What the DL 14A form is and when you need it
The DL 14A is the official process form Texas uses for a new driver license or identification card. You fill it out in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office when you explore for your first license, renew an expired one, or change your address or name. The form itself is one page, but what you bring with it — your documents — matters more than the form.
You cannot submit the DL 14A by mail or online. Texas requires you to appear in person so DPS can verify your identity and take your photograph and fingerprints. The form is free, and DPS provides it at every office, or you can read it from the Texas DPS website before you go.
If you are renewing a license that is not expired and you have not changed your address or name, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of using the DL 14A. Check the Texas DPS website to see which renewal path applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- The DL 14A is a one-page form you complete in person at a Texas DPS office; you cannot mail it or submit it online.
- You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an exemption letter — the form alone is not enough.
- DPS offices are open during business hours and do not take walk-ins at all locations, so call ahead or check online to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
- The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driving history; answer every field and bring documents that match the name you write on the form.
- Processing takes about two weeks for a standard license; expedited options cost more and are available at some offices.
What documents to bring with the DL 14A
Texas requires three categories of documents when you submit the DL 14A: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.
For proof of identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a visa, or a prior Texas driver license or ID card. If you are under 18, a school photo ID or a notarized affidavit from a parent or guardian can work. The document must show your name and date of birth.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill — all dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address. A phone bill or insurance statement also works. If you live with someone else and your name is not on the utility bill, bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on it, plus their ID.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. This letter is called a no-SSN letter and you must request it from Social Security in advance.
How to fill out the DL 14A form itself
The DL 14A has sections for personal information, driving history, and medical conditions. Write clearly in black or blue ink and use your legal name — the name that appears on your birth certificate or passport. If you have changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.
Fill in your date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. The form asks whether you have ever held a driver license in Texas or another state; answer honestly, because DPS will check. If you have, write the license number and the state. If you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses or had your license suspended, you must disclose that too.
The form includes a section on medical conditions — vision problems, epilepsy, diabetes, or other conditions that affect driving. Answer truthfully. DPS may require a medical certificate from a doctor for some conditions, but not all. If you are unsure, ask the DPS employee when you arrive.
Do not sign the form until a DPS employee tells you to. You must sign it in front of them, and they will witness it. If you sign it at home, it will be rejected.
What happens after you submit the DL 14A
Once you submit the form and your documents, a DPS employee will scan your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will also take a vision test and a written knowledge test if you are explore for your first license or a different class of license. If you are renewing, you may skip the knowledge test.
DPS will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. Standard processing takes about two weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer a same-day or next-day service for an additional fee — ask when you arrive.
If DPS rejects your process, they will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, documents that do not match your name, or a failed background check. You can reapply once you have fixed the problem.
Differences between a driver license and an ID card on the DL 14A
The DL 14A is used for both a driver license and a standard identification card. The difference is that a driver license allows you to operate a vehicle, while an ID card does not. On the form, you will check a box to indicate which one you want.
If you are explore for a driver license, you must pass the knowledge test and the driving test (unless you are renewing). If you are explore for an ID card only, you skip both tests. An ID card is useful if you do not drive but need a photo ID for banking, travel, or age verification.
Both licenses and ID cards cost the same and last the same amount of time — six years for adults, four years for people over 79. The form and documents required are identical; the only difference is what you check on the form.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and replacements
If you are changing your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate along with your other documents. Write your new name on the DL 14A. DPS will issue a new license with the updated name.
If you are changing your address only and your license is not expired, you may be able to change your address online or by mail without using the DL 14A. Check the Texas DPS website first. If you must appear in person, use the DL 14A and bring proof of your new address.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by submitting the DL 14A and paying a replacement fee. You do not need to retake the knowledge or driving test. Bring your documents as usual, and tell the DPS employee that you are replacing a lost or damaged license.
Where to find a DPS office and what to expect
Texas has DPS driver license offices in every county. You can find the nearest one and its hours on the Texas DPS website. Many offices now require you to book an appointment online or by phone; walk-ins are not accepted at all locations. Call ahead to confirm whether your office takes appointments and how far in advance you need to book.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive early; even with an appointment, wait times can be long. Bring your phone or a book. The DPS employee will call you when it is your turn.
Wear clothing that will look good in a photograph — your license photo will be used for years. Avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy makeup. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, because the vision test uses your corrected vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the DL 14A by mail or online?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to submit the DL 14A. DPS must verify your identity, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. However, if you are renewing a license that is not expired and have not changed your name or address, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead.
What if my documents do not match the name on my DL 14A?
Your documents must match the name you write on the form. If you recently changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change, along with your old documents. If your documents show different names, DPS will reject your process and ask you to return with matching documents.
How long does it take to get my license after I submit the DL 14A?
Standard processing takes about two weeks. DPS will mail your license to the address you provided on the form. Some offices offer expedited processing for a higher fee, which can reduce the wait to one week or less. Ask the DPS employee about expedited options when you arrive.
Do I need to take the knowledge test if I am renewing my license?
Not usually. If you are renewing a valid license and have not changed the class of license, you skip the knowledge and driving tests. However, if you are explore for a different class or your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the test. The DPS employee will tell you when you arrive.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must bring a no-SSN letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Request this letter from Social Security before you go to the DPS office. If you cannot get the letter, DPS will not issue your license.