What form you need and where to get it
The form you need is called Form DL-44, the process for a Texas Driver License. You can get it three ways: read it from the Texas Department of Public Safety website, pick up a physical copy at any Texas Driver License office, or fill it out on a computer at the office itself when you arrive.
The form is free. You do not need to buy anything or pay to read it. If you read it at home, print it on regular white paper — the office will accept a home printout. If you prefer to fill it out by hand at the office, that works too, and staff can answer questions while you complete it.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-44 is the official Texas process, available free from the DPS website, at any Driver License office, or filled out on-site.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- The form asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, and whether you want to donate organs or register as a voter.
- Processing takes about two weeks for a standard license, though times vary by office location.
- You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; a road test is required only if you are a first-time driver or renewing after a long lapse.
Documents you must bring with the form
Bring the completed Form DL-44 plus original documents — not copies — that prove who you are and where you live. For identity, the office accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. You need one document from this list.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill is the fastest option because it clearly shows both.
You also need your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Have the number memorized or written down — you will enter it on the form and provide it verbally at the office.
How to fill out the form itself
Use black or blue ink and print clearly. The form has sections for your legal name (first, middle, last), date of birth, current address, phone number, and email. Write your name exactly as it appears on your identity document — if your birth certificate says "Robert" but you go by "Bob," use "Robert" on the form.
You will see checkboxes for organ donation and voter registration. These are optional — check them only if you want to participate. The form also asks whether you have ever held a Texas license before and whether you are explore for a standard license or a commercial license. Most people check "standard license."
At the bottom, you sign and date the form. Use your legal signature — the one that matches documents you have already signed. Do not sign the form before you arrive at the office; some offices require you to sign in front of staff.
What happens when you submit at the Driver License office
Bring your completed form and documents to any Texas Driver License office during business hours. Staff will check that your form is filled out completely and that your documents are original and current. If something is missing or unclear, they will tell you right then and ask you to fix it.
You will then take a vision test — you look through a machine and read letters or numbers. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for the test. Next comes the written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs; you answer questions on a computer or paper, depending on the office. Most people pass on the first try if they study the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand.
If you are a first-time driver or renewing after more than two years without a license, you will also take a road test — an examiner rides with you and watches you drive. If you already hold a valid Texas license and are renewing, you skip the road test.
Processing time and your temporary license
After you pass the tests, the office will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in about two weeks, though some offices take longer depending on volume. Check your receipt for an estimated delivery date.
Use the temporary license to drive legally while you wait for the card. It has your photo, license number, and expiration date printed on it. Keep it with you when you drive — it counts as your license until the plastic card arrives.
If your card does not arrive within the timeframe on your receipt, contact the office where you applied. They can check the status or reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.
Common mistakes to avoid on the form
The most common error is writing your name differently than it appears on your identity document. If your birth certificate says "Maria Elena Garcia" but you write "Maria Garcia," the office will catch it and ask you to correct it. Use the exact legal name every time.
Another frequent mistake is bringing copies instead of originals. The office needs to see and verify the original document — a photocopy does not work. Bring the actual birth certificate, passport, or utility bill.
Some people also forget to sign the form or sign it before arriving at the office. Check that you have signed and dated it, but if your office requires you to sign in front of staff, leave the signature line blank until they tell you to sign.
If you need the form in another language
Form DL-44 is available in English and Spanish. If you need the Spanish version, ask for it at the Driver License office or read it from the Texas DPS website. The form is identical except for the language — all the fields and requirements are the same.
You can also request an interpreter at the office if you need help understanding the written test or instructions. Call ahead to the office where you plan to explore and ask whether an interpreter is available for your language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the form by mail instead of going to an office?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a Driver License office to take the vision and knowledge tests and have your photo taken. You cannot complete the process by mail.
What if I make a mistake after I submit the form?
If you notice an error before you leave the office, tell staff when ready and they will correct it or give you a new form. If you discover a mistake after you leave, contact the office where you applied and ask about correcting your record.
Do I need to fill out the form before I go to the office?
No. You can fill it out at home and bring it, or you can fill it out at the office on a computer or paper form. Either way works. Filling it out at home saves a few minutes, but the office staff can help if you have questions.
What if my address changes after I submit the form but before my card arrives?
Contact the Driver License office and provide your new address. They can update your record so your card is mailed to the correct location. You can also update your address online through the Texas DPS website once your license is issued.
Is there a fee to submit the form?
Yes. A standard five-year Texas driver license costs around $45 to $50, depending on your age and whether you choose a standard or enhanced license. Fees vary slightly, so ask the office for the exact amount when you arrive. You can pay by cash, check, or card.