Where to get your driver's license in Amarillo

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license office in Amarillo. You'll go to the DPS Driver License Division office located at 3639 Wolflin Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79109. This is the only place in Amarillo where you can take your written test, road test, and receive your license on the same day or across multiple visits, depending on your situation.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours change seasonally and can shift without notice, so call ahead at (806) 356-2637 or check the Texas DPS website before you go. Wait times vary widely — early morning visits (right when they open) typically have shorter lines than afternoons.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the Amarillo DPS office.
  • Texas requires you to pass a written test and a road test before you receive your license; both are administered at the same location.
  • First-time applicants must pass a vision screening at the DPS office — you cannot use an eye doctor's results.
  • The fee for a standard five-year driver's license is $45; an eight-year license costs $65.
  • If you already hold a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to take the road test again, but you must still pass the written test.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires proof of identity before issuing a license. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal — a photocopy will not work.

You also need proof of residency showing your current Amarillo address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 30 days all work. The name on the document should match the name you're using to explore, though minor variations are sometimes accepted.

Bring your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you don't have a Social Security number. You'll need to provide this in writing on your process. If you've changed your name since your last license or identity document, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The written test and what it covers

The Texas written test has 30 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the DPS office.

The test covers Texas traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Texas DPS website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. You're allowed one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can return on another day to try again.

The road test: what the examiner checks

After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a road test. The examiner will check your ability to start the car, control steering, brake smoothly, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic laws. The test typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers both city streets and, sometimes, highway driving depending on which route the examiner chooses.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check that the car has working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors. If anything is broken or missing, the test will not happen.

You can fail the road test and retake it. There's no limit to how many times you can try, but you'll pay a retest fee each time. Many people schedule their first road test only after practicing extensively with a licensed driver.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs $45. An eight-year license costs $65. These are the fees for first-time applicants and renewals. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), the fee is $11.

The Amarillo DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Check the office's current payment methods before you visit, as policies can change. If you're renewing by mail or online, payment methods may differ.

If you already have an out-of-state license

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, Texas will not require you to take the road test again. You still must pass the written test and the vision screening. You'll surrender your out-of-state license when you receive your Texas license.

Bring your current out-of-state license along with your proof of identity and residency. The process is faster than a first-time process because you skip the road test, but plan for at least one visit to the DPS office.

Real ID and what it means for your Amarillo license

A Real ID is a federal security standard that makes a driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Texas offers Real ID licenses at no extra cost. The main difference is that you must provide additional proof of identity and residency — the same documents listed above work, but the DPS office will verify them more carefully.

If you want a Real ID license, tell the clerk when you explore. If you don't request it, you'll receive a standard license that is valid for driving but cannot be used for domestic flights after May 2025 (the federal important date). You can upgrade a standard license to Real ID at any time by returning to the DPS office with the same documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. Texas requires you to take the written test in person at a DPS office so they can verify your identity. You cannot take it remotely or at a third-party location. You must visit the Amarillo DPS office on Wolflin Avenue.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test on another day. There's no waiting period between attempts, so you could theoretically return the next day. However, most people study the Texas Driver Handbook and take practice tests before trying again.

Do I need an appointment to take the written test or road test?

The Amarillo DPS office does not require appointments for the written test, but road tests typically require scheduling in advance. Call (806) 356-2637 to ask about current scheduling practices, as this can change seasonally.

Can someone else pick up my license if I can't go back to the office?

No. You must pick up your license in person at the DPS office. Bring your receipt or confirmation number. If you cannot pick it up within a certain timeframe, contact the office to ask about holding your license longer.

What if my vision doesn't meet Texas standards?

If you fail the vision screening at the DPS office, you can have an eye exam done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and return with a certificate of vision correction. You may then retake the vision screening. Glasses or contacts can also satisfy the requirement if they correct your vision to the legal standard.