What form you need depends on whether you're getting your first license, renewing, or replacing one

Texas uses different forms for different situations. If you're getting your first driver license, you'll fill out Form DL-44. If you're renewing a license that's still valid or expired less than two years ago, you use Form DL-43. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll use Form DL-44 again. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website lists all forms, and you can read them before you go to a driver license office, though staff can also give you the form when you arrive.

Beyond the main form, you'll need to bring documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Texas calls this the REAL ID package, even if you're not getting a REAL ID-compliant license — the documents are the same either way. Having these documents ready before you go saves time and prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is for first-time licenses and replacements; Form DL-43 is for renewals of licenses expired less than two years.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — not just the form.
  • You can read forms from the Texas DPS website before your appointment, or get one at the office.
  • Appointments at driver license offices are now required in most Texas counties, and wait times vary by location.

Documents you need to bring with your form

Texas requires one document from each of three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security proof. For identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For residency, bring something dated within the last 30 days with your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver license, but you'll need to bring an official letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you're not may be able to access for a number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Where to get the form and how to submit it

read Form DL-44 or DL-43 from the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. You can print it at home and fill it out before you go, or fill it out on a computer and print it, or arrive early and fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driving history. Some questions ask whether you've had violations or suspensions — answer honestly, as the form is a legal document.

You don't mail the form. Instead, you take it in person to a Texas driver license office along with your documents. Most offices now require an appointment, which you can book through the DPS website. A few rural offices still accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer. Bring the completed form, your documents, payment (currently $33 for a five-year license for adults under 85), and your current license if you have one.

What happens after you submit your form

The staff member will review your form and documents, take your photo and fingerprints, and give you a receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the office — you can use this to drive legally while you wait. If your documents don't match or something on the form is unclear, the office will tell you on the spot what's missing, so bring extra time for questions.

If the office rejects your process, they'll explain why and tell you what to fix. Common reasons include a document that's expired, a name mismatch between documents, or a missing signature on the form. You can return with corrected documents, and the staff will resubmit without charging you again.

REAL ID versus standard license: which form to use

Both Form DL-44 and Form DL-43 can result in either a REAL ID-compliant license or a standard license — the form itself doesn't determine which. The difference is in what you bring. A REAL ID license requires the same identity and residency documents, but your identity document must be an original certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a passport card. A standard license accepts a wider range of identity documents, including state IDs from other states.

A REAL ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you're not sure whether you need it, a standard license is still valid for driving. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later by returning to a driver license office with the required documents and paying a small fee.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical conditions or violations on your record, you may be able to renew by mail using Form DL-43. You'll mail the form, your current license, and payment to the address on the form. Processing takes longer by mail — typically 15 to 20 business days — so plan ahead if you need your license by a certain date.

Texas does not currently offer online renewal for driver licenses, though the state has discussed adding it. Check the DPS website for updates, as this may change. If you can't renew by mail because of violations or medical issues, you must go to an office in person.

Common mistakes on the form and how to avoid them

The most common error is leaving a field blank or writing illegibly. Fill out every line, even if you have to write "N/A" for questions that don't explore to you. Use black or blue ink and print clearly. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line and write the correction above it — don't use white-out, as the form is scanned and white-out can cause problems.

Another frequent mistake is bringing documents that don't match your form. If you write your name one way on the form but your birth certificate shows it differently, the office will catch it and ask you to correct the form before processing. Double-check that your name, address, and date of birth are identical across all documents and the form. If you've recently moved, make sure your residency document shows your current address, not an old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form online and print it, or does it have to be handwritten?

You can fill it out on a computer and print it, or handwrite it. Either way, use black or blue ink and sign it by hand. The office will scan the form, so legibility matters more than the method.

What if I don't have an appointment and I go to the office anyway?

Most Texas driver license offices will turn you away if you don't have an appointment. A few rural offices accept walk-ins, but you should call ahead to confirm. Booking an appointment online takes a few minutes and saves a wasted trip.

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I bring copies?

You must bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If you have a certified copy of your birth certificate, that works the same as the original.

What if my form gets rejected — do I have to pay again?

No. If the office rejects your process because documents are missing or incorrect, you can return with corrected documents and they will resubmit without charging you again. You only pay once per transaction.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive legally while you wait for the permanent one.