Where to renew your driver license in Amarillo

In Amarillo, you renew your driver license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main office is located at 3502 West 45th Avenue in Amarillo. You can also renew by mail or online through the Texas DPS website, depending on your situation — not all renewals may have access to for those routes.

The in-person office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you go in person, you do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times. The office handles driver license renewals, replacements, and address changes all in one location.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at the DPS office on West 45th Avenue, by mail if your license is not expired, or online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions.
  • You will need your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew in person.
  • A standard five-year renewal costs $25 in Texas; an eight-year renewal for drivers 85 and older costs $15.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is faster but only works if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

What documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal at the Amarillo DPS office, bring your current driver license, one document proving your current address, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have lost your license or it was stolen, you will need to report that to the DPS officer when you arrive, and you may pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Renewing by mail from Amarillo

You can renew by mail if your license is not yet expired and you have not had certain traffic violations in the past five years. The Texas DPS mails you a renewal packet; you fill it out, include a check or money order, and mail it back. The whole process takes two to three weeks.

To start a mail renewal, visit the Texas DPS website and request a renewal packet, or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789. You will need your driver license number and date of birth. Mail renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you need to update your address or name.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS

Online renewal is the fastest option if you may have access to. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not had violations, and you do not need to change your address or name. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

To renew online, you will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and tell you when ready whether you can proceed. If you cannot renew online, the system will tell you why and direct you to mail renewal or in-person renewal instead.

Renewal fees and license validity in Texas

A standard driver license renewal in Texas costs $25 and is valid for five years. If you are 85 years old or older, you can renew for $15 and your license will be valid for three years instead of five. Commercial driver licenses have different fees and renewal periods — those are handled separately at the DPS office.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure your address is current before you renew, especially if you have moved recently.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to the DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DPS will process it as a renewal rather than a new license, so the fee is still $25.

An expired license is still valid as identification for the renewal process itself — you do not need a passport or other ID to prove who you are at the DPS office. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you realize it has lapsed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

In-person renewals are processed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed. Mail and online renewals take one to three weeks for the card to arrive, depending on mail processing times. Check the Texas DPS website for current processing times.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

Unpaid tickets do not automatically block renewal, but a suspension related to a ticket will. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension first — usually by paying the ticket or attending traffic school — before you can renew. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the ticket to check your status.

What if I moved out of Amarillo but still have a Texas address?

You can renew your license at any DPS office in Texas, not just Amarillo. If you have moved to another Texas city, you can visit the DPS office nearest you. You will need to update your address during the renewal, so bring proof of your new address.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

For a standard renewal by mail or online, the DPS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DPS will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail, you must renew in person instead.

Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?

Your license is mailed to your address on file, so you do not need to pick it up in person. If you need it sooner or want to pick it up yourself, you can ask the DPS officer during your in-person renewal whether that is an option at the Amarillo office.