Where to go and what to bring in Amarillo

In Amarillo, you renew your driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is the Amarillo DPS Driver License office, located at 3639 Olsen Boulevard. You can also use any other DPS office in the state if that is more convenient for you, though the Amarillo office is your local option.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so no special preparation is needed for that.

You do not need an appointment at the Amarillo DPS office, but you can make one online through the Texas DPS website if you want to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours can vary by season. Call ahead at the office number listed on the DPS website to confirm current hours before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amarillo DPS Driver License office is at 3639 Olsen Boulevard, and you can walk in without an appointment or reserve a time slot online.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency from the last 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, and you will take a vision test at the office.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written driving test in addition to the vision test.

How long the renewal takes and when you get your new license

The in-office part of renewal is quick — usually 15 to 30 minutes from the time you are called. The DPS takes your photo, runs a background check, and administers the vision test. You will leave with a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being made.

Your new plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary paper license during that time, so there is no gap in your driving privileges. If your mail is slow or you need the card sooner, you can pick it up in person at the DPS office once it is ready, though this is not necessary.

Cost and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license renewal in Texas costs $25. If you choose an eight-year license (available to drivers 85 and older), the cost is higher. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card at the Amarillo DPS office. Some offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm if that matters to you.

There are no additional fees for the vision test or background check — those are included in the renewal fee. If you need a duplicate license or want to change your address at the same time, there may be small additional charges, so ask the staff when you arrive.

Renewing by mail or online

Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses, and mail renewal is not available in Amarillo. You must go to the DPS office in person. This is because Texas requires a new photo and an in-person vision test for every renewal, even if your vision has not changed.

The only exception is if you are a member of the military stationed overseas or in a location far from any DPS office. In that case, contact the DPS directly to ask about alternatives, but standard renewals require an office visit.

What to do if your license has been expired for a long time

If your license expired more than two years ago, the DPS treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to pass both the written driving test and the vision test, not just the vision test. You should study the Texas Driver Handbook before you go, which is available free on the DPS website.

The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You take it on a computer at the DPS office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. The office staff can tell you which study materials are most helpful.

Changing your address or name during renewal

You can change your address at the same time you renew. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 90 days). The DPS will update your address on your new license at no extra charge.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the document that proves the change. The DPS will issue a license with your new name. If you are changing your name and address at the same time, bring both sets of documents and tell the staff when you arrive so they process everything together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card. Bring any document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2, 1099, tax return, or bank statement. A birth certificate alone is not enough — the DPS needs to see the actual number.

Do I need an eye exam from an eye doctor before I go?

No. The DPS office has a vision screening machine and will test your vision for free as part of the renewal. You do not need to bring results from an eye doctor. If you fail the vision test at the DPS office, they will tell you to see an eye doctor and come back once you have corrected lenses.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic ticket. If your license is expired, renew it as soon as you can. If you are unable to get to the DPS office right away, do not drive except to get to the DPS office itself.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. You must pick up your license in person if you choose to do so before it arrives by mail. The DPS will not release it to another person. It is easier to let it come by mail to your address, which takes 7 to 10 business days.