Which form you need depends on what you're doing

Texas uses different forms for different situations, and picking the wrong one wastes time. If you're getting your first license, renewing an expiring one, or replacing a lost card, each path uses its own form. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) publishes these forms online, and you can bring a printed copy to your local DPS office or fill it out there. Some forms are also available through the mail, depending on what you're requesting.

The form itself is only one piece of what you'll need to bring. You'll also need documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency — and those requirements shift based on which form you're using and whether you've held a Texas license before. Understanding which form matches your situation keeps you from making a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is for first-time Texas driver licenses and learner permits; Form DL-43 is for renewals and replacements of existing licenses.
  • You can read most Texas DPS forms from the official website, print them, and bring them to your appointment, or fill them out in the office.
  • The documents you need to bring (proof of identity, Social Security, residency) depend on which form you're using and your licensing history.
  • Some forms allow you to renew or replace your license by mail, but only if you meet specific conditions like a valid out-of-state license or recent Texas residency.

Form DL-44: Your first Texas license or learner permit

Form DL-44 is the process for an original Texas driver license or learner permit. You use this form if you have never held a Texas license, even if you've held one in another state. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want a standard license or a learner permit. It also includes a section where you declare your citizenship or immigration status, which affects what documents you'll need to bring.

You can get Form DL-44 from the DPS website (dps.texas.gov), print it at home, and bring it to your appointment. You can also walk into a DPS office and fill it out there — many people do this because the form is straightforward and the office staff can answer questions on the spot. Either way, you'll need to bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian's signature on the form.

Form DL-43: Renewing or replacing an existing license

Form DL-43 is for renewing a license that's about to expire or replacing one that's lost, stolen, or damaged. If you already hold a valid Texas driver license, this is the form you use — not DL-44. The form is shorter than DL-44 because DPS already has most of your information on file. You'll confirm your name, address, and whether anything has changed since your last license was issued.

You can renew by mail using Form DL-43 if your license is still valid (not yet expired) and you haven't had any major changes like a name change or address change outside Texas. If your license has already expired or you need to report a change, you'll have to go to a DPS office in person. read the form from dps.texas.gov, fill it out, and either mail it with a check or money order, or bring it to your appointment.

Form DL-91: Commercial driver license process

If you're explore for a commercial driver license (CDL) — which you need to drive a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle — you use Form DL-91 instead of DL-44 or DL-43. A CDL has stricter medical and testing requirements than a standard license. You'll need to pass a written test on commercial driving rules, a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test), and provide a medical certificate from a licensed examiner.

Form DL-91 is available on the DPS website. You'll also need to bring your current driver license (if you have one), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your medical certificate. The process process takes longer than a standard license because of the additional testing and documentation.

Documents you need to bring with your form

The documents required depend on which form you're using and whether you're a U.S. citizen. For Form DL-44 (first-time applicants), you need one document proving your identity (like a passport or birth certificate), your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and two documents proving you live in Texas (like a utility bill or lease). If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need to bring your immigration documents instead of a citizenship document.

For Form DL-43 (renewal or replacement), the requirements are lighter if you're renewing by mail — you usually just need your current license and payment. If you're going in person or replacing a lost license, bring your current license (if you have it) and proof of your current address. The DPS website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each situation, organized by document type.

Where to get the forms and how to submit them

All Texas DPS forms are available for free read at dps.texas.gov under the "Driver License" section. You can print them at home, fill them out by hand or on your computer (most forms accept typed text), and bring them to your appointment. You don't have to print them ahead of time — every DPS office has copies available, and staff can help you fill one out if you need it.

For renewals by mail, print Form DL-43, fill it out, and mail it with your payment (check or money order) to the address listed on the form. Mail renewals usually take two to three weeks. For in-person appointments, bring your completed form and documents to your nearest DPS office. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, which often reduces wait times.

What happens after you submit your form

Once you submit your form and documents, a DPS examiner will review them to make sure everything is complete and correct. If you're explore for your first license or a CDL, you'll take a written test and possibly a road test at the same appointment or a scheduled follow-up. If you're renewing and everything checks out, your new license will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks.

If DPS finds a problem with your form or documents — like a missing signature or an unacceptable proof of residency — they'll tell you what's missing and ask you to fix it. This can delay your license, so double-check your form before you submit it. The DPS website has a checklist of required documents for each form, which takes the guesswork out of what to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas DPS does not have an online form submission system. You must print the form, fill it out, and either mail it (for renewals) or bring it to a DPS office in person. You can fill it out by hand or type on the PDF before printing.

What if I make a mistake on the form?

If you make a small mistake, you can cross it out neatly and initial the change. If the form becomes too messy or hard to read, print a fresh copy and start over. DPS staff will also help you correct minor errors if you bring the form to the office.

Do I need to notarize my form?

No. Texas driver license forms do not require notarization. However, if you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form in front of a DPS examiner or notary public, depending on the situation. Check the specific form instructions for age-related signature requirements.

Can I use an old version of the form?

It's best to use the current version from dps.texas.gov. Older versions may have outdated information or missing fields. DPS offices will accept current forms, but using an outdated one can cause delays or require you to fill out a new one.

What if I lose my form before I can submit it?

Print another copy from dps.texas.gov or pick one up at a DPS office. The forms are free and available anytime. You don't need to keep the original — DPS only cares about the information you provide, not which copy you used.