What form you need and where to get it
The form you need is Form DL-44, the process for Texas Driver License. You can get it three ways: read it from the Texas Department of Public Safety website, pick one up at any driver license office, or fill it out on a computer at the office itself before you take your number.
The form is the same whether you renew in person or by mail, but the instructions differ slightly depending on your route. If you are renewing by mail, you will fill it out at home and mail it with your documents. If you are renewing in person, you can bring it filled out or blank — the office staff can help you complete it on site if you need them to.
You do not need to print the form if you renew in person; the office will provide one. Printing it ahead saves time only if you want to fill it out at home before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-44 is a single page with sections for your name, address, date of birth, and current license number, and you can read it or get it at the driver license office.
- You must sign the form in black or blue ink; an unsigned form will be rejected and you will have to start over.
- If your name has changed since your last license, you will need to provide a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- The form asks for your Social Security number, and providing it is required to renew; you cannot leave it blank.
- If you renew by mail, mail the completed form with your documents to the address on the form; if you renew in person, bring the form and documents to your local driver license office.
How to fill in each section of the form
Start with your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate or other identity document. If your name has changed since your last license, write your current legal name and be ready to show proof of the change. The form has a separate box for this — check it if your name is different from your previous license.
Fill in your date of birth in the format shown on the form (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Write your current address, including street, city, state, and ZIP code. If you have moved since your last license, this is where you update it. Do not use a P.O. box as your mailing address; the form requires a street address.
Enter your current Texas driver license number if you have one. If this is your first renewal and you do not remember your number, leave this blank and write "first renewal" or ask the office staff. Write your Social Security number in the box provided — this is required and the form cannot be processed without it.
In the vision section, answer honestly about whether you wear corrective lenses. If you do, you must wear them during your vision test at the office, and your license will be marked with a restriction. If you do not wear them now but did on your last license, tell the office staff when you arrive — they may ask you to take the vision test again to confirm you no longer need them.
Sections that change based on your situation
If your name has changed, you must check the box that says your name is different from your previous license. You will then need to bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The office will not accept a photocopy; it must be an official certified copy from the county clerk or the court that issued it.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the form has a section where you can disclose it. You are not required to disclose conditions that do not impair your ability to drive safely, but if you do disclose one, the office may require a medical report from your doctor. Be honest here; lying on this section can result in your license being suspended if an accident reveals the condition.
If you are renewing by mail, you will see a checkbox for mail renewal. Check this box only if you are mailing the form in; if you are going to the office in person, leave it unchecked. Mail renewal is available only if you are renewing a regular driver license (not a commercial license) and you do not need to change your address, name, or vision correction status.
What to do after you fill it out
Sign the form in black or blue ink. Do not sign in pencil, and do not leave the signature line blank. The signature must match the name you wrote at the top of the form — if you go by a nickname or shortened version of your name, use your legal name on the form and sign with that legal name.
Check the form one more time for blank boxes that should be filled in. Common mistakes are leaving the Social Security number blank, forgetting to check the box if your name changed, or not filling in your current address. If you spot a mistake, cross it out neatly, write the correct information, and initial the change in pen.
If you are renewing by mail, place the signed form in an envelope with your documents (your current license, proof of residency, and any name-change documents) and mail it to the address printed on the form. If you are renewing in person, bring the form and your documents to your local driver license office. Arrive early; offices are busiest in the morning and mid-month.
Common mistakes that delay your renewal
The most common error is leaving the form unsigned or signing in pencil. The office will reject it and send it back, which adds weeks to your renewal time. Always sign in pen, and always check that you signed before you mail it or hand it to the clerk.
Another frequent mistake is writing your name differently than it appears on your identity documents. If your birth certificate says "Robert" but you write "Bob," the office will ask you to correct it. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your official documents.
If your address is hard to read or incomplete, the office may not be able to mail your new license to you. Write your street address clearly and include your apartment or unit number if you have one. If you live in a rural area and your address is unusual, call the office ahead of time to confirm they have the right format.
Do not leave the Social Security number blank. This is required by law and the form cannot be processed without it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to renew in person and bring documentation of your immigration status.
If you need to change your address or other information
If you have moved since your last license, write your new address on the form. You will also need to bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address.
If you need to change your name, you must provide a certified copy of the document that changed it. The office will not accept a notarized copy or a photocopy; it must be an official certified copy from the county clerk or court. If you are changing your name through a court order, bring the certified order itself.
If you need to add or remove a restriction (such as corrective lenses), you may need to take a new vision test or provide a medical report. The form does not handle this directly — tell the office staff when you arrive, and they will tell you what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?
No. If you need to prove your identity or name change, you must bring the original document or a certified copy from the county clerk or court. The office will not accept a photocopy or a notarized copy. If you do not have the original, contact the county clerk in the county where you were born to order a certified copy.
What if I make a mistake after I sign the form?
Cross out the mistake neatly with a single line, write the correct information above or next to it, and initial the change in pen. Do not use white-out or tape. If the form is too messy to read, ask for a new blank form and start over — it is faster than trying to fix a heavily marked-up form.
Do I need to bring the form with me if I renew in person?
No, but it saves time. If you bring it filled out and signed, the office staff can process it faster. If you do not bring it, they will give you a blank form to fill out at the office. Either way works, but arriving with the form already done moves you through the line quicker.
What if my current license is expired?
You can still renew by mail or in person. Write your expired license number on the form. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in person, even if you normally renew by mail — call your local driver license office to confirm before you mail anything in.
Can someone else sign the form for me?
No. You must sign the form yourself. If you are physically unable to sign, call your local driver license office to ask about alternatives; they may allow a mark or a thumbprint in some cases, but you must arrange this ahead of time.