What the DL 14A form is and when you need it
The DL 14A is the official Texas Department of Public Safety form you use to request a duplicate driver license or to make changes to your current license without renewing it. You fill it out when you need a replacement card — because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged — or when you want to update information like your address, name, or organ donor status without waiting for your license to expire.
The form itself is one page. You can get a physical copy at any Texas Driver License office, or you can read and print it from the Texas DPS website before you go. Some people bring a completed form to save time at the counter, though staff can also hand you a blank one to fill out on site.
The DL 14A is different from a full renewal process. A renewal happens every eight years and requires you to pass a vision test and answer updated questions. A DL 14A change or duplicate does not require a test — you are just updating records or replacing the card itself.
Key Takeaways
- The DL 14A form requests a duplicate license or updates to your current license without a full renewal or vision test.
- You can read the form from the Texas DPS website, print it at home, and bring it completed to any Driver License office to save time.
- You will need your current driver license, a document proving your identity, and proof of your current address to submit the form in person.
- A duplicate or address change through DL 14A usually takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail after you submit it.
- If you are changing your name, you must bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Where to get the DL 14A form
You have two options: pick up a physical copy or read it yourself. The Texas Department of Public Safety website has a forms page where you can search for "DL 14A" and read a PDF. Print it on standard white paper — do not print it on colored paper or cardstock, as the office scanners may not read it correctly.
If you prefer not to print at home, every Texas Driver License office has blank DL 14A forms at the front desk or waiting area. You can walk in, grab one, and fill it out right there before you approach the counter. This is free and takes only a few minutes.
The form does not change often, but if you are downloading it, check the date in the bottom corner to make sure you have a recent version. A form from several years ago may have outdated fields or instructions.
How to fill out each section of the form
The DL 14A has clear labeled sections. Start with your name, date of birth, and current driver license number — this tells the office which record to pull up. Write your information exactly as it appears on your current license, even if you are planning to change it. If you are changing your name, you will note that separately.
Next, you will see checkboxes for the reason you are submitting the form. Check the box that matches your situation: "Duplicate License" if your card is lost or damaged, "Address Change" if you moved, "Name Change" if you were married or divorced, or "Other" if you need to update something else like organ donor status. Check only one box unless you are doing multiple things at once — for example, if you moved and changed your name, you can check both.
If you are changing your address, write your new address in the space provided. If you are changing your name, write your new name and note the reason — marriage, divorce, or court order. If you are requesting a duplicate because your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to explain; just check the box.
At the bottom, sign and date the form. Use the same signature you use on your current license. Do not print your name — sign it. The form must be signed in person at the Driver License office; you cannot mail in a pre-signed form.
Documents you need to bring with you
Bring your current Texas driver license if you have it. If it was lost or stolen, bring a copy of a police report if you filed one — this is not required, but it helps if there are questions. If your license was damaged or destroyed, bring what is left of it.
You will also need a document that proves your identity. A passport, military ID, or state ID card works. If you do not have one of those, a certified birth certificate or a Social Security card is acceptable. The office staff will tell you on the spot if what you brought is not enough.
Bring proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you just moved and do not have a bill in your new address yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating you live there is acceptable. Your name must appear on the document.
If you are changing your name, bring the original or a certified copy of the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is not enough; it must be certified or original. The office will keep this document or make a copy for your file.
What happens after you submit the form
Once you hand the completed form and your documents to the office staff, they will scan the form, verify your information, and process the request. If everything is in order, you will pay the fee — the cost varies depending on whether you are getting a duplicate, changing your address, or changing your name. Ask the staff what the fee is before you pay, or check the Texas DPS website for current fees.
You will receive a receipt showing your transaction number and the expected delivery date. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks. If you need it faster, some offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee.
Do not throw away your receipt. If your new license does not arrive within the timeframe given, you can use the transaction number to check the status online or call the Texas DPS to ask where it is.
Common mistakes to avoid on the DL 14A
The most common mistake is writing your information differently than it appears on your current license. If your current license says "Robert" but you write "Bob," the office may reject the form or send you a license with the wrong name. Write everything exactly as it is now, even if you plan to change it later.
Another mistake is checking multiple boxes when you should check only one. If you are just getting a duplicate because your card is damaged, check only "Duplicate License." Do not also check "Address Change" unless you are actually moving. Checking extra boxes can slow down processing or cause confusion.
Do not sign the form at home and mail it in. The signature must be done in person at the Driver License office in front of staff. A pre-signed form will be rejected.
If you are changing your name, do not bring a photocopy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. Bring the original or a certified copy. A regular photocopy is not acceptable and will delay your request.
When to use DL 14A instead of a full renewal
Use the DL 14A when you need a change or replacement before your license expires. It is faster than a renewal because you do not have to retake a vision test or answer updated questions. You just update the specific thing that changed and get a new card.
Use a full renewal only when your license is about to expire or has already expired. A renewal requires you to visit an office, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your health and driving record. A renewal also gives you the option to choose a Real ID compliant license if you do not already have one.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the DL 14A to renew it — you will have to explore for a new license instead. The office staff can tell you which form you need when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out the DL 14A online and submit it electronically?
No. The DL 14A must be printed, filled out by hand or typed, and submitted in person at a Texas Driver License office. You cannot email it or submit it through the Texas DPS website. However, you can read and print it at home before you go, which saves time.
What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?
You do not need a police report to get a duplicate. A police report helps if there are questions, but it is not required. Just check the "Duplicate License" box on the DL 14A and bring your identity documents and proof of address.
How much does it cost to get a duplicate or make changes with the DL 14A?
The fee depends on what you are doing — a duplicate costs one amount, an address change costs another, and a name change may cost differently. Fees change periodically, so check the Texas DPS website or call your local Driver License office to find out the current cost before you go.
Can I change my address online instead of using the DL 14A?
Texas does not offer online address changes for driver licenses. You must visit a Driver License office in person with the DL 14A form and your documents. Some other states allow online changes, but Texas does not.
What if I make a mistake on the form after I sign it?
If you make a small mistake before you sign, cross it out neatly, write the correction, and initial it. If you make a big mistake or the form becomes hard to read, ask the office staff for a fresh blank form and start over. Do not use white-out or tape.