Where to get your Amarillo driver's license

In Amarillo, you get your driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The main office that serves Amarillo is located at 3502 Olsen Boulevard, Amarillo, TX 79109. This is a full-service DPS office where you can take the written test, the driving test, and get your license issued on the same day if you pass both.

You can also renew an existing Texas license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be suspended, you cannot have medical restrictions, and you must have fewer than five points on your driving record. For a first-time license or if you do not meet the mail-in requirements, you must visit the office in person.

The DPS office in Amarillo is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (806) 356-2600 or check the Texas DPS website before you go. Appointments are not required, but wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon, especially on Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Amarillo DPS office at 3502 Olsen Boulevard is where you take your written and driving tests and receive your license.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a birth certificate or passport to explore.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
  • If you have an out-of-state license, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still take the driving test.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents before you can take the test. Bring your Social Security number (or a Social Security card), a birth certificate or U.S. passport, and proof that you live in Texas. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease agreement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your current address — it must be dated within the last 90 days.

If you are under 18, you also need a completed DL 44 form (the process) signed by a parent or guardian. If you are 18 or older, you can sign it yourself. You can fill out the form at home before you go, or the DPS office will provide one.

Bring your current driver's license if you have one, even if it is from another state. If you are renewing a Texas license, bring that card. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test — your license will note that you must wear them to drive legally.

The written test in Amarillo

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must score at least 21 correct answers (70 percent) to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, what different road signs mean, how to handle skids or brake failure, and rules about following distance and lane changes. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and also available in print at the Amarillo office.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the first try if they study the handbook for a few hours.

The driving test and what the examiner watches for

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. In Amarillo, the test usually happens the same day or within a few days. You drive your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have permission to use) with a DPS examiner in the passenger seat. The test lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers a route in and around Amarillo.

The examiner watches for basic vehicle control: smooth acceleration and braking, proper steering, correct use of turn signals, and safe lane changes. They also test your knowledge of traffic laws by asking you to perform specific maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, backing up, and stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. You must follow all traffic laws during the test, including speed limits and right-of-way rules.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb during parking, failing to come to a complete stop, speeding, not signaling, and hitting the examiner's brake (which counts as a critical error). If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period — usually a few days to a week. You pay the test fee again.

Costs and how long it takes

The fee for a first-time Texas driver's license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The written test and driving test are included in that fee — there are no separate test charges. You pay at the DPS office when you explore.

The whole process — process, written test, driving test, and receiving your license — usually takes one to three hours if you pass both tests on the same day. If you fail either test, you will need to return another day to retake it. Your temporary license is issued when ready after you pass the driving test, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the cost is lower (around $16 for a renewal) and takes about two weeks. But you can only renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet the other conditions mentioned earlier.

If you have an out-of-state license

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you do not have to take the written test again. You still must take the driving test and pass it. Bring your out-of-state license to the Amarillo DPS office, along with your proof of residency and other documents listed above.

Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Texas license. If you want to keep it as a souvenir, ask the DPS staff — some offices will let you keep it, but it will be marked as invalid. The fee is the same as for a first-time license.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Texas will not issue you a license until the suspension is lifted in your home state. You will need to contact that state's DMV to clear the suspension first.

Special situations: Suspended licenses and Real ID

If your license is suspended in Texas or any other state, you cannot get a new license in Amarillo until the suspension is cleared. You must contact the Texas DPS or the state where the suspension occurred to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to lift it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving under the influence convictions.

Texas also offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires one additional document: proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) or a document showing your name and Social Security number. Most people in Amarillo get the Real ID version automatically when they explore.

If you do not want a Real ID license, you can request a standard license instead, but you will need a passport or passport card to fly domestically after May 2025. The Real ID version is simpler for most people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home in Amarillo?

No. Texas requires you to take both the written and driving tests in person at a DPS office. You cannot take the written test online, even if you are renewing a license. However, if you are renewing an existing Texas license and meet the mail-in requirements, you can renew by mail without visiting the office.

What if I fail the driving test — how soon can I retake it?

You can retake the driving test after a waiting period, usually a few days to one week. Call the Amarillo DPS office to schedule your next test. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass the written test first.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes, you must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and a horn. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as you have permission and the vehicle meets these requirements.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose when you explore. You can renew it by mail if you meet the conditions, or in person at the DPS office. Your license will show the expiration date on the front.

What if I move out of Amarillo but stay in Texas?

You do not need to get a new license if you move within Texas — your license remains valid until it expires. However, you should update your address with the DPS. You can do this online, by mail, or at any DPS office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease) if you update it in person.