What Form DL 43 Is and When You Need It

Form DL 43 is the official Texas Department of Public Safety document you fill out to renew your driver's license by mail. You use it when you are renewing without a vision test — which means you must be renewing before your license expires, not after. The form itself is one page, and you send it to DPS along with your current license, a check or money order, and proof of residency.

You can use Form DL 43 if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must visit a DPS office in person instead. The form is free to read from the Texas DPS website, or you can request a copy by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 43 is a one-page renewal form you mail to Texas DPS along with your current license, payment, and proof of residency.
  • Your license must not be expired more than two years; if it is, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
  • The renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid by check or money order only.
  • Proof of residency must be an original document dated within 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • Processing by mail takes roughly four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your form.

Where to Get Form DL 43

You can read Form DL 43 directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety website at dps.texas.gov. Search for "DL 43" in the forms section, and you will find a PDF you can print at home. The form is also available at any DPS driver's license office if you prefer to pick one up in person.

If you do not have internet access or a printer, you can call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and request that they mail you a copy. There is no charge for the form itself, but mail delivery takes several days.

What Information You Need to Fill In

Form DL 43 asks for your current driver's license number, your full legal name, date of birth, and current mailing address. You will also need to confirm your Social Security number and answer a few yes-or-no questions about your health and driving record — for example, whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, and whether your license has been suspended or revoked.

Do not leave any field blank. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. An unsigned form will be returned to you, and your renewal will not be processed.

Documents and Payment to Send With Your Form

Along with the completed Form DL 43, you must send three things: your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment. Mail all of these together in one envelope to the address shown on the form itself — this address changes depending on which DPS region you live in, so check the form before you mail it.

Your proof of residency must be an original document (not a copy) dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency.

Payment must be by check or money order only — DPS does not accept cash or credit cards by mail. A four-year license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32. Make the check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety."

How Long Processing Takes and What Happens Next

After DPS receives your form, processing typically takes four to six weeks. During this time, DPS will verify your information and check for any issues with your driving record or medical history. If everything is in order, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

If DPS finds a problem — for example, if your proof of residency is not acceptable or if there is a hold on your record — they will mail you a letter explaining what is missing. You will then need to respond with the correct information or visit a DPS office in person to complete your renewal.

What to Do If Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use Form DL 43. Instead, you must visit a DPS driver's license office in person. At the office, you will take a vision test and have your photo taken. You will also need to bring your proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.

In-person renewal takes longer to schedule because DPS offices have limited appointment availability, especially in busy areas. You can schedule an appointment online at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-888-589-6556. Bring all required documents with you to avoid a second trip.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Renewal

The most common reason renewals are rejected is missing or incorrect proof of residency. Remember that the document must be an original (not a photocopy), dated within 90 days, and addressed to you at your current address. A utility bill in your spouse's name or a bank statement from six months ago will not work.

Another frequent mistake is sending cash or trying to pay by credit card. DPS will not process payment unless it arrives as a check or money order. If you send cash, it may be lost in the mail, and your renewal will not go through. Also, make sure your check is made out to "Texas Department of Public Safety" — if it is made out to DPS or to a person's name, it may be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of the country?

Yes. The two-year window for mail renewal is based on the expiration date on your license, not on when you were actually in Texas. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can use Form DL 43 even if you were overseas when it expired.

What if I moved and my address on the form is different from my license?

Write your new address on Form DL 43 in the current address field. Your new license will be mailed to that address. Make sure your proof of residency document matches the new address you write on the form.

Do I need to include a photo with Form DL 43?

No. DPS will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo on your renewed license, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead of using the mail form.

What happens if DPS loses my form in the mail?

Mail can be lost, which is why it is a good idea to send your envelope by certified mail with a return receipt. This way, you have proof that DPS received it. If your form does not arrive within six weeks, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to check the status of your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition I need to disclose?

Yes. On Form DL 43, you will answer questions about medical conditions. If you answer yes to any of these questions, DPS may ask you to visit an office in person or to provide a letter from your doctor. Do not lie on the form — DPS can suspend your license if they discover you gave false information.