How to Fill Out a Texas Driver License Application

What form you need and where to get it

The form you need is the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Certificate, officially called Form DL-44. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) publishes this form, and you can read it from the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any Texas Driver License office.

You do not have to fill it out ahead of time — you can complete it at the office when you arrive. Many people do this because the form asks for specific information (like your Social Security number and current address) that you want to verify before writing it down. If you prefer to fill it at home, print it clearly in black or blue ink, or bring it blank and complete it there.

The form itself is one page, front and back. It takes most people 5 to 10 minutes to complete once they have gathered the documents the DPS requires.

Key Takeaways

Form DL-44 is the official Texas process for a driver license or ID card, available free from the DPS website or any Driver License office.
You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to complete the transaction.
The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, and driving history, and you sign it in front of a DPS employee.
You can fill out the form at home or at the office, but you cannot submit it by mail — you must appear in person at a Driver License office.
Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days for a standard license, though you can request a temporary paper license on the day you explore.

What documents to bring with Form DL-44

The DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot complete the form or receive a license without all three.

Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency that shows your photograph, name, and date of birth. A U.S. passport, military ID, or previous Texas driver license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus one additional document with your name and date of birth, such as a Social Security card or school records.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days all count. A government check or tax return also works. You cannot use a P.O. box as your address on a driver license, so your proof of residency must show a street address.

Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. The DPS will verify your number electronically, so the document just needs to show the number clearly.

How to fill in each section of the form

Start with your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate or passport — this is the name that will print on your license. Write your date of birth in the format shown (month, day, year). Enter your current street address in Texas; remember that a P.O. box does not count.

In the section asking about your Social Security number or ITIN, write the number you brought proof for. The form also asks whether you have ever held a Texas driver license before. If you have, write your previous license number if you remember it; if not, write "unknown" and the DPS can look it up. If you have never held a Texas license but held one in another state, write that state's license number.

The form includes questions about medical conditions, traffic convictions, and whether you have been denied a license in the past. Answer these honestly — the DPS has access to court records and your driving history, and lying on the form can result in denial or criminal charges. If you are unsure about how to answer a question (for example, whether a conviction counts), ask the DPS employee before you sign.

At the bottom of the form, you will see a section for your signature and the date. Do not sign until you are at the Driver License office in front of a DPS employee — they need to watch you sign to verify your identity.

What happens after you submit the form

Once you hand in the completed form and your documents, a DPS employee will review everything for completeness. They will take your photograph and fingerprints at that time. You will also take a vision test and a written knowledge test (unless you are renewing a license or explore for an ID card only).

The DPS will give you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it when ready. Your permanent license usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

If the DPS finds a problem with your process — for example, if your proof of residency is not dated within 30 days or if your identity documents do not match — they will tell you what is missing and ask you to come back with the correct documents. You do not have to fill out a new form; you just bring the missing item and complete the transaction.

Different forms for different situations

Form DL-44 is for a new driver license or ID card. If you are renewing an existing license, you may be able to use a shorter form (DL-43) or renew online through the DPS website, depending on how long it has been since your last license and whether your address has changed.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you still use Form DL-44, but you will need to report the loss to the DPS. If you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, bring your marriage certificate or court document along with Form DL-44.

If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the form is the same, but you must bring additional proof of residency and your Social Security card or ITIN card in person. The DPS will note on your license whether it is Real ID-compliant.

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out the form

The most common error is writing your name differently than it appears on your identity document. If your birth certificate says "Robert James Smith" but you write "Bob Smith" on the form, the DPS will ask you to correct it before processing. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your proof of identity.

Another frequent mistake is bringing proof of residency that is too old. The DPS requires documents dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill from three months ago will not work, even if you still live at that address. If your most recent bill is older than 30 days, bring a bank statement or lease agreement instead.

Some people also forget to sign the form, or they sign it before arriving at the office. The DPS employee must watch you sign — a pre-signed form will be rejected. Leave the signature line blank until you are at the Driver License office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail in Form DL-44 instead of going to an office?

No. You must appear in person at a Texas Driver License office to complete the transaction. The DPS needs to verify your identity, take your photograph and fingerprints, and watch you sign the form. There is no mail-in option for a new license.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS along with Form DL-44 and your other required documents. The DPS will process your process the same way.

Do I need to fill out the form before I go to the Driver License office?

No. You can fill it out at home or at the office — either way works. Many people fill it at the office so they can double-check their information and ask questions before signing. Bring it blank or completed; the DPS accepts both.

What if my address on my proof of residency does not match the address I want on my license?

Your license address must match your proof of residency. If you just moved and your utility bill or lease still shows your old address, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your new address instead — a bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement all work.

How long does it take to get my license after I submit the form?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore, valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.