Where the Amarillo Driver License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Amarillo at 3501 Plains Boulevard, Amarillo, TX 79102. This is the main location where you can take your written test, road test, renew your license, or handle other driver license transactions in the Amarillo area.

The office is in a standalone building on Plains Boulevard, which runs north-south through Amarillo. If you are using GPS or a maps app, enter the full address above. Street parking is available near the building, and there is a small lot adjacent to the office.

This is the only full-service driver license office in Amarillo proper. If you live in a smaller town nearby—such as Canyon, Hereford, or Dumas—you may have a smaller satellite office closer to you, though those locations typically handle renewals and ID cards rather than road tests. Call ahead to confirm what services are available at a satellite location before making the drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amarillo driver license office is at 3501 Plains Boulevard and handles written tests, road tests, renewals, and license replacements.
  • Hours vary by day and season, so check the Texas DPS website or call before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
  • You must bring specific documents—a birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security card are the foundation for most transactions.
  • Road tests book up weeks in advance during summer and school breaks, so schedule as early as possible if you need to test soon.
  • Arrive early on weekday mornings to avoid long waits; afternoons and Saturdays tend to be busier.

Hours of Operation and When to Go

The Amarillo office is open Monday through Friday, with hours typically running 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the exact closing time can shift. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Hours may also change seasonally or without notice, so before you visit, check the Texas Department of Public Safety website or call the office directly at (806) 356-2015 to confirm.

Weekday mornings—especially Tuesday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.—tend to have shorter waits. Mondays and Fridays are typically busier. If you have a choice, avoid the lunch hour (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and the last hour before closing, when staff may not have time to start a new transaction.

During summer break (June through August) and around major holidays, the office fills up quickly, especially for road tests. If you are a teenager or a new driver who needs a road test, book your appointment as far in advance as the system allows—sometimes 4 to 6 weeks ahead.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on what you are doing, but nearly every transaction requires the same foundation: a birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and Amarillo address on it).

For a first-time license or learner permit, bring those three documents plus a completed DL 44 form (the Texas driver license process), which you can fill out at home or at the office. You will also need to pass a vision screening and the written test. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

For a road test, bring your learner permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will test in, and the vehicle itself (with valid registration and inspection sticker). The vehicle must be safe and in working order—the examiner will check brakes, lights, wipers, and steering before you begin.

For a renewal, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. If you must renew in person, bring your current license and proof of residency. Bring your birth certificate if your name has changed since your last license.

How to Schedule a Road Test Appointment

Road tests in Texas are scheduled through the DPS website or by phone. You cannot walk in and take a test the same day—you must book an appointment in advance. To schedule, visit the Texas DPS website, go to the driver license section, and look for the appointment scheduling tool. You will need your learner permit number and a valid email address.

The Amarillo office typically has openings several weeks out, but during peak times (summer, spring break, December holidays), slots fill 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If you do not see an opening for your preferred date, check back daily—cancellations do happen, and new slots sometimes open up.

When you book, you will choose a date, time, and vehicle type (car, motorcycle, or commercial). Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your learner permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle. If you are late or do not show up, you lose your appointment and may have to wait weeks for the next opening.

What to Expect During Your Visit

For a written test, plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office. You will check in, pay the fee (which varies by transaction type), have your vision screened, and then sit at a computer to take the test. The test has 30 questions; you need 21 correct to pass. You will know your result before you leave.

For a road test, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The examiner will inspect your vehicle, check your documents, and then take you on a 20- to 30-minute drive through Amarillo streets. You will be tested on basic skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave.

For a renewal or replacement, check-in and payment take 5 to 10 minutes. If you are renewing in person, you may need a new photo and vision screening. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use in the meantime.

Fees and Payment Methods

Fees vary depending on what you are doing. A learner permit costs around $16 to $25. A written test (if taken separately from a license) costs roughly $10 to $15. A road test costs approximately $20 to $30. A standard five-year driver license costs around $40 to $50. An eight-year license (available to drivers 36 and older) costs more. These amounts change periodically, so call ahead or check the Texas DPS website for current fees.

The Amarillo office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some transactions may have additional fees if you request expedited processing or a duplicate license. Ask at the counter what the total cost will be before you pay.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you are renewing a standard driver license and your license is not expired, you may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website without visiting the office. You can also renew by mail by submitting your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment. This process takes 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot take a written or road test remotely. You must visit the office in person for your first license, learner permit, or road test. If you live far from Amarillo, check whether a smaller satellite office in your town offers the service you need before making the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test the same day I pass my written test?

No. You must schedule a road test appointment in advance through the DPS website or by phone. You cannot test the same day. After you pass your written test, you will receive your learner permit, which you can use to practice driving. Schedule your road test for a later date once you feel ready.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas, so you can book your next test as soon as an opening is available. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need an appointment for a renewal or ID card?

No. Renewals and ID card replacements are walk-in services at the Amarillo office. However, if you need a road test or written test, you must have an appointment. Expect a wait during busy hours, especially on Fridays and during summer.

Can I get my license the same day I pass my road test?

No. Your license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead. You do not need the card itself, just proof of the number. Call the office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.