The Texas Department of Public Safety Amarillo Office

The main place to handle driver license business in Amarillo is the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. This is a state office, not a city office, and it handles renewals, replacements, new licenses, and most other license-related transactions. The office is located at 3639 Bell Street, Amarillo, TX 79106.

You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you need to check current wait times or confirm hours before you go, you can call the office at (806) 356-2571.

This office handles the full range of driver license services: new licenses for first-time drivers, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, address changes, and correcting information on your license. If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) or a hazmat endorsement, this is also where you go, though those require additional testing and documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS Driver License office in Amarillo is at 3639 Bell Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You can walk in without an appointment, but you will need to bring specific documents depending on what you are doing — a new license requires different paperwork than a renewal.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than going to the office in person.
  • The office handles standard driver licenses, commercial driver licenses, and endorsements like hazmat, though CDL testing requires scheduling in advance.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The documents required depend on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one. For a new license, you need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. You also need to pass a vision test and written test at the office.

For a renewal, the requirements are simpler if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You can often renew by mail or online without going to the office. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if you have one, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement on the spot if your information has not changed.

Renewing Your License Without Going to the Office

Texas allows many people to renew their driver license by mail or online, which means you do not have to visit the Amarillo office. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving. The online renewal costs less than an in-person renewal and takes about a week.

You can also renew by mail if you meet the same conditions. The process takes longer — usually two to three weeks — but requires only filling out a form and mailing it with your current license and a check. Both options are worth checking first, because they save you a trip to the office.

If your license is expired more than two years, you have a medical condition, or you need to change your address or name, you must go to the office in person.

Getting a Commercial Driver License in Amarillo

If you need a commercial driver license (CDL), you still go to the same Amarillo DPS office, but the process is longer and requires scheduling. You need to pass a written test specific to the class of CDL you want (Class A, B, or C), a skills test with a vehicle, and a medical examination. The medical exam must be done by a certified medical examiner and cannot be done at the DPS office.

Before you go to the office, get your medical certification from a doctor on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Bring that certification, proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any previous licenses or permits. The written test is given at the office, but the skills test must be scheduled separately and usually happens within a few days.

The entire CDL process typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you can schedule the skills test and get your medical exam.

Bringing Your Documents and Fees

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. The office staff will tell you if a translation is needed when you arrive.

Bring a check or money order for the fee; the office does not accept cash or credit cards. The fee for a new license is different from the fee for a renewal or replacement, and the fee changes periodically. Call the office at (806) 356-2571 to confirm the current fee before you go, so you bring the exact amount.

Bring your Social Security number in writing if you do not have it memorized. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

What Happens If You Cannot Go During Business Hours

The Amarillo DPS office is only open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. If you cannot take time off work or have another reason you cannot go during those times, your options are limited. You can renew by mail or online if you meet the conditions described above, which avoids the office entirely. You can also call ahead at (806) 356-2571 to ask if the office has any evening or Saturday hours, though this is rare.

If you need a new license or replacement and cannot go during business hours, you may have to take time off work or ask your employer for a flexible schedule on one of those days. There is no other DPS office in Amarillo, so you cannot go to a different location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid or expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must go to the office in person and retake the written test and vision test.

Do I need an appointment to go to the DPS office?

No. The Amarillo office accepts walk-ins during business hours. You may have to wait, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon, but you do not need to call ahead or schedule a time.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not know my number?

You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or confirm your number. Bring documentation of your identity and residency when you go to the DPS office, and the staff can help you verify your number if needed.

How long does it take to get a new driver license after I explore?

If you explore in person at the office, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail or online, the license is mailed to you within one to three weeks depending on the method.

Can I change my address at the DPS office without renewing my license?

Yes. You can update your address without renewing your license. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. The fee for an address change is lower than the fee for a renewal, and the updated license is mailed to you within one to two weeks.