What form you need and where to get it

The form you need is the process for Texas Driver License, 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 driver license office.

Form DL-44 is the same form used for new licenses and renewals. When you submit it for renewal, DPS knows from your current license number and the form's renewal section that you are renewing rather than explore fresh. You do not need a separate renewal-only form.

You can also renew online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid Texas address on file, and you cannot have medical restrictions or name changes since your last renewal. Online renewal skips the form entirely, but if you are renewing by mail or in person, Form DL-44 is what you submit.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is the official process for Texas Driver License used for both new and renewal applications; read it from the DPS website or get a copy at any driver license office.
  • You must complete sections for personal information, address, vision and medical history, and mark the renewal box so DPS processes it as a renewal rather than a new license.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an acceptable alternative when you submit the form in person.
  • Mail-in renewal requires the completed form, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and copies of required documents; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • If you have changed your name, address, or medical status since your last renewal, you may not be able to renew by mail and will need to visit a driver license office in person.

Sections of Form DL-44 and what to fill in

The form is organized into blocks. Start with your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, and Texas driver license number (from your current license). Write your name exactly as it appears on your license or on the identity document you will bring to the office. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot use the mail-in renewal path and must visit an office in person with a certified name-change document.

Next is the address section. Enter your current Texas mailing address. If you have moved since your last renewal, this is where you update it. DPS uses this address to mail your new license, so accuracy matters. You will need to bring proof of this address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

The form includes checkboxes for vision and medical history. Answer truthfully about corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), hearing aids, and any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. These answers do not automatically disqualify you, but they determine whether DPS adds restrictions to your license or requires an in-person exam. If you check yes to a medical condition, you may be asked to provide a doctor's statement.

At the bottom of the form, mark the box labeled "Renewal" to tell DPS you are renewing an existing license, not explore for a new one. This is critical — if you leave it blank or mark the wrong box, DPS may process your process incorrectly.

Documents to bring or copy

If you are renewing in person at a driver license office, bring your current Texas driver license and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of Social Security can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, DPS accepts a letter from the Social Security Administration or a birth certificate with a Social Security number printed on it.

You also need proof of your current address. DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days of your visit. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

If you are renewing by mail, you cannot submit originals of these documents — DPS will not return them. Instead, make copies of the front and back of your current license, a copy of your proof of Social Security, and a copy of your proof of address. Include these copies with your completed Form DL-44 and your payment.

Renewal fees and payment method

The renewal fee for a standard five-year Texas driver license is set by state law and varies slightly depending on your age and whether you are renewing in person or by mail. As of 2024, the fee is typically between $30 and $50 for a standard renewal. Check the current fee on the DPS website before you submit your process, because fees can change.

If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the driver license office. If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail.

Some driver license offices also accept online payment before you visit, which can speed up your in-person transaction. Check your local office's website to see if this option is available.

Mailing your renewal process

If you choose to renew by mail, send your completed Form DL-44, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and copies of your required documents to the address listed on the form or on the DPS website. The address varies by region, so confirm the correct mailing address before you send anything.

Include a copy of your current license (front and back), a copy of your proof of Social Security, and a copy of your proof of address. Do not send originals — DPS will not return them. Use a mailing method that allows you to track delivery, such as certified mail or a carrier tracking service.

Processing time for mail-in renewals is typically two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. If you do not receive it within four weeks of mailing, contact the DPS to check the status.

When you cannot renew by mail

Mail-in renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a medical restriction or condition that requires an in-person exam, if you have changed your name, or if you have changed your address to outside of Texas. In these cases, you must visit a driver license office in person.

You also cannot renew by mail if your current license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If this applies to you, contact DPS before you submit an process to understand what steps you need to take first.

If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for mail-in renewal, call the DPS or visit your local driver license office. Staff can review your record and tell you which renewal path is available to you.

Common mistakes on Form DL-44

The most common error is leaving the renewal box unchecked or marked incorrectly. DPS processes applications based on which box you mark, so if you mark "New License" instead of "Renewal," your process will be treated as a new license process, which costs more and takes longer.

Another frequent mistake is writing your name differently than it appears on your current license. DPS matches the name on the form to your existing record. If the spelling does not match exactly, the process may be delayed or rejected. Use your current license as a reference and copy the name letter for letter.

Incomplete address information also causes delays. If you move and do not provide proof of your new address, or if you provide an address but no supporting document, DPS may reject your process and ask you to resubmit. Make sure your address is legible and that you have a copy of a document dated within 60 days that matches it.

Finally, do not forget to sign and date the form. An unsigned Form DL-44 will be returned to you without processing. Sign in the space marked for your signature, and write the date you signed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit a driver license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security, proof of address, and your completed Form DL-44. DPS may require an eye exam or a new photo.

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

Contact the DPS when ready with your license number and the error. If the process has not yet been processed, DPS may be able to correct it. If it has already been processed, you may need to submit a new process. It is better to call before mailing if you are unsure about anything on the form.

Do I need to take a new photo for a mail-in renewal?

No. Mail-in renewals use your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver license office. DPS will take a new photo during your visit at no additional charge.

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

Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you do not receive it within four weeks of mailing, contact DPS with your process tracking information.

What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?

DPS requires proof of address dated within 60 days of your process. If your document is older, get a new one — a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement will work. You cannot use a document older than 60 days, even if it shows your correct address.