What Form You Need and Where to Get It
The form you need depends on whether you are getting your first Texas license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses Form DL-44 for new applicants and people who have not held a Texas license before. If you are renewing or replacing a license you already have, you typically use a different process — often online or by mail — rather than a full process form.
You can get Form DL-44 in three ways: read it from the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov), pick up a printed copy at any Texas DPS driver license office, or fill it out on a computer and bring it with you when you go in person. The form is also available at some county tax assessor offices and certain third-party license services, though going directly to DPS is most reliable.
The form itself is straightforward — it is a single page with sections for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and driving history. You will also declare your citizenship status and answer questions about medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-44 is for first-time Texas driver's license applicants; renewals and replacements use different processes through the DPS website or by mail.
- You must bring original or certified documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number when you submit the form in person.
- Texas requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test before you receive your license.
- The entire process from process to receiving your license typically takes several weeks, not days.
- You must be at least 16 years old to explore, and applicants under 18 need parental or guardian consent on the form.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Filling out the form is only the first step. When you go to a DPS driver license office to submit it, you must bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Texas requires proof in three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security number.
For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or work ID is not enough on its own. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document showing your current Texas address — it must be dated within the last 30 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.
If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian to sign the form in front of a DPS employee. Bring that adult with you to the office. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (which you will need for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), you may need additional documents — ask the DPS office which documents they require for REAL ID when you call to schedule your appointment.
How to Complete the Form Itself
Print the form or get a blank copy at the DPS office. Use black or blue ink and write clearly in capital letters where the form shows lines for text. Do not use pencil. Start with your full legal name, then your current address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number (you will bring the full number on your card or document).
In the citizenship section, mark whether you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. If you are neither, you cannot get a standard driver's license, though you may be able to get an occupational license under certain conditions — ask at the DPS office. Answer the medical history questions honestly: they ask about conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or vision problems that could affect safe driving. Lying on this section can result in your license being suspended or revoked later if DPS discovers the truth.
Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. If you are under 18, leave the parental consent section blank — the parent or guardian will sign it at the DPS office in front of an employee. Do not sign it ahead of time. Once you have filled it out, bring it with you to your appointment along with all your documents.
What Happens After You Submit the Form
When you arrive at the DPS office with your completed form and documents, a staff member will review everything to make sure nothing is missing. They will take your photograph and fingerprints, run a background check, and verify your documents. This takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Next, you will take a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time — there is no waiting period between attempts in most offices.
After passing the written test, you will have your vision screened. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may still get a license with a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving. Finally, you will take a driving skills test with a DPS examiner. This test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws.
Timeline and Fees
The entire process — from submitting your form to receiving your physical license in the mail — usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, which is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card. The permanent license arrives by mail at the address you provided on the form.
As of 2024, a standard five-year driver's license costs $33 in Texas. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $40. These fees vary slightly if you are under 18 or over 85, or if you are explore for a commercial license. Payment is due when you submit your form, and the DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Call ahead to confirm current fees, as they can change.
If You Are Renewing or Replacing Instead
If you already have a Texas driver's license and are renewing it before it expires, you do not need Form DL-44. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not suspended, you have not had any major violations, and your address has not changed. Online renewal takes about 10 business days, and your new license arrives by mail.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can also replace it online or by mail without filling out a full process form. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $11) and receive a new card by mail. If you cannot renew or replace online for any reason, you can go to a DPS office and fill out a shorter form instead of the full DL-44.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of original documents. DPS will not accept them, and you will have to reschedule your appointment. Another frequent error is not bringing all three types of documents — identity, residency, and Social Security proof. Check the DPS website or call your local office before you go to confirm you have everything.
Do not write in pencil or use cursive on the form — use black or blue ink and print clearly. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly with a single line and write the correction above it. Do not use white-out. If you are under 18, do not have a parent sign the consent section before you arrive at the office; DPS requires them to sign in front of an employee. Finally, do not assume you will pass the written test without studying. The Texas Driver's Handbook is free and covers everything on the test — spending an hour or two with it before your appointment significantly improves your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, a Social Security number is required. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder without a Social Security number, you may be able to get an occupational license instead, which allows you to drive for work purposes only. Contact your local DPS office to learn what documents you would need for that option.
What if I fail the driving skills test?
You can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment and pay the testing fee again (currently $11). Most offices allow you to retake the test within a few days or weeks. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening if you passed those the first time.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most Texas DPS offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the DPS website or by phone. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but you may wait several hours. Scheduling ahead is faster and more reliable.
What if my address changes after I submit the form but before I get my license?
Contact the DPS office where you submitted your form and let them know. You may be able to update your address before your license is mailed. If your license arrives with the old address, you can update it online or at an office without paying a fee.
Can someone else submit the form for me if I cannot go in person?
No, you must appear in person at the DPS office to take the written test, vision screening, and driving skills test. These cannot be done by someone else on your behalf. You must also be present when your photograph and fingerprints are taken.