday; call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
  • You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to renew in person.
  • The renewal fee in Texas is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • If you renew online or by mail, you skip the office visit but must have no address changes, no medical conditions, and no traffic violations or suspensions in the past five years.
  • Processing times vary: in-person renewals are usually done the same day, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and online renewals take five to seven business days.

What Documents You Need to Bring

For an in-person renewal at the Lubbock office, bring your current driver's license or ID card. If your license is expired, bring it anyway — it still serves as proof of identity. You also need one document that proves your current address in Lubbock. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. A phone bill or credit card statement works if it shows your name and address.

You must also provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you will need to bring additional documents — ask the Lubbock office staff which ones before you visit. Bring your original documents or certified copies; the office will not accept photocopies of proof of residency.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring your current CDL and the same residency and identity documents. CDL renewals have additional requirements depending on whether you drive hazardous materials or operate certain vehicle types — the office can tell you what else you need when you call.

In-Person Renewal at the Lubbock Driver License Office

The Lubbock Driver License office is located at 1302 Avenue K, Lubbock, TX 79401. The office is open Monday through Friday, but hours change seasonally and the office sometimes closes for staff training. Call (806) 747-2511 before you go to confirm the current hours and to ask about wait times. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number.

Bring all your documents and arrive early if possible — wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day and time. Bring cash or a card to pay the renewal fee. Once you are called, the staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will receive your new license the same day in most cases, though the office may mail it to you if the system is backed up.

If you need a replacement license before your renewal is processed, you can request a temporary paper license at the office. This is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card.

Renewing by Mail or Online

Texas allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, no medical restrictions, no suspensions or revocations, and no traffic violations in the past five years. To renew by mail, fill out Form DL-44 (available on the Texas DPS website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. You do not need to include a new photo — the DPS uses your existing one.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is faster and requires the same may be able to access rules as mail renewal. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, verify your information, pay the fee by card, and your new license is mailed to you within five to seven business days. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you do not meet the may be able to access rules for mail or online renewal — for example, you have an address change or a recent traffic violation — you must renew in person at the Lubbock office. Do not attempt mail or online renewal if you are ineligible; the DPS will reject your request and you will have to start over in person.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The Texas driver's license renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. At the Lubbock office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. For online renewal, pay by debit or credit card during the transaction.

The fee does not change based on your age, driving record, or license class, except for CDL renewals, which may cost more if you need a hazmat endorsement or other commercial endorsements. Ask the office about the exact fee for your license type before you renew.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal — in person, by mail, or online (if you meet the may be able to access rules). Bring your expired license to the office; it still counts as valid ID for renewal purposes. You do not need to take a new written test or driving test.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and you may be required to pass a written test and vision test. Some cases also require a driving test. Call the Lubbock office at (806) 747-2511 to ask what you need to bring and what tests you will take before you go.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you have a renewal process in progress. Do not drive until your new license arrives or you receive a temporary paper license from the office.

Special Situations and Restrictions

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first clear the suspension or revocation through the Texas DPS or the court that issued it. Contact the Lubbock office to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. This process can take weeks or months depending on the reason.

If you have medical conditions that affect your driving — such as vision problems, hearing loss, or seizure disorders — the DPS may add restrictions to your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only. If your medical situation has changed since your last renewal, tell the office staff when you renew. You may need to provide a medical report from your doctor.

If you are renewing a CDL, you must pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. The Lubbock office can refer you to an examiner in the area. You must bring the completed medical certificate (MCSA-5875) to the office when you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine in Lubbock?

Yes, an outstanding ticket does not automatically block renewal. However, if a court has suspended your license because of the ticket, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Lubbock Municipal Court or Justice Court to check your status. If your license is not suspended, you can renew normally.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?

Most in-person renewals are completed the same day and you receive your license before you leave the office. If the office is extremely busy or if there is a system issue, they may mail your license to you, which takes five to seven business days. Ask the staff when you finish your renewal whether you are receiving your license that day or by mail.

What if I move out of Lubbock after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Contact the Texas DPS and provide your new address. Your license will be mailed to your new address instead. You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website, by phone at 1-888-589-6789, or by visiting a DPS office in your new location.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew in person at the Lubbock office, yes — the DPS takes a new photo as part of the renewal. If you renew by mail or online, the DPS uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.

Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, bring your passport, visa, or other federal immigration document to the Lubbock office. The staff will help you complete the renewal with alternative identification. Call ahead to confirm what documents the office needs.