How to Renew Your Driver's License in Amarillo

Renewing Your License in Amarillo: The Basic Path

In Amarillo, you renew your driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Most renewals happen by mail or online, and you won't need to visit an office or take a test unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you have certain medical conditions. The process takes about two to three weeks if you mail it in, or a few days if you renew online.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you whether you're may be able to access to renew by mail or online, or whether you must visit a DPS office in person. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew—but you'll need to know your license number and have your current address on file with DPS.

Key Takeaways

Texas sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration; if you're may be able to access, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and costs less than mail renewal.
Mail renewal requires sending your current license, the renewal form, and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on your notice.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Amarillo and may need to retake the written test.
Amarillo has one main DPS office on Coulter Drive where you can renew in person, get a replacement license, or handle other license matters.

Renewing Online: The Fastest Option

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the quickest way to renew in Amarillo. You'll need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal. Once you submit your process, you should receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Not every license can be renewed online. You're ineligible for online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you've had a medical suspension, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you've had certain violations. Your renewal notice will tell you whether online renewal is an option for you. If you're unsure, you can call the Texas DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to confirm your may be able to access before you start.

Renewing by Mail from Amarillo

Mail renewal works if you received a renewal notice from DPS and you're may be able to access to renew by mail. You'll send your current license, the renewal process form (included in your notice), and payment to the address listed on the notice. Payment must be by check or money order—cash and credit cards are not accepted by mail. The fee is $16 for a one-year renewal or $48 for a five-year renewal.

Mail your renewal package at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. Include a return envelope with postage if you want DPS to mail your new license back to you; otherwise, you can pick it up at the DPS office in Amarillo. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process.

Renewing in Person at the Amarillo DPS Office

The main DPS office in Amarillo is located at 5959 Coulter Drive, Amarillo, TX 79119. You can walk in during business hours to renew your license in person. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but call ahead at 806-335-1400 to confirm current hours before you go. In-person renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you.

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical condition that requires DPS review, or if you're renewing a CDL. Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have it), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment by cash, check, or card. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may also need to retake the written test.

What to Bring and What It Costs

For any renewal method, you'll need your current or expired license and proof of your current address in Amarillo. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document with your name and address. If you're renewing online, you won't need to submit physical documents—just have the information ready.

Renewal fees in Texas are $16 for a one-year license or $48 for a five-year license. Online and in-person renewals accept cash, check, or card. Mail renewals accept check or money order only. If you're renewing a commercial license or have other endorsements, the fee may be higher; check your renewal notice or call DPS for the exact amount.

If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Two Years

Once your license expires, you have a grace period to renew by mail or online. But if more than two years pass since your expiration date, you can no longer use the straightforward renewal process. Instead, you must visit the DPS office in Amarillo in person and may need to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test.

To renew after a long expiration, bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment to the Amarillo DPS office. Call 806-335-1400 ahead of time to ask whether you'll need to retake the tests; this depends on how long your license has been expired and your driving record. Bring your Social Security number as well. The process takes longer than a standard renewal, so plan for at least an hour.

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. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be one or five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement license at the Amarillo DPS office on Coulter Drive. Bring proof of residency, your Social Security number, and payment ($11 for a replacement). You don't need your old license to get a replacement. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local police, though it's not required to get a replacement.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your process. If you renew in person at the Amarillo office, you'll get a temporary license when ready and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Amarillo but still have a Texas address?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere in Texas. Update your address with DPS before you renew so your new license is mailed to your current address. You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789.

What if my renewal notice says I must renew in person?

Some licenses require in-person renewal due to medical conditions, violations, or other factors. Visit the Amarillo DPS office at 5959 Coulter Drive with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Call 806-335-1400 to ask what documents you'll need to bring, since requirements vary by reason for in-person renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.