What form you need and where to get it

The form you need depends on which state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued your license. Texas uses Form DL-43, New Mexico uses Form DL-43 as well, and Arizona uses Form 44-1. Each state's DPS website has the form as a free PDF read, and you can also pick up a printed copy at any DPS office or many motor vehicle service centers.

Before you read or print, check your state's DPS website to confirm you have the current version. Forms are updated periodically, and submitting an outdated version can delay your renewal. The version date appears at the bottom of the form — your state's website will show which date is current.

You do not have to print the form. Many states now allow you to renew online through their DPS portal, which skips the paper form entirely. If online renewal is available in your state, that route is usually faster. Check your state DPS website under "renew your license" to see if you can do it without paper.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DPS website has the renewal form as a free PDF, and you should check the version date to make sure it is current.
  • Most forms ask for your current license number, full legal name, address, and signature, and require you to confirm your information has not changed.
  • If you have changed your name, address, or vision prescription since your last renewal, you will need to bring supporting documents to the DPS office.
  • Paper renewals typically take two to four weeks by mail, while in-person renewals at a DPS office are usually processed the same day.
  • Many states now offer online renewal through their DPS portal, which is faster than mailing a paper form.

How to fill in the basic information sections

Start with your current driver license number — this is the first thing the form asks for, and it helps DPS pull up your existing record. Write it exactly as it appears on your license, including any letters or hyphens. Next, enter your full legal name as it appears on your license. If your name has changed since you got your current license, do not correct it on this form — instead, bring your legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) to the DPS office when you submit the form.

Fill in your current mailing address. If you have moved since your last renewal, write your new address here. Some forms have a separate box asking whether your address has changed — check that box if it has. For your date of birth, use the format your state's form shows (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Double-check this against your license, because a mismatched birth date will cause the renewal to be rejected.

Most forms ask you to confirm that your height, eye color, and other physical descriptors have not changed. If they have — for example, if you have had eye surgery or your vision has changed significantly — note that on the form or bring documentation to the DPS office. Do not leave these sections blank; check "no change" or "same as current license" if nothing has changed.

Medical and vision information you may need to provide

Some states ask whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. These questions are not asking you to disclose every health issue — they are asking about conditions that directly impact vision, hearing, or motor control. Examples include untreated seizure disorders, severe vision loss, or conditions that cause sudden loss of consciousness. If you are unsure whether your condition applies, answer honestly and let DPS make the information; they may ask for a doctor's statement, but that does not automatically disqualify you.

Vision requirements vary by state. Some states require a vision test at the DPS office during renewal; others accept a vision test from your eye doctor if it is dated within the last year. Check your state's DPS website to see whether you need to bring a vision test result. If your prescription has changed significantly, bring your current glasses or contacts with you to the DPS office, because they may test your vision on the spot.

Organ donor and registration choices

Most renewal forms ask whether you want to be an organ donor. This is optional — you can choose yes, no, or decline to answer. Your choice does not affect your license renewal. If you want to register to vote at the same time, many states offer that option on the renewal form; check the box if you want to register or update your voter registration.

Some forms ask about your preferred pronouns or gender marker. If your state offers this option and you want to update it, select the option that matches your identity. Changing your gender marker usually requires additional documentation (a court order or letter from a healthcare provider, depending on your state), so check your state's DPS website for the specific documents needed before you submit the form.

What documents to bring if anything has changed

If your name, address, or date of birth has changed, or if you are renewing in person for the first time, bring documents that prove the change. For a name change, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address. For a date of birth correction, bring your birth certificate.

If you are renewing by mail and nothing has changed, you typically do not need to send any documents — just the signed form and your current license. However, check your state's specific requirements, because some states ask for a photocopy of your license or a recent photo. Your state's DPS website will list exactly what to include with your mailed form.

Signing the form and submitting it

Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. Use the same signature you use on your current license — DPS compares signatures to prevent fraud. If you cannot sign (due to a disability or injury), ask the DPS office about signing with an X or thumbprint; call ahead to confirm they can accommodate this before you go in.

If you are mailing the form, make a copy for your records before you send it. Mail it to the address listed on the form or on your state's DPS website, along with your current license and any supporting documents. Do not use certified mail unless your state specifically requests it — regular mail is fine and costs less. Most states process mailed renewals within two to four weeks.

If you are renewing in person, bring the completed form, your current license, and any documents that prove changes (name, address, etc.). Arrive during office hours — many DPS offices do not take walk-ins and require an appointment. Check your state's DPS website to book an appointment or see whether walk-ins are accepted at your local office. In-person renewals are usually finished the same day, and you will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.

Common mistakes that delay renewal

The most common mistake is using an outdated form version. If the version date on your form does not match the current version on your state's DPS website, your renewal will be rejected and sent back to you. Always read the form directly from your state DPS website rather than from a third-party site, to make sure you have the current version.

Another frequent error is leaving sections blank. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" or check a "no change" box rather than leaving it empty. DPS systems flag blank fields as incomplete, which triggers a rejection. Similarly, mismatching your signature to your current license, or writing your name differently than it appears on your license, can cause delays.

If you are mailing your renewal, do not forget to include your current license. DPS needs it to verify your identity and pull up your existing record. Without it, your process will be returned to you incomplete.

What happens after you submit the form

If you renewed by mail, DPS will send you a notice within two to four weeks confirming receipt and processing status. Your new license will arrive by mail separately, usually within one to two weeks after approval. If you do not hear anything within four weeks, contact your state's DPS office to check the status — provide your license number and the date you mailed the form.

If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, call DPS to confirm it was mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of using the paper form?

Many states now offer online renewal through their DPS portal. Check your state's DPS website under "renew your license" to see if you are may be able to access. Online renewal is usually faster than mailing a paper form and does not require you to print anything. However, if your name, address, or other information has changed, you may need to renew in person or by mail instead.

What if I made a mistake on the form after I signed it?

If you caught the mistake before mailing it, cross out the error neatly, write the correction above it, and initial and date the change. If you already mailed it, contact your state's DPS office and ask whether they can correct it or whether you need to submit a new form. Do not send a corrected form unless DPS asks you to.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

Most states use your photo from your current license unless you request a new one or your license is very old. If you want a new photo, ask at the DPS office when you submit your form, or check your state's website to see if you can request one when you renew online. Some states charge a small fee for a new photo.

What if my current license is damaged or lost?

If your license is damaged, bring it with your renewal form anyway — DPS will note the damage and issue a replacement. If your license is lost, you will need to report it to DPS before you renew. Some states let you report a lost license online; others require you to do it in person. Check your state's DPS website for the process in your state.

Can someone else submit my renewal form for me?

If you are renewing by mail, yes — someone else can mail your signed form and current license on your behalf. If you are renewing in person, most states require you to be present to verify your identity and sign the form in front of a DPS employee. Call your local DPS office to confirm whether a representative can renew on your behalf.