What Form You Need and Where to Get It

The form you need is the process for Learner 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 Texas driver license office.

You do not have to print the form yourself. When you go to a driver license office in person, staff will provide a blank copy and can help you fill it out on the spot. Many people find this easier than completing it at home, because office staff can answer questions about what each section means and catch errors before you submit.

The form is the same whether you are explore for your first learner permit or renewing one. It asks for personal information, residency proof, and answers to questions about your driving history and medical conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is the official Texas learner permit process, available free from the DPS website or any driver license office.
  • You must bring original or certified documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency when you submit the form.
  • The form asks about medical conditions, traffic convictions, and license suspensions — answer truthfully, because DPS cross-checks your answers against their records.
  • You can complete the form at home and bring it to the office, or fill it out there with staff help, but you must submit it in person.
  • After you submit the form and pass the written test, you receive your learner permit on the same day if all documents are correct.

Personal Information Section: What Goes Where

The top of Form DL-44 asks for your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Use the name that appears on your birth certificate or passport — not a nickname or the name you go by. If you have changed your name legally, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.

Write your current mailing address and your Texas residential address. If you live in a dorm, apartment, or with family, use that address. The form needs both because DPS mails documents to your mailing address but uses your residential address to confirm you live in Texas.

Fill in your phone number and email address. DPS uses these to contact you if there are problems with your process or if your permit is ready for pickup.

Documents You Must Bring to Prove Who You Are

DPS requires proof of identity before they will process your form. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a visa, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. A school ID, library card, or expired license does not count.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. A tax return with your SSN on it also works.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last three months showing your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your service address. A school enrollment letter or paycheck stub also counts if it shows your address.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

Medical History and Driving Record Questions

Form DL-44 asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. These include epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, vision problems, hearing loss, or conditions that cause fainting or loss of consciousness. Answer honestly. DPS does not automatically deny your permit based on a medical condition, but they may require a doctor's statement or impose restrictions on your license.

The form also asks about traffic convictions, license suspensions, and whether you have ever been denied a license. Include all traffic tickets, even minor ones, and any suspension or revocation — even if it was in another state. DPS has access to national driving records and will find the information anyway. Lying on the form can result in denial or criminal charges.

If you answer yes to any of these questions, be prepared to explain. Bring documentation if you have it — a court document showing the conviction was dismissed, a letter from your doctor about your condition, or proof that a suspension has ended.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

In Texas, you must be at least 15 years old to explore for a learner permit. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form. The signature must be in ink, not printed or digital.

If you are 18 or older, you sign the form yourself. You do not need parental permission, but you still need to bring all the identity and residency documents listed above.

If your parent or guardian cannot go to the driver license office with you, they can sign the form at home and you can bring the signed copy. However, some offices ask to see the parent in person. Call your local office before you go to confirm whether a signed form at home is acceptable.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

When you hand in your completed Form DL-44 and your documents, a DPS employee will review them for completeness. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you right then and ask you to fix it or bring additional documents.

If everything is in order, you will take the written knowledge test. This test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. You study for it using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS provides free online and in print at every driver license office.

If you pass the written test, you receive your learner permit the same day. The permit is valid for two years. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Form

Do not leave any section blank. If a question does not explore to you — for example, you have never been suspended — write "none" or "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. DPS staff may think the form is incomplete and ask you to fill it out again.

Do not use pencil. Use black or blue ink only. Pencil can fade or smudge, and DPS may reject the form.

Do not sign the form before you go to the office. Some offices require you to sign in front of a DPS employee as proof of identity. Check with your local office first, but it is safer to leave the signature line blank until you arrive.

Do not assume your documents are acceptable without checking. Bring more than you think you need. If you have a utility bill and a bank statement, bring both. Extra documents do not hurt, and missing documents will send you home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form online instead of printing it?

No. DPS requires you to submit a physical form with your signature in ink. You can read and print Form DL-44 from the DPS website, or you can fill out a blank copy at the driver license office. Online submission is not an option for learner permits.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Texas learner permit. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore. The process takes several weeks. Bring your SSN documentation to your driver license appointment.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a passport?

No. A passport alone is enough to prove your identity. You do not need to bring multiple identity documents — one acceptable document is sufficient. However, you still need separate proof of your Social Security number and Texas residency.

What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?

Bring all documents showing your name and any legal name change documents. If you recently married, divorced, or changed your name in court, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS staff will help you sort out which name to use on the form.

Can I submit the form by mail instead of going in person?

No. You must appear in person at a Texas driver license office to submit your process and take the written test. DPS does not process learner permit applications by mail or online.