What form you need and where to get it
The form you need depends on whether you are explore for your first Texas license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses Form DL-44 for new applicants and people without a current Texas license. If you are renewing or replacing an existing license, you typically do not need to submit a paper form at all — you can renew online through the DPS website or in person at a driver license office.
You can read Form DL-44 from the official Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) under the Driver License section, or pick up a printed copy at any Texas driver license office. The form is also available at some county tax assessor offices. Print it on white paper, single-sided, and use black or blue ink if you fill it by hand. If you are explore in person, staff can provide a blank form, though arriving with one already completed will speed up your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-44 is required only for first-time Texas driver license applicants; renewals and replacements are handled differently and usually do not require a paper form.
- You must provide proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number, and bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.
- The form itself asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, and signature, and you must answer questions about medical conditions and driving history accurately.
- Bring your completed form to a Texas driver license office along with your documents; you cannot submit the form by mail for a new license process.
- Processing takes one to two weeks for a standard license card, though you can request expedited service for an additional fee at some offices.
Documents you must bring with your completed form
Texas law requires you to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in Texas. You need at least one document from each category, and they must be originals or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted, even if notarized.
For proof of identity, acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you are under 18, a school ID or report card with your name and date of birth may also work. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For proof of Texas residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government document showing your current Texas address. The residency document must be dated within the last 90 days.
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are explore under a name different from your birth certificate, you will need to provide legal documentation of that change.
How to fill out Form DL-44 correctly
The form has sections for personal information, medical history, and driving history. Start with your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or identity document. Write your date of birth in the format shown (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Enter your current Texas address, including city, state, and ZIP code. If you have lived at that address for less than one year, you must also list your previous address.
In the medical history section, answer all questions truthfully about conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely — this includes vision problems, hearing loss, seizure disorders, and certain medications. If you answer yes to any question, you may be asked to provide a medical report from your doctor. Do not leave any field blank; if a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" or "No" as appropriate.
The driving history section asks whether you have held a license in Texas or another state, and whether you have any traffic convictions or suspensions. If you have held a license before, provide the state and your former license number if you remember it. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided — your signature must match the signature you will provide in person at the office. Do not sign the form before you arrive; some offices require you to sign in front of staff.
What happens at the driver license office
Bring your completed Form DL-44, all required documents, and proof of your Social Security number to a Texas driver license office during business hours. You will check in and receive a number. When called, a staff member will review your form and documents, ask you to verify information, and may ask follow-up questions about your medical history or driving background.
You will then take a written test covering Texas traffic laws (the test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass). After passing the written test, you will take a vision screening and a driving test. The driving test is conducted by DPS examiners and typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes on local roads. If you pass all three components, you will have your photo taken for your license card.
You can request a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your card is being printed and mailed to you. Standard processing takes one to two weeks; expedited service is available at some offices for a higher fee. Check your local office's website to see whether expedited service is offered and what the additional cost is.
Age-specific requirements for applicants under 18
If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign Form DL-44 in the space provided. Your parent or guardian does not need to be present at the office, but their signature must be on the form before you submit it. If you are 16 or 17, you are may be able to access for a learner license or an intermediate license, which have restrictions on when and where you can drive. The form will ask which type of license you are seeking.
For a learner license, you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat with you whenever you drive. For an intermediate license, you can drive unsupervised during daylight hours but have restrictions on night driving and passenger limits. These restrictions remain in effect until you turn 18 or meet other conditions set by Texas law. Make sure you understand which restrictions explore to your license type before you take the driving test.
If you are renewing or replacing instead of explore new
If your Texas license is still valid and you are renewing it, you do not need Form DL-44. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical changes. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. Your new card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
If your license is expired, you can still renew by mail or in person without retaking the written and driving tests, as long as your license expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore as a new applicant and complete all tests. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any driver license office or online; a replacement does not require a new photo or tests.
Common mistakes to avoid on your process
The most common reason applications are rejected or delayed is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Bring originals or certified copies only — do not bring photocopies or faxes. Make sure your residency document is dated within the last 90 days; an older utility bill will not be accepted. If your name on your identity document does not match the name you are using, bring legal proof of the name change.
On the form itself, write clearly in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil, and do not cross out or use white-out; if you make a mistake, request a new blank form. Make sure your signature matches the one you will provide in person — do not sign the form before arriving at the office if staff require you to sign in front of them. Answer all medical and driving history questions truthfully; providing false information can result in your process being denied and may have legal consequences.
Arrive at the office with enough time to complete the written test and driving test on the same day. Most offices close by 5 p.m. and do not accept new applicants in the last hour of operation. Check your local office's hours and any appointment requirements before you go; some offices now require appointments, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit Form DL-44 by mail instead of going to an office?
No. Texas requires new applicants to appear in person at a driver license office to take the written test, vision screening, and driving test. You cannot complete these requirements by mail. However, if you are renewing an existing license that is not expired, you can renew by mail or online.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the failed test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You must pay the test fee each time you retake a test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the Texas Driver Handbook before returning.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a W-2 instead?
Either works. You need one document that proves your Social Security number — your card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form are all acceptable. You do not have to bring your actual card if you have another document that shows your number.
How long does it take to get my license card after I pass the test?
Standard processing takes one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your card is being printed and mailed. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee; check your local office's website to see if that option is available and what it costs.
What if my address changes after I submit my process but before my card arrives?
Contact the DPS when ready with your new address so your card is mailed to the correct location. You can update your address online through the DPS website or by calling your local driver license office. Provide your process number or license number if you have it.