Where to go for a driver license in Amarillo

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver license services in Amarillo. You cannot get a Texas driver license from any other agency or private business. The main office is located at 4410 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, TX 79110, and it handles both new licenses and renewals.

You can also visit the DPS office in Randall County at 11 County Road 7, Canyon, TX 79015, about 15 miles south of Amarillo. Both locations have the same hours and accept the same documents. Neither office takes walk-ins for new licenses — you must schedule an appointment online or by phone before you arrive.

To schedule an appointment, go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and select "Driver License" services, then choose the Amarillo or Canyon location. You can also call 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935) to book by phone. Appointments typically fill two to four weeks in advance during busy seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • You must schedule an appointment at the DPS office in Amarillo or Canyon before you arrive; walk-ins are not accepted for new driver licenses.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and a birth certificate or passport to your appointment.
  • The fee for a five-year driver license is $33, and for an eight-year license is $48; payment is cash, check, or card at the office.
  • You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test at your appointment; the office provides the written test on a computer.
  • Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment; you cannot pick it up in person.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires three categories of documents for a new driver license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot substitute one type for another, and the DPS office will turn you away if you are missing any category.

For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a valid U.S. passport. A school ID, work ID, or expired driver license does not count. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card. If you do not have one, you can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A tax return or paystub does not count.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your current Amarillo address. The document must have your name and address printed on it. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in Texas.

The written test and vision screening

At your appointment, you will take a vision test first. The DPS office has an automated machine that checks your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the written test that day and must reschedule.

The written 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. The office provides the test on a computer screen, and you answer by touching the screen. You have 30 minutes to complete it.

The DPS office provides study materials online at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License" resources. You can also pick up a printed study guide at the Amarillo or Canyon office. Most people study for a few hours before their appointment. If you fail the written test, you can reschedule and try again, but you must pay the fee again.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year driver license costs $33. An eight-year driver license costs $48. These are the standard fees for Texas residents. You pay at the DPS office on the day of your appointment.

The Amarillo and Canyon offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. They do not accept payment by phone or online before your appointment. If you pay by check, write it to the "State of Texas."

If you are under 18, the fee is the same, but your license will have different restrictions and will expire on your 18th birthday or five years from issue, whichever comes first.

Timeline from appointment to receiving your license

Your new driver license is mailed to the address you provide at your appointment. The DPS office does not issue licenses in person on the day of your visit. You should receive your license within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment.

During that waiting period, you do not have a valid driver license. If you need to drive, you can request a temporary paper license at your appointment, but this is not automatic — you must ask for it. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent card.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-844-377-8935 to check the status. Delays can happen if the address you provided is incomplete or if mail is returned as undeliverable.

Renewing an existing Texas driver license

If you already have a Texas driver license and it is not expired or suspended, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting the office. You can renew online at dps.texas.gov if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. The online renewal costs $33 for five years or $48 for eight years.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit the DPS office in Amarillo or Canyon. This is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you have had an address change, or if you need to update your name or photo. You will need to schedule an appointment the same way as a new license.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your Texas driver license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions and revocations are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving without insurance.

To learn about your license is suspended, go to dps.texas.gov and use the "Check License Status" tool, or call 1-844-377-8935. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, or provide proof of insurance) before you can restore it. Once the issue is resolved, you can contact the DPS to request reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license the same day as my appointment?

No. The DPS office does not issue licenses in person. Your license is mailed to you after your appointment and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at your appointment if you need to drive before the permanent card arrives.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or an official letter from the Social Security Administration instead. A tax return or paystub will not work. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or letter.

Do I need a road test to get a driver license in Texas?

No. Texas does not require a road test for a standard driver license. You only take a vision test and written knowledge test at the DPS office. Some other states require a road test, but Texas does not.

What if I fail the written test?

You can reschedule and try again. You must pay the fee again and take a new appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.

Can I renew my license online if it is expired?

Only if it expired less than two years ago. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit the DPS office in person and take the written test again. Check the expiration date on your license to see which option applies to you.