Where to Get Your Amarillo Driver's License

In Amarillo, you obtain and renew your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division. The main office serving Amarillo is located at 3502 Plains Boulevard, Amarillo, TX 79102. This is the only place in Potter County where you can take the written test, vision test, and photograph for a new license or renewal.

The DPS office in Amarillo is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot renew online in Texas, and you cannot use a mail-in renewal unless you meet very specific conditions (out-of-state military, overseas, or certain medical situations). Most people in Amarillo must visit the office in person.

You can check current wait times and book an appointment online through the Texas DPS website before you go. Appointments are not required, but they can reduce your time in the office. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of week.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the DPS office at 3502 Plains Boulevard in Amarillo in person to get or renew a Texas driver's license; online and mail renewal are not available for most people.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or prior license).
  • A new license costs $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; renewals cost the same amount and take effect when ready after you pass the vision test.
  • You must pass a vision screening and written test for a new license; renewals require only the vision screening unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • Bring your current license or ID to your appointment, and arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete the process form.

Documents You Need for a New License in Amarillo

Texas requires four categories of documents before you can receive a new driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of lawful presence (if you were not born in the United States). You must bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a prior Texas driver's license, or a state ID. If you are under 18, you may also use a school photo ID with your name and date of birth. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and current Amarillo address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax bill. A mail piece from a government agency also works. You cannot use a driver's license or ID as proof of residency.

If you were born outside the United States, you must also bring proof of lawful presence: a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a visa with an I-94 form. Bring the originals.

The Testing and Approval Process in Amarillo

When you arrive at the DPS office in Amarillo, you will complete a DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver's License). A staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and conduct a vision screening using a machine that tests your ability to see clearly and distinguish colors. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment.

For a new license, you must pass a written test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You may take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. If you pass, you pay the license fee on the spot.

If you are renewing a license that has not been expired for more than two years, you skip the written test and pay the fee when ready after the vision screening. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written test as if you were a new driver.

Your temporary paper license is issued when ready after you pay. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.

License Types and Costs in Amarillo

Texas offers three main driver's license types: a standard Class C license (for regular passenger vehicles), a commercial Class A, B, or C license (for trucks or buses), and a motorcycle endorsement (added to any class). In Amarillo, most people obtain a Class C license.

A new or renewed Class C license costs $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you explore. The eight-year license is more expensive but means you do not have to renew as often. Both are valid for driving when ready after you pay the fee.

If you need a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement, you must pass additional written tests and a driving test. Commercial licenses cost more and require a medical certificate. Motorcycle endorsements require a separate riding skills test. These tests are also administered at the Amarillo DPS office.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. The process is the same as a standard renewal: bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card to the Amarillo DPS office.

If you renew early, your new license will be valid for five or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. For example, if your license expires in June 2025 and you renew in March 2025, your new license will expire in March 2030 (if you choose the five-year term).

Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to update your address or photograph. You do not need a reason to renew early in Texas.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired or Lost

If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, you can renew it at the Amarillo DPS office without retaking the written test. You will need your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas treats it as a new license process. You must retake the written test and pass the vision screening. Bring all the documents required for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence if applicable.

If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the Amarillo Police Department or Potter County Sheriff's Office and obtain a case number. Bring that case number to the DPS office along with your documents. You can request a replacement license with the same number, or you can request a new number. There is no additional fee for a replacement.

Address Changes and License Updates in Amarillo

You must notify the Texas DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website without visiting the office, as long as your license is not expired and you have not had a conviction or suspension in the past five years. The online change is free.

If you cannot update online, visit the Amarillo DPS office and bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The staff will issue a temporary paper license on the spot with your new address, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You can also update your name, sex marker, or organ donor status at the Amarillo DPS office. Name changes require a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Sex marker changes require a letter from a licensed physician or mental health professional. Bring your current license and the required document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license by mail from Amarillo?

No, unless you are on active military duty outside the United States, stationed overseas, or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting the office. Most people in Amarillo must renew in person at the DPS office on Plains Boulevard. You can book an appointment online to reduce wait time.

What if I fail the written test at the Amarillo DPS office?

You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost. You have up to three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you must return on another day and pay the process fee again. Many people study the Texas Driver's Handbook (available free online) before their test to improve their chances.

How long does it take to get my plastic license after I visit the Amarillo office?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Texas DPS to check the status of your process.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Amarillo DPS office?

Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. You can book one online through the Texas DPS website, which can reduce your wait time from 30 minutes to two hours. Walk-ins are accepted during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.).

What if my proof of residency document is older than 90 days?

The DPS will not accept it. Bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and Amarillo address. If you do not have one, ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a recent statement. A lease or rental agreement is usually the easiest option if you are renting.