The DL-14A is Texas's standard driver license for most adults

The DL-14A is the regular driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. It is the license most people in Texas carry — the one you get after passing your written and road tests, and the one you renew every eight years. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you pass the requirements, this is the license you will receive.

The DL-14A is different from other Texas licenses mainly in what it allows you to do and who can hold it. It is not a commercial license (which requires additional testing), not a motorcycle-only license, and not a license for non-citizens without legal status. It is the standard path for most drivers.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL-14A is Texas's standard driver license for citizens and permanent residents who pass the written and road tests.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to hold a DL-14A, though the rules differ slightly if you are under 18.
  • The DL-14A allows you to drive passenger vehicles but not commercial trucks or motorcycles without additional endorsements.
  • Your DL-14A is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, and you renew it in person at a DPS office.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or proof you do not have one to get a DL-14A.

Who can get a DL-14A in Texas

To hold a DL-14A, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder). You must also be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you have to complete a driver education course and hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the driver education course and go straight to the learner permit stage.

You must also have a valid Social Security number or be able to show the Texas Department of Public Safety that you do not have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

You cannot get a DL-14A if you are a non-citizen without legal immigration status. Texas offers a different license — the DL-44 — for people in that situation, but it has different rules and restrictions.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

When you go to get your DL-14A, bring originals or certified copies of documents that prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number (or proof you do not have one), and that you live in Texas.

For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a permanent resident card, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a visa. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your name and address. If you are under 18, you will also need to bring a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.

Bring your learner permit (if you have one) and your Social Security card or the letter from Social Security if you do not have a number. If you have changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.

The written test and road test for a DL-14A

Before you can get a DL-14A, you must pass a written test about Texas traffic laws and road signs, and then pass a road test where a DPS examiner watches you drive. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take it on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your score right away.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping — and will watch how you handle traffic and follow the rules of the road. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you do have to pay the test fee each time you take it.

How long a DL-14A is valid and how to renew it

Your DL-14A is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. When it is about to expire, the Texas Department of Public Safety will send you a notice in the mail telling you when to renew. You can renew in person at a DPS office, or if you meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew by mail or online.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or proof you do not have a number. The renewal process is faster than getting your first license — you usually do not have to take the written or road test again unless the DPS has reason to believe your driving record or medical condition has changed.

If your license expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive. If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. It is better to renew before the expiration date on your card.

DL-14A versus other Texas driver licenses

Texas issues several types of driver licenses, and the DL-14A is the most common. The DL-44 is for non-citizens without legal status and has restrictions on where you can use it. The DL-58 is a commercial driver license for people who drive large trucks or buses for work. The DL-81 is a motorcycle license, and you can add a motorcycle endorsement to a DL-14A if you want to ride a motorcycle as well as drive a car.

If you are under 18, you get a DL-14A with restrictions until you turn 18. These restrictions limit when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months) and who can ride with you (no passengers under 21 for the first six months, with some exceptions for family). Once you turn 18, these restrictions go away automatically.

What happens if you lose or damage your DL-14A

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license. The replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you do not lose any time on your eight-year validity period.

If your license is stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. Keep your replacement license in a safe place, and consider keeping a photo of it on your phone in case you need to show proof of identity while waiting for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a DL-14A if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No, not unless you are a permanent resident with a green card. If you are a non-citizen without legal status, Texas offers the DL-44 instead. If you are a temporary visa holder, you may be able to get a DL-14A if you also have a green card or are in the process of becoming a permanent resident — contact your local DPS office to ask about your specific situation.

Do I have to take the written and road tests again when I renew my DL-14A?

Not usually. When you renew, you typically only need to bring your current license and proof of residency. However, the DPS may require you to retake the tests if your driving record shows serious violations, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

What is the difference between a DL-14A and a DL-44?

The DL-14A is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The DL-44 is for non-citizens without legal immigration status. The DL-44 has restrictions — you can only use it to drive to work, school, or medical appointments, and you cannot use it for commercial purposes. The DL-14A has no such restrictions.

How much does it cost to get a DL-14A?

The cost varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid. An eight-year license costs more than a shorter-term license. Fees also vary slightly by DPS office location. Check the Texas Department of Public Safety website or call your local office for the exact fee in your area.

Can I add endorsements to my DL-14A, like a motorcycle endorsement?

Yes. You can add a motorcycle endorsement (M) by passing a motorcycle written test and road test. You can also add other endorsements for towing, hazardous materials, or other specialized driving. Each endorsement requires passing an additional test, and there is a fee for each one.