Where the Lubbock Driver's License Office Is Located and Its Hours

The Lubbock Driver's License office is operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and is located at 1617 Main Street, Lubbock, TX 79401. This is the main office serving Lubbock County and the surrounding area. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The office does not require an appointment for most transactions, but you should arrive early in the day if possible, as wait times can extend past noon, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. If you need to renew or replace a license, you can also use the Texas DPS online renewal system for certain transactions, which may save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lubbock DPS office is at 1617 Main Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment needed for most services.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation to complete any license transaction.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available for certain license types in Texas, which can reduce the need to visit the office in person.
  • The office processes new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes, but processing times and fees vary by transaction type.
  • If you cannot visit during regular hours, you may be able to use a different DPS office location or check whether your transaction qualifies for online handling.

What Documents You Must Bring to the Lubbock Office

Texas requires specific documents for every license transaction. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. You will also need proof of identity—a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate are the most common options. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DPS will not accept it.

You must also show proof of residency dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Lubbock address. A driver's license or ID from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring both your old and new proof of residency to explain the change.

If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, bring your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original, but you may be asked to sign a statement confirming its loss. For a name change due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document showing the legal change.

Types of Transactions You Can Complete at the Lubbock Office

The Lubbock DPS office handles all standard driver's license and ID card transactions. You can explore for a new driver's license if you are getting your first license or moving to Texas from another state. You can renew an expired or expiring license, though Texas allows online renewal for many drivers—check the DPS website to see if you may have access to before making the trip.

You can also replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license at the office. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew or replace it at the office; you must first resolve the suspension through the appropriate DPS division. The office can process address changes if you have moved within Texas, and you can update your name if you have married, divorced, or changed your name by court order.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) applications or renewals at this location. CDL transactions must be completed at a separate DPS office designated for commercial licenses. Ask staff at the main office for the nearest CDL location if you need that service.

Fees and Processing Times at the Lubbock Office

License fees in Texas depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license valid for five years costs $45 as of 2024, though this amount can change. A renewal costs the same as a new license. A replacement for a lost or stolen license also costs $45. An address change or name change on an existing license costs $20 and does not require a new photo if you are only updating your address.

Processing times vary. A new license or renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days if you explore in person at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. If you need your license faster, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not always available for all transaction types.

Payment methods at the Lubbock office include cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices do not accept personal checks, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check. The office does not issue refunds if you change your mind after paying, so confirm your transaction type and fee before handing over payment.

When to Use Online or Mail Renewal Instead of Visiting in Person

Texas allows online renewal for many drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who have not had a major change in their medical status or vision. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your current license is still valid or expired for no more than two years. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 days and costs the same as in-person renewal.

You can also renew by mail if you meet the same conditions. Mail renewal takes longer—typically 2 to 3 weeks—but you do not have to visit the office. To renew by mail, read the process from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your current license and payment to the address provided on the form.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you have a medical condition that requires a new vision test or medical certification, you must visit the office in person. The same applies if you are changing your name or address for the first time, or if you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time.

What to Expect During Your Visit to the Lubbock Office

When you arrive at the Lubbock office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary, but you should plan for 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and how busy the office is. Bring all required documents and have them organized before you reach the counter to speed up the process.

At the counter, staff will review your documents, verify your information in the DPS system, and take your photo and signature. You will be asked to read a vision chart to confirm you meet the minimum vision standard for driving. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during this test. You will also answer questions about any medical conditions or medications that might affect your ability to drive safely.

Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the DPS to check the status of your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail from the Lubbock office?

Yes, if your license is not expired for more than two years and you have no medical or legal issues that would prevent renewal. read the mail renewal form from the Texas DPS website, include a copy of your current license and payment, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.

What if I cannot visit during business hours?

The Lubbock office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. only. If you cannot visit during these hours, consider using online renewal if you may have access to, or mail renewal. There are no evening or weekend hours at this location.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Lubbock DPS office?

No appointment is required for most transactions. You check in at the front desk and wait for your number to be called. However, wait times can be long during peak hours, so arriving early in the day is recommended.

What happens if I lose my temporary paper license before my permanent one arrives?

Contact the DPS when ready to report the loss. You can request a replacement temporary license or check the status of your permanent license. If your permanent license has already been mailed, the DPS may be able to stop it and issue a new one, though this can delay your license further.

Can I get a REAL ID at the Lubbock office?

Yes. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license requires additional documentation beyond a standard license, including proof of citizenship or legal residency status. Bring your passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents along with the standard required documents. REAL ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses.