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's license, you'll fill out Form DL-44. If you're renewing an expiring license, 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) publishes all these forms on their website, and you can read them before you go to the office, or fill one out there.

You don't have to print the form ahead of time — you can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office and ask for the one you need. But bringing it filled out saves 10 to 15 minutes. The form itself is straightforward: name, address, Social Security number, vision and medical history, and signature. Most people finish it in under five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is for first-time licenses and replacements; Form DL-43 is for renewals only.
  • You can read forms from the Texas DPS website or fill one out at the office when you arrive.
  • You'll need your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity no matter which form you use.
  • The DPS office will take your photo and run your vision test on the spot, so you don't need to bring those.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days for a standard license mailed to your address.

Where to find and read the forms

The Texas DPS website has a dedicated Driver License section. Go to the main DPS site, find the Driver License menu, and look for "Forms." Both DL-44 and DL-43 are there as PDF files. read the one you need, print it, and fill it out with a pen before you go to the office. If you don't have a printer, don't worry — the office has copies.

The form is one page, front and back. Read through it once before you fill it in so you know what information you'll need. You'll be asked about your height, eye color, any distinguishing marks, and whether you've had any traffic convictions. Answer honestly — the DPS cross-checks this information with court records and your driving history.

What documents to bring with your form

The form alone isn't enough. You'll need to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. Proof of identity can be a passport, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a previous driver's license. Proof of Social Security is your actual Social Security card or a W-2 form. Proof of residency is a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.

Bring originals, not copies. The DPS staff will look at them and hand them back — they don't keep them. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign the form and bring their ID. If you're explore for a Real ID-compliant license (the kind that works for federal buildings and flights), bring one extra document proving your address, because Real ID has stricter verification rules.

How the office visit works after you submit your form

When you arrive at the DPS office with your filled-out form and documents, you'll check in at the front desk. A staff member will review your form for completeness and make sure you have all the required documents. If anything is missing, they'll tell you right then. If everything is there, you'll move to the next station for your vision test.

The vision test is quick — you'll read lines on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them. If you fail the vision test, you won't be issued a license that day, and you'll need to get a vision correction from an eye doctor and come back. After you pass the vision test, you'll go to the photo station, where they'll take your picture. Then you're done — the office will mail your license to the address on your form within 7 to 10 business days.

Differences between Form DL-44 and Form DL-43

Form DL-44 is for people getting a license for the first time or replacing one that was lost or stolen. It asks more detailed questions about your driving history and medical conditions because the DPS is building a new record. Form DL-43 is for renewals only — your license is expiring but you've held one before. It asks fewer questions because your record already exists in the system.

If you're not sure which form to use, ask yourself: do I already have a valid Texas driver's license? If yes, use DL-43. If no, use DL-44. Using the wrong form won't stop the process, but it will slow it down because the office will have to correct it or ask you to start over.

Real ID versus standard license: form differences

Both DL-44 and DL-43 have a checkbox for Real ID. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. The form itself is the same — you just check the Real ID box. But you'll need to bring an extra document proving your address, and the verification process takes a few extra minutes.

If you don't check the Real ID box, you'll get a standard license that works for driving but not for federal buildings or flights. You can always upgrade to Real ID later by going back to the office with the extra address document. There's no fee difference between the two.

What to do if you make a mistake on the form

If you fill out the form at home and make a mistake, cross it out neatly with a single line and write the correction above it. Don't use white-out — the DPS won't accept it. If the mistake is significant or you're unsure, just bring a blank form to the office and fill it out there. The staff can answer questions as you write.

If you submit the form and the DPS finds an error, they'll contact you by mail and ask you to come back and correct it. This adds 5 to 10 days to your processing time. Reading through the form once before you submit it catches most errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form online instead of printing it?

No. Texas requires a physical, signed form. You must print it, fill it out by hand, and bring it to the office. You cannot submit it electronically or fill it out on a computer and email it.

What if I don't have my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement instead. The DPS needs proof of your number, not the card itself. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or statement before you go to the DPS office.

Do I need to make an appointment to turn in my form?

It depends on your location. Some DPS offices take walk-ins; others require appointments. Check the DPS website for your local office and call ahead or check their hours. Many offices now let you book appointments online.

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

Standard processing is 7 to 10 business days. The DPS will mail your license to the address you put on the form. If you need it faster, some offices offer expedited service for an extra fee, but you'll still wait several days.

What if I moved and my form has my old address?

Use your current address on the form. Bring a current proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 30 days) to match it. The DPS will mail your license to the address on the form, so make sure it's correct before you submit.