What Form You Need and Where to Get It

The form you need is called Form DL-44, the official Texas process for a driver license or identification card. You can get it three ways: read it from the Texas Department of Public Safety website, pick up a printed copy at any Texas DPS office or driver license office, or fill it out on a computer at the office itself before you submit it.

The form is the same whether you are explore for your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost card. What changes is which documents you bring with you — not the form itself. You will submit the form in person at a driver license office; Texas does not accept mailed applications for new licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is the only process form Texas uses for driver licenses and ID cards, and you must submit it in person at a driver license office.
  • You need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it — the form alone is not enough.
  • The form asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, and whether you want to donate organs; answer every section or the office will ask you to correct it before processing.
  • Bring your completed form to the office, but be ready to answer questions about your driving history and any medical conditions that might affect your license.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after you submit; your temporary paper license is valid while you wait for the plastic card.

What Information the Form Asks For

Form DL-44 has sections for your legal name (first, middle, last), date of birth, current address in Texas, phone number, and email address. It also asks whether you have ever held a driver license in Texas or any other state, and if so, what your license number was. If you have not, leave that blank.

The form includes a section for your Social Security number. You must provide it or a document that shows it — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. Texas law requires this for all driver licenses. The form also asks about your height, eye color, and whether you wear corrective lenses, so have that information ready.

Near the bottom, the form asks whether you want to be an organ donor. This is optional and does not affect your license. You also declare that the information you provided is true, and you sign and date the form. Do not sign it before you arrive at the office — the staff may ask you to sign it in front of them.

Documents You Must Bring With Your Form

You cannot submit Form DL-44 alone. Texas requires you to bring documents that prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in Texas. The office will not process your form without all three.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or work badge does not count. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your number on it. For proof of Texas residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.

If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to come with you and sign the form. Bring their ID as well.

How to Fill Out the Form Correctly

Use black or blue ink and print clearly. Write your legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport — if your legal name is different from what you go by, use your legal name on the form. The office will verify it against your identity documents.

For your address, write your current Texas street address. If you just moved and your documents show an old address, bring a recent utility bill or lease at your new address to explain the change. Do not use a P.O. box as your residence address, though you can list one as a mailing address if the form has a separate line for it.

If you have held a license before, write the license number and the state where you held it. If you are not sure of the number, the office can look it up using your name and date of birth. Leave this section blank only if you have never held a license anywhere.

What Happens When You Submit the Form

Bring your completed form and all your documents to a driver license office during business hours. The staff will review your form to make sure every section is filled out and legible. If something is missing or unclear, they will ask you to correct it before they process your process. This is why it is worth taking time to fill it out carefully at home.

The office will take your photo, scan your documents, and run a background check. They will also ask you questions about your driving history and whether you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely. Answer honestly — lying on the form is a criminal offense.

Once everything is approved, you will pay the fee (which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid) and receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The paper license is a legal driving document until the card arrives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Form DL-44

Do not sign the form before you arrive at the office. Some offices require you to sign in front of a staff member, and a pre-signed form may cause delays. Do not use a nickname or shortened version of your name — use your legal name exactly as it appears on your identity documents.

Do not leave any section blank unless the form specifically says it is optional. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" or "does not explore" rather than leaving it blank. The office may interpret a blank as an incomplete form and ask you to come back.

Do not assume your old address is fine if you have moved. Bring proof of your current address, because the office will not issue a license with an address you cannot document. If your documents show different names (for example, a marriage or name change), bring the legal document that explains the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If You Are Renewing or Replacing a License

If your license is still valid and you are renewing it, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of using Form DL-44 in person. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal. If you are not, or if your license is expired, you will use Form DL-44 and follow the same process as a first-time applicant.

If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you still use Form DL-44. Tell the office staff that you are replacing a card, not explore for a new one, so they can look up your existing record and issue a replacement with the same number and expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out Form DL-44 online and mail it in?

No. Texas requires you to submit the form in person at a driver license office. You can read and print the form to fill it out at home, but you must bring the completed form and your documents to an office to submit it. Some renewals can be done by mail or online, but new applications and replacements must be done in person.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can explore for a license. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number when you submit Form DL-44.

Do I need to notarize Form DL-44?

No. The form does not need to be notarized. You sign it in front of the driver license office staff, and that signature is all that is required. Do not pay anyone to notarize it — it is not necessary and is a waste of money.

What if my name on the form does not match my documents?

The office will not process your process until your name matches across all documents. If you have changed your name legally (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the legal document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order. The office will update your record and issue your license under your current legal name.

How long does it take to get my license after I submit the form?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you submit the form and pass the background check. Your plastic license card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. The paper license is valid for driving during this time, so you do not have to wait for the card to start driving legally.