Where to Go for DMV Services in Amarillo and Randall County
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not run a physical office in Amarillo. Instead, you handle driver's license renewals, replacements, and address changes through the Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, located at 501 Main Street, Canyon, Texas 79015. This is the official point of contact for most DMV transactions in Randall County, which includes Amarillo.
For vehicle registration, title transfers, and related services, you also work with the same Tax Assessor-Collector's office. They process these transactions on behalf of the state and can answer questions about what documents you need before you visit. Their phone number is (806) 468-5505, and they are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
If you need to renew your driver's license and prefer not to travel to Canyon, you can also use a Texas DPS Driver License Office in nearby cities. The closest full-service office is in Lubbock, about 120 miles south. However, for most Amarillo residents, the Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office is the practical choice because it handles renewals and replacements without the drive.
Key Takeaways
- The Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office in Canyon handles driver's license and vehicle registration services for Amarillo residents.
- You can renew or replace your driver's license at the Tax Assessor-Collector's office without visiting a separate DPS office.
- Vehicle registration, title work, and address changes all go through the same office at 501 Main Street, Canyon.
- Call (806) 468-5505 before you visit to confirm what documents and fees you need for your specific transaction.
What Documents You Need for a Driver's License Renewal
A standard driver's license renewal in Texas requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Proof of Social Security number is typically your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return.
If you are renewing after your license has expired, the process is the same, but you may face a small reinstatement fee on top of the renewal fee. The Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office can tell you the exact amount when you call. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew through the Tax Assessor-Collector's office — you must contact the Texas DPS directly to resolve the suspension first.
Bring originals or certified copies of your documents. The office does not accept photocopies for proof of residency or Social Security verification. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Vehicle Registration and Title Services at the Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
The Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office processes vehicle registrations, title transfers, and duplicate title requests. When you register a vehicle for the first time in Texas or transfer a title from another state, you need the vehicle's title (or a bill of sale if you do not have it yet), proof of insurance, and your driver's license or ID. The office also collects the registration fee, which varies based on the vehicle's weight and value.
If you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Texas, the seller must sign the title over to you, and you bring the signed title to the Tax Assessor-Collector's office to complete the transfer. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork and sends you to the office to register it. Bring proof of insurance before you go — Texas law requires it, and the office will not process registration without it.
For a duplicate title (if yours is lost or damaged), bring your driver's license and a completed process for Duplicate or Corrected Title form. The office has this form on hand or can mail it to you. There is a small fee for a duplicate title, and processing usually takes one to two weeks.
Changing Your Address on Your Driver's License
To change your address on your driver's license in Randall County, visit the Tax Assessor-Collector's office with your current license and proof of your new address. Proof of address works the same way as for renewal — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or proof of Social Security number for an address change alone.
The office will issue you a new license with your updated address. There is typically no fee for an address change if your license is not expiring soon. If your license is expiring within the next few months, the office may recommend renewing it at the same time to avoid a second trip, though this is your choice.
If you have moved out of Randall County but still hold a Texas license, you can change your address through the Texas DPS website or by mail, but the fastest route is still to visit a Tax Assessor-Collector's office in your new county. Amarillo residents who move to another Texas county should contact that county's Tax Assessor-Collector's office for the address change.
Hours, Fees, and What to Bring
The Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break (usually noon to 1:00 p.m.). It is closed on weekends and Texas state holidays. Call (806) 468-5505 to confirm hours before you visit, as holiday schedules can shift.
Driver's license renewal fees are typically around $25 to $30 for a standard five-year license, but the exact amount depends on your age and license type. Vehicle registration fees vary widely based on vehicle weight and value and are calculated by the office when you explore. Bring cash, check, or card — the office accepts all three, but call ahead to confirm payment methods if you have a preference.
Bring all original documents or certified copies. The office does not accept digital photos or scanned copies for proof of residency or identity. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call before you visit. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip to Canyon.
When You Need a Texas DPS Office Instead
Some transactions require a visit to an actual Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Office rather than the Tax Assessor-Collector's office. These include commercial driver's license (CDL) applications and renewals, license suspensions or revocations that need to be resolved, and certain medical or vision-related issues. The nearest DPS Driver License Office to Amarillo is in Lubbock at 5302 Avenue Q, Lubbock, Texas 79412.
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or other reasons, you must contact the DPS office or the agency that suspended it to resolve the issue before you can renew. The Tax Assessor-Collector's office cannot lift a suspension. Call the DPS office at (806) 775-7360 to ask whether your situation requires a visit or can be handled by phone or mail.
For standard renewals, replacements, and address changes, the Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office is sufficient and saves you the drive to Lubbock. Use the DPS office only when the Tax Assessor-Collector's office tells you that you need to or when your situation involves a suspension, CDL, or medical hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license online if I live in Amarillo?
Texas allows online renewal only for certain license types and only if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Visit the Texas DPS website to check whether you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must renew in person at the Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office or a DPS Driver License Office.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Tax Assessor-Collector's office?
The Randall County Tax Assessor-Collector's office does not require appointments for most transactions. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, but wait times can be long during lunch hours or late afternoon. Call (806) 468-5505 to ask about current wait times before you drive to Canyon.
What if I lost my vehicle title and need to register my car?
You can request a duplicate title from the Tax Assessor-Collector's office using an process for Duplicate or Corrected Title form. While you wait for the duplicate (usually one to two weeks), you can register the vehicle using a bill of sale and proof of insurance. The office staff can explain this process when you call.
How long does a vehicle registration take?
If you have all required documents and proof of insurance, vehicle registration is usually processed the same day. You will receive your registration sticker and documentation before you leave the office. If documents are missing or need to be verified, processing may take a few days.
Can I handle my vehicle registration by mail from Amarillo?
Some vehicle registration renewals can be handled by mail, but new registrations and title transfers typically require an in-person visit. Call the Tax Assessor-Collector's office to ask whether your specific transaction can be mailed in, or visit in person to complete it the same day.