Where to go for your driver's license in Amarillo

In Amarillo, you get your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. The main office is located at 3502 Olsen Boulevard, Amarillo, TX 79109. This is the only place in Amarillo where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.

You can check current wait times and hours on the Texas DPS website before you go. The office is open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by season. Saturday hours are sometimes available but not may provide year-round, so call ahead if you plan to visit on a weekend.

If you cannot visit in person, you can renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, and you must have a valid reason for not appearing in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office on Olsen Boulevard is the only place in Amarillo to take your license test and get your photo taken.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity before you visit.
  • A new license costs around $33 for a standard five-year license, though the exact fee depends on the type of license you need.
  • If your license is expired by two years or less, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting in person.
  • Bring your current license or ID, even if it is expired, because it speeds up the process.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all three from the same category — you can mix and match as long as you have at least one from each.

For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. If your license is expired, it still counts. If you do not have any of these, a certified birth certificate works.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A tax return with your SSN printed on it also works.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current Amarillo address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it is recent and shows your address.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time — early mornings and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons or Fridays. Bring something to read or do while you wait.

Once called, you will go through several steps in order. First, a staff member will review your documents and enter your information into the system. Then you will take a vision test using a machine. Next comes the written test on a computer — you answer questions about Texas traffic laws. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

If you pass the written test, you will have your photo taken. The photo is taken from the shoulders up, and you should wear something you do not mind being photographed in. After your photo, you pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.

Costs and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs around $33 in Texas. An eight-year license costs more. The exact amount depends on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged license — each has a slightly different fee.

The DPS office in Amarillo accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online at the office.

If you renew by mail, you pay by check or money order, and the fee is the same as in-person renewal.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your license expired two years ago or more recently, you can renew without visiting the office. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you have certain medical conditions, or if you have had violations or suspensions.

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order and a copy of your current license to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks after they receive your process.

To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Online renewal is faster — your new license ships within a few days.

If you are getting your first license or have a suspended license

If you have never had a Texas driver's license, you must visit the office in person. You cannot get your first license by mail or online. You will need to take both the written test and the driving test. The driving test is scheduled for a separate appointment after you pass the written test.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit the office and may need to bring additional documents depending on why your license was suspended. Call the DPS office before you go to ask what you need to bring.

Common reasons your visit might take longer

Your visit will take longer if your documents do not match the information in the system, or if there is a hold on your record from another agency. A hold might be from the court system, child support enforcement, or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

If the staff member tells you there is a hold, ask what agency placed it and how to contact them. You may need to resolve the issue before you can get your license. In some cases, you can resolve it the same day by phone; in others, you will need to visit another office or wait for paperwork to be processed.

If your documents do not match — for example, if your name on your birth certificate is different from your name on your utility bill — bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test more than once if I fail?

Yes. If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. Most people who fail are allowed to retake it when ready, though the office may ask you to wait a short time. You do not pay an additional fee for retaking the test.

What happens if I do not have a Social Security number?

You still need to provide proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, contact the DPS office before you visit to ask what documents you can bring instead. Some situations have workarounds, but they vary case by case.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card after my visit?

Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. Your temporary paper license is valid during this time. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office with your receipt number.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Amarillo DPS office does not require appointments. You arrive, check in, and wait your turn. However, some Texas DPS offices in other cities do offer appointments. Call the Amarillo office to confirm whether appointments are available there.

Can I get a Real ID license in Amarillo?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You can get a Real ID license at the Amarillo DPS office. The process is the same as a standard license, but the fee is slightly higher. Ask the staff member which documents you need to bring for Real ID — the requirements are a bit stricter.