What form you need and where to get it
To renew your Texas driver license by mail or in person, you will use Form DL-44, the process for Texas Driver License. This is the official form the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires for standard renewals when you are not changing your address, adding a Real ID endorsement, or updating your name.
You can get Form DL-44 in three ways: read it from the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov), pick up a copy at any Texas DPS driver license office, or request one by mail from DPS. If you read it, print it on white paper and sign it in blue or black ink — do not sign a blank form before you know what information to fill in.
The form itself is free. You will pay a renewal fee when you submit it, but the form has no cost.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-44 is a single page that asks for your current license number, personal information, and signature.
- You must sign the form in person at a DPS office or have your signature notarized if you mail it in.
- Mail-in renewal takes longer than in-person renewal and requires a notary, so check the DPS website first to see if you can renew by mail in your situation.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the completed form to a DPS office, or mail the notarized form with copies of required documents.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you are renewing for, and you pay it when you submit the form.
Information the form asks for
Form DL-44 has two sides and takes about five minutes to complete if you have your current license in front of you. The front side asks for your name, date of birth, current license number, and current address. It also asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving and whether you want to be an organ donor.
The back side has a section for your signature and a section where you declare that the information you provided is true. There is also a space for a notary stamp if you are mailing the form instead of appearing in person. Do not leave the signature line blank — that is the most common reason forms are rejected.
You do not need to write an essay or explain anything. Answer each question with the information requested, and move on. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" or leave it blank unless the form says it is required.
Signing the form: in person or notarized
The way you sign Form DL-44 depends on how you submit it. If you go to a DPS office in person, you sign the form there in front of a DPS employee. You do not need a notary, and you do not need to sign it before you arrive.
If you mail the form to DPS, you must have your signature notarized before you mail it. A notary is a person licensed by the state to witness signatures and stamp documents. You can find a notary at most banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and some libraries. Notary fees range from five to twenty dollars, depending on where you go. The notary will watch you sign the form and then stamp it with their official seal.
Do not sign the form and then have it notarized later. The notary must watch you sign it. If you sign it before you meet the notary, the notarization is not valid, and DPS will reject the form.
Documents to bring or mail with the form
Along with the completed Form DL-44, you need to send or bring proof of your identity and proof of your current address. Your current Texas driver license counts as proof of identity. If you do not have it, you can use a passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID.
For proof of address, DPS accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your name and address on it. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you are mailing the form, make a copy of both documents and mail the copies along with your form — do not mail your original license or documents.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you will need to update it on the form. If your address has not changed, you still need to show proof that you live at the address on your current license.
Mailing the form versus going in person
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other conditions set by DPS. The advantage of mailing is that you do not have to go to an office. The disadvantages are that it takes longer (usually four to six weeks), you have to pay for a notary, and if DPS rejects your form for any reason, you have to start over.
Renewing in person at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You do not need a notary, and you get your new license on the spot or within a few days. You can make an appointment online at most offices, which lets you skip the walk-in line.
Check the DPS website before you decide to mail your form. Some situations — such as a suspended license, a recent name change, or a medical condition you are reporting for the first time — require you to renew in person. The website will tell you whether mail-in renewal is an option for you.
The renewal fee and how to pay it
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than a six-year renewal, and a six-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Fees change periodically, so check the DPS website for the current amount before you mail your form or go to an office.
If you renew in person, you pay the fee at the DPS office when you submit your form. You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. If you mail your form, you can include a check or money order with your process. Do not mail cash. Make the check or money order out to the "Texas Department of Public Safety."
If you are unsure of the exact fee, call the DPS office in your county or check the website. Sending the wrong amount will delay your renewal.
What happens after you submit the form
If you renew in person, DPS will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card.
If you mail your form, DPS will process it and mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. This usually takes four to six weeks. You can check the status of your process on the DPS website using your license number and date of birth.
If DPS finds a problem with your form — such as a missing signature, an incorrect fee, or missing documents — they will send you a letter explaining what is wrong. You will have a set amount of time to fix it and resubmit. If you do not respond, your process will be denied, and you will have to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an old or expired Form DL-44?
No. DPS updates the form periodically, and an old version may be rejected. Always read the current version from the DPS website or pick up a fresh copy at an office. The form is free, so there is no reason to use an old one.
What if I made a mistake on the form after I signed it?
If you made a small error, you can cross it out neatly, write the correct information above it, and initial the change. If the form is too messy or has too many changes, start over with a fresh copy. DPS may reject a form that is hard to read.
Do I need to include a photo with Form DL-44?
No. If you renew in person, DPS takes a new photo at the office. If you renew by mail, DPS uses the photo from your current license unless you request a new one. You do not submit a photo with the form.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
That depends on which renewal period you chose when you paid the fee. You can renew for four, six, or eight years. Your new license will expire on the date you choose, and that date will be printed on the front of your card.
What if my current license is lost or stolen?
You cannot use Form DL-44 to renew a lost or stolen license. Instead, you need to report it to DPS and explore for a replacement using a different form. Contact your local DPS office or the DPS website for instructions on replacing a lost or stolen license.