What form you need and where to get it
Texas uses Form DL-44 for a standard driver license process. This is the form you fill out whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged license. You can get it three ways: read it from the Texas Department of Public Safety website, pick up a printed copy at any Driver License office, or fill it out on a computer at the office itself before you submit it.
The form is four pages long. You do not need to print all four pages at home — the office will provide blank copies if you arrive without one. If you do print it yourself, print double-sided on pages 1 and 2, then single-sided on pages 3 and 4 to match the official format.
If you are under 18, you will also need Form DL-44J, which is a parental consent form. Your parent or guardian must sign this form in front of a notary public or a Driver License examiner before you submit your process. This is required by Texas law and cannot be waived.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-44 is the only process form Texas uses for driver licenses, whether you are explore for the first time or renewing.
- You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency — the form lists what counts.
- If you are under 18, you also need Form DL-44J signed by a parent or guardian in front of a notary or examiner.
- You can submit the form by mail, at a Driver License office in person, or online through a third-party vendor if you meet certain conditions.
- The form asks for your current address, any previous names, medical conditions that affect driving, and whether you want to be an organ donor.
How to fill out the form step by step
Start with your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate or passport. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, use your current legal name. The form has separate lines for first name, middle name, and last name — fill each one completely and legibly.
Next, enter your date of birth in the format shown (month/day/year), your Social Security number, and your current mailing address. The form distinguishes between mailing address and residence address — use your actual residence address even if mail goes somewhere else. If you live in an apartment or mobile home, include the unit number.
In the section about your driving history, answer honestly about any previous licenses you have held in Texas or other states. If you have never had a license, write "none." If you have held one before, write the state and the license number if you remember it. The examiner can look up your history, so discrepancies will delay your process.
The form asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — this includes vision problems, hearing loss, seizure disorders, or conditions that cause loss of consciousness. Answer truthfully. A "yes" answer does not automatically disqualify you; it means the examiner may ask follow-up questions or require a medical report from your doctor.
What documents to bring with you
Texas requires you to bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. The form itself lists acceptable documents for each category.
For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a visa. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or visa, a certified birth certificate from your country of origin works if it has an official seal and is in English or has a certified English translation.
For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your number on it. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.
For Texas residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or a government-issued document showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days works.
Where and how to submit your process
You can submit your completed form in person at any Driver License office in Texas. Bring the form, your original documents, and a completed payment method — Texas charges a fee that varies by license type and validity period. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
You can also mail your process to the address listed on the form, but this takes longer — typically four to six weeks. Mail your form with copies of your documents (not originals). Include a check or money order for the fee. The mailed process will be processed, and you will receive your license by mail or be contacted to come in for a photo if one is needed.
Some third-party vendors licensed by Texas, such as certain tax preparation offices and vehicle registration services, can submit your process on your behalf. They charge an additional fee beyond the state fee. This option is useful if you cannot reach a Driver License office during business hours.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you meet other conditions. The Texas DPS website will tell you whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you can renew online without submitting Form DL-44 in person.
What happens after you submit the form
If you submitted in person, the examiner will review your form and documents on the spot. They will ask you to take a vision test and a written knowledge test (unless you are renewing). If everything is in order, they will take your photo and issue your license the same day or within a few days.
If you submitted by mail, the DPS will review your process and documents. If anything is missing or unclear, they will mail you a notice asking you to provide it or come in for an appointment. If everything is complete, your license will be mailed to your address within four to six weeks.
If you submitted through a third-party vendor, the vendor will send your form and documents to the DPS. You will receive a receipt showing your process was submitted. The DPS will then process it as if you had mailed it yourself.
Common mistakes that delay your process
The most common error is bringing photocopies instead of original documents. Texas law requires originals for identity, Social Security, and residency proof. Even a certified photocopy of a birth certificate will not work — it must be the original certified document from the vital records office.
Another frequent mistake is writing your name differently than it appears on your identity document. If your passport says "Robert James Smith" but you write "Bob Smith" on the form, the examiner will catch the mismatch and ask you to correct it before processing.
Leaving the residency address blank or using a P.O. box instead of a street address also causes delays. Texas requires your actual residence address, not a mailing address. If you live in a rural area without a street address, write what you have and explain it to the examiner.
If you are under 18 and submit without Form DL-44J or with a form that is not notarized, your process will be rejected and returned to you. Make sure the parental consent form is signed and notarized before you submit anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the form online instead of in person or by mail?
You can renew an existing license online if it expired less than two years ago and you meet other conditions. For a new license or a replacement, you must submit in person at a Driver License office, by mail, or through a licensed third-party vendor. The Texas DPS website has an online tool that tells you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You cannot get a Texas driver license without a Social Security number. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder without a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ID card instead. Contact your local Driver License office to discuss your situation.
Do I need to take a written test if I am renewing my license?
If you are renewing a license that has not expired, you do not take a written test. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must take the written test and pass a vision test as if you were explore for the first time. The examiner will tell you which applies to you.
How long does it take to get my license after I submit the form?
If you submit in person, you usually receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you mail it, allow four to six weeks. If you use a third-party vendor, the timeline is the same as mailing. The DPS website shows current processing times by office.
What if I made a mistake on the form after I submitted it?
If you submitted in person and the examiner caught the error, they will ask you to correct it before processing. If you submitted by mail and made an error, the DPS will mail you a notice asking you to resubmit the corrected form or come in to fix it. Do not cross out or white-out mistakes — submit a new form if you notice an error after mailing.