Where to go for your driver's license in Amarillo
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's licenses in Amarillo. You cannot get one from city hall, the county clerk, or any other local office — DPS is the only place that issues them. In Amarillo, the DPS Driver License office is located at 3639 Plains Boulevard, and it is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on state holidays.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On some days you might be seen in 30 minutes; on others, the wait can stretch to two hours or more. If you want to reduce your wait, you can check the DPS website for current wait times before you go, though the times update only a few times per day and are not real-time.
If you cannot visit in person, Texas also offers a limited online renewal option for certain driver's licenses — but only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet other specific conditions. That process happens through the DPS website, not in Amarillo.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS Driver License office at 3639 Plains Boulevard is the only place in Amarillo that issues or renews driver's licenses.
- You need to bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and a completed DL 43 form.
- A new license costs $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; renewals cost $25 for five years or $50 for eight years.
- If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew in person at the DPS office — online renewal is not an option.
- You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office unless you are renewing by mail or online.
What documents you need to bring
DPS requires specific documents, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count. Start with proof of identity: a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a passport, or a military ID. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official document from the state where you were born, not a hospital record or photocopy.
Next, you need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself works, but so does a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
Finally, bring a completed DL 43 form, which is the process for a Texas driver's license. You can read it from the DPS website and fill it out before you arrive, or you can fill it out at the office. Filling it out ahead of time saves you time at the counter.
The cost and how long it takes
A new driver's license costs either $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing an existing license, the cost is $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the Amarillo office.
After you pay and pass your tests, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your actual plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card to arrive, so you do not need to wait in the office for the final product.
If you are renewing by mail (which is only an option if your license expired less than two years ago and you meet other conditions), the process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DPS receives your process.
When you need to take a test and when you do not
If you are getting your first Texas driver's license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must take both a written knowledge test and a vision test at the DPS office. The knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.
If you are renewing a license that expired less than two years ago, you do not take a test in person. Instead, you can renew by mail or online (if you meet the conditions), or you can renew in person at the office without taking a test. The office staff will still check your vision, but you skip the written exam.
If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting the office at all. You will not take any test in this case.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and replacements
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. You will need to visit the office in person and may need to take a new photo.
If you have moved and need to update your address on your license, you can do this online if your license is not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person at the office, and your new address will be added during that process.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement. Bring your documents as if you were renewing, visit the office in person, and pay the replacement fee (which is the same as a renewal fee). You will get a new photo taken and receive a temporary license the same day.
What to expect when you arrive at the office
When you walk in, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The digital board will show which numbers are being served and at which window. Wait until your number is called, then bring your documents to the counter.
The staff member will check that you have all required documents, review your DL 43 form, and ask you to verify your information. If you are taking a test, they will direct you to a testing station. If you are not taking a test, they will take your photo and collect your payment. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the counter.
If any of your documents are missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. They will not issue a license until everything is in order. If you forgot something, you can go home and return another day — your place in line does not carry over, so you will need to take a new number.
Online and mail renewal options
Texas allows online renewal only if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions: your license must not have been suspended or revoked, you cannot have any medical restrictions, and you must not need a new photo. If you meet these conditions, you can renew on the DPS website without visiting Amarillo at all. The fee is the same as in-person renewal.
Mail renewal works similarly but is slower. You fill out a DL 43 form, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on their website. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after they receive it. Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal — your license cannot be expired by more than two years, and you cannot have had any suspensions or restrictions.
If your license is expired by more than two years, neither online nor mail renewal is an option. You must visit the DPS office in Amarillo in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush. The expiration date on your new license will be five or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license was set to expire.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge. If you fail again, you can return another day and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the full license fee each time you visit the office.
Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office in Amarillo?
No. The Amarillo DPS office operates on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. However, you can check the DPS website for current wait times before you go to plan your visit.
What if I moved out of Texas but still have a Texas license?
You cannot renew a Texas license if you no longer live in Texas. You must get a license from your new state. If you are visiting Amarillo temporarily, you can renew in person at the DPS office by bringing proof of your current out-of-state address instead of a Texas address.
Can I get a Real ID license in Amarillo?
Yes. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. It costs the same as a regular license and requires the same documents, plus one additional document proving your current address. You can request a Real ID when you visit the DPS office or when you renew online.