Where to go for your Lubbock driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver's licenses in Texas, including in Lubbock. You cannot get a license from the city or county — only from DPS. In Lubbock, the DPS Driver License office is located at 1302 Avenue K, and you can visit in person during business hours to explore, renew, or replace your license.

You do not need an appointment to visit, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings and weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Saturdays. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays. You can check current wait times and hours on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 1302 Avenue K in Lubbock is the only place to get a Texas driver's license; city and county offices cannot issue one.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form before you visit.
  • Texas requires a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; you cannot take the written test online even if you are renewing.
  • A standard driver's license costs around $33 for a four-year license, but the exact fee depends on your age and license type.
  • If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or guardian and complete additional requirements including a driver education course.

Documents you need to bring

Texas has specific document requirements, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need four things: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process form.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or previous Texas driver's license. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Lubbock address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. You will also need to fill out form DL 43 (process for Texas Driver License) before or when you arrive at the office.

If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The vision and knowledge tests

At the DPS office, you will take a vision screening and a written knowledge test. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You do not study for the vision test — it straightforward measures your eyesight.

The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which is available on the DPS website and at the Lubbock office. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

If you are renewing your license and have not had any violations, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office in person. However, you will still need to pass a vision test at some point during the renewal cycle, so check the DPS website to see whether you are required to come in.

Cost and how long it takes

A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs around $33, though the exact amount depends on your age and whether you are getting a standard license or a Real ID. A Real ID (which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry) costs more — typically around $50 for four years — but you can choose a standard license if you do not need it.

The office will issue your license on the same day you pass the tests, so you will leave with a temporary paper license. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited mail, though this is not always available.

Processing time at the office itself usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy it is and whether you have all your documents. Bring everything on the first visit so you do not have to return.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DPS office. You will also need to show proof that you have completed a driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course approved by the state. Your school may offer this course, or you can take it through a private provider.

Drivers under 18 receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL), which has restrictions. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under 21 (unless a parent or guardian is in the car). After six months, the nighttime restriction lifts but the passenger restriction remains. At 18, you can convert to a standard license.

You will also need to pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner. This test is separate from the written test and must be scheduled in advance. The examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to handle the vehicle safely.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your license is expiring, you can renew it before the expiration date. Standard renewals are valid for four years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written test and vision test as if you were getting a new license.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Lubbock DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and the office will issue a new card. A replacement costs less than a new license — typically around $11 — and you will receive it the same day.

If you have moved to Lubbock from another state, you can exchange your out-of-state license for a Texas license. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, but you may not need to take the behind-the-wheel test if you already hold a valid license from another state. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

What to do if you fail or have questions

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you do not pay an extra fee. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the Texas Driver Handbook more carefully.

If you have questions before you visit, you can call the Lubbock DPS office directly or visit the Texas DPS website, which has detailed information about requirements, fees, and hours. The website also has a live chat option during business hours. Do not rely on social media or third-party websites for official information — always check the Texas DPS site or call the office directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. The written knowledge test must be taken in person at the DPS office in Lubbock. You can study online using practice tests and the Texas Driver Handbook, but the actual test is administered by DPS staff at the office.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this document instead of a Social Security card.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date, and renewal is usually faster than getting a new license if you have not had violations.

Do I need a Real ID to fly from Lubbock?

As of May 2025, a Real ID is required for domestic air travel. A standard Texas driver's license is not sufficient for flights. You can get a Real ID at the Lubbock DPS office by bringing an additional document proving citizenship or lawful presence, such as a passport or birth certificate.

What if I cannot visit the office in person?

If you are renewing a license that is not expired and you have no violations, you may be able to renew by mail or online. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access. If you must visit in person and cannot travel to Lubbock, you can visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas — there are offices in other cities if that is more convenient for you.