The form you need depends on whether you're renewing, replacing, or getting your first license

Texas uses different forms for different situations, and picking the wrong one wastes time. If you're renewing a license that hasn't expired, you'll use Form DL-43. If your license is expired, lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll use Form DL-44. If you're getting your first Texas license or moving to Texas from another state, you'll use Form DL-43 or DL-44 depending on whether you already hold a valid license from another state. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website lets you read these forms as PDFs, or you can fill them out on a computer and bring the completed version to a DPS office.

You don't have to print and fill the form before you go — most DPS offices have them at the counter. But bringing a completed form can speed up your visit, especially if the office is busy. Either way, you'll need to bring documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The specific documents vary slightly by situation, so checking the DPS website before your visit prevents a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-43 is for renewing a valid, unexpired Texas driver's license.
  • Form DL-44 is for replacing an expired, lost, stolen, or damaged license, or getting your first Texas license.
  • You can read both forms from the Texas DPS website, fill them out at home, or complete them at the DPS office.
  • Bringing a completed form to the DPS office can reduce your wait time, but it's not required.
  • You'll need proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number regardless of which form you use.

Form DL-43: Renewing an Unexpired License

Use Form DL-43 if your Texas driver's license is still valid and hasn't expired yet. This is the simplest renewal path. You fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. If your address has changed since your last license, update it on the form. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to bring documentation of that change along with the form.

The DPS accepts Form DL-43 by mail, online through their website, or in person at a DPS office. Mail-in renewal is the slowest option — it typically takes two to three weeks. Online renewal is faster and available if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need to be re-evaluated. If you don't meet those conditions, you'll need to renew in person.

Form DL-44: Replacing or Getting Your First License

Use Form DL-44 if your license is expired, lost, stolen, or damaged. You also use this form if you're getting your first Texas license or moving to Texas from another state. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you'll need to check a box on the form indicating that.

Form DL-44 must be completed in person at a DPS office — you cannot mail it or submit it online. This is because the DPS needs to take your photograph, verify your documents, and conduct a vision test. Bring the form completed or blank; either way, a DPS employee can help you finish it if needed. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Documents You'll Need to Bring

Both forms require proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous driver's license or ID card. You need only one document from this list.

For residency, bring a document showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days works.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to bring a letter from the DPS explaining why, which you can request from the DPS office itself.

Where to Get the Forms and How to Submit Them

read Form DL-43 and Form DL-44 from the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Both are available as fillable PDFs. You can complete them on your computer, print them, and bring them to a DPS office. Alternatively, you can print a blank form and fill it out by hand, or straightforward show up at a DPS office and fill out a form there.

For Form DL-43 renewal, you have three submission options: mail, online, or in person. To renew by mail, print the completed form, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your documents. To renew online, visit the DPS website and follow the online renewal process — you'll need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. To renew in person, bring the form and your documents to any DPS office during business hours.

For Form DL-44, you must go to a DPS office in person. Find the office nearest you on the DPS website, check its hours, and bring your completed form and documents. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Checking the office's page before you go tells you which applies.

Fees and Processing Time

The cost of a Texas driver's license depends on the type and how long it's valid for. A standard driver's license valid for five years costs less than one valid for eight years. Replacement licenses (Form DL-44) cost the same as renewal licenses (Form DL-43). The DPS website lists current fees, which can change. Most offices accept cash, check, and card.

Processing time varies by method. Online renewal through the DPS website is fastest — you receive your license within one to two weeks. Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready — you walk out with a temporary paper license and receive your plastic license in the mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license urgently, going in person is the only option that gets you a document you can use right away.

What Happens If Your Information Has Changed

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process your renewal or replacement without this. If your address has changed, straightforward update it on the form — no additional documents are needed.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if your vision has changed significantly, you may need to take a vision test or provide a medical report. The DPS will tell you at the time of renewal or replacement whether this applies to you. If you're renewing online and the system flags a medical issue, you'll be directed to complete your renewal in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to update your address or photo. Use Form DL-43 and follow the same process as a standard renewal.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring a letter from the DPS explaining your situation — you can request this letter at any DPS office. The DPS will issue you a license with an Individual Identification Number (IIN) instead of a Social Security number.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew my license?

No. Renewals do not require a written or driving test. You only need to provide updated documents and pay the fee. If you're replacing an expired license with Form DL-44, you also do not need to take a test unless the DPS determines your driving record warrants one.

What if I move out of Texas after renewing?

Your Texas license remains valid in other states. You do not need to notify the DPS if you move. However, if you plan to live in another state permanently, you should get a driver's license from that state within the timeframe it requires.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the DPS office. Your plastic license is mailed to your address on file, so you don't need to do anything else once you've completed your renewal or replacement in person.