What Form You Need and Where to Get It

The form you need is Form DL-44, the process for Texas Driver's License or Learner License. This is the same form everyone uses, but minors under 18 must complete it differently — specifically, a parent or legal guardian must sign it, and you must bring certain documents that prove your identity and age.

You can get Form DL-44 in three ways: read it from the Texas Department of Public Safety website (dps.texas.gov), pick up a printed copy at any Texas Driver License office, or fill it out on a computer at the office itself before you submit it. Many offices now allow you to start the process online through the Texas DPS portal, which pre-fills some fields and can save time.

The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and basic medical information. The critical difference for minors is that you cannot sign it yourself; your parent or legal guardian must sign in the "Applicant Signature" section, and they must be present when you submit the form in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 requires a parent or legal guardian signature for anyone under 18, and that parent or guardian must be present at the Driver License office when you submit it.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or number, and proof of your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter all work.
  • If you are explore for a learner license (which you must do before a regular license), you need the same documents but do not need to pass a driving test first.
  • The form costs nothing to fill out, but you will pay a fee at the office when you submit it — the amount depends on whether you are getting a learner license or a regular license.
  • Bring the completed form to your appointment; do not mail it, because the office staff must verify your documents and take your photo in person.

Documents You Must Bring With Your Form

Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate — a photocopy is not enough. You also need proof of your Social Security number: either your Social Security card itself or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the same time, but this will delay your license process.

You must also prove your current Texas address. The Driver License office accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, school enrollment letter, or bank statement in your name or your parent's name, dated within the last 90 days. A phone bill works. A credit card statement does not. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.

Finally, bring a document that proves your identity and age. Your birth certificate counts as this document, so if you bring it, you do not need a second ID. If you do not bring your birth certificate, you need a passport, a school ID with a photo, or a previous Texas ID card.

How to Fill Out Form DL-44 Correctly

Start with Section 1, which asks for your full legal name, date of birth, and sex. Use the name that appears on your birth certificate — if your name has changed, bring a court order or marriage certificate that shows the change. Write clearly in black or blue ink, or type the form before you arrive.

Section 2 asks for your Social Security number. If you do not have one yet, leave this blank and tell the office staff when you arrive. Section 3 asks for your current address in Texas. Use the address where you actually live, not a mailing address or a relative's address, unless you live with that relative.

Section 4 asks about your vision, hearing, and any medical conditions. Answer honestly — the office may ask you to take a vision test. Section 5 is the signature section. You do not sign this section. Your parent or legal guardian signs here, and they must sign in front of the office staff or in front of a notary public before you submit the form. Some offices will accept a form signed at home if the signature is notarized; call your local office to ask.

Do not leave any field blank unless the form says it is optional. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" instead of leaving it empty.

Parental Consent and Signature Requirements

Your parent or legal guardian must sign Form DL-44 in the presence of a Driver License office employee or a notary public. They cannot sign it at home and mail it in unless the signature is notarized. If your parents are divorced or separated, the parent who has custody or who is listed on your birth certificate can sign. If you have a legal guardian who is not your parent, bring a copy of the guardianship order.

The parent or guardian does not have to be present at your appointment, but many offices recommend it because staff may ask questions about your address or your medical history. If your parent cannot come with you, they can sign the form in front of a notary public before your appointment, and you bring the notarized form to the office. Notary services are available at most banks, UPS stores, and some libraries — the cost is usually $5 to $15.

If you are in foster care or have been emancipated by a court, bring your court order. The office will accept your own signature in place of a parent's signature if you show proof of emancipation.

Learner License vs. Regular License process

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner license before you can get a regular driver's license. The learner license form is still Form DL-44, but you check a different box to indicate you want a learner license instead of a regular license. A learner license costs less than a regular license and does not require you to pass a driving test — you only take a written test on traffic laws and road signs.

You must hold a learner license for at least six months before you can explore for a regular license. During those six months, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the car with you. When you are ready to upgrade to a regular license, you come back to the Driver License office, take a driving test, and pay an additional fee.

The documents you bring are the same for both a learner license and a regular license. The only difference is the box you check on Form DL-44 and the fee you pay.

Fees and What Happens After You Submit

A learner license costs $16 and is valid for two years. A regular driver's license costs $32 for minors under 18 and is valid until your 21st birthday. These fees are set by the state and do not vary by county or office. You pay at the office when you submit your form — cash, check, and card are all accepted.

After you submit your form and documents, the office staff will take your photo and your fingerprints. They will also give you a receipt with a temporary license number. Your actual license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, ask for a temporary paper license — the office can print one on the spot.

If the office finds a problem with your form or documents, they will tell you what is missing and ask you to fix it or come back with the correct document. Do not leave the office without understanding what you need to do next.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is arriving without your parent or guardian's signature, or with a signature that was not notarized if your parent could not come with you. Check this before you leave home. The second mistake is bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of the original or a certified copy — the office will turn you away. Order a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were born if you do not have the original.

A third mistake is using an address that is not your actual residence. If you live with your parent but your mail goes to a different address, use your home address on the form. If you live in a dorm or with a relative, use that address. The office may ask you to prove you live there, so be ready to show a utility bill or lease in that name.

Finally, do not leave any field blank. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A". Blank fields cause the office to reject the form and ask you to come back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent sign Form DL-44 at home without a notary?

No. Your parent must sign the form either in front of a Driver License office employee at your appointment or in front of a notary public before your appointment. If they sign at home without a notary, the office will reject the form. A notary can sign it for about $5 to $15, and most banks and UPS stores have notaries available.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were born. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $20 to $30. You can also explore for a Texas ID card using other documents like a passport or school ID while you wait for your birth certificate, then come back to get your driver's license once it arrives.

Do I have to take a written test before I submit Form DL-44?

No. You take the written test at the Driver License office after you submit your form. The office will schedule you for the test on the same day or a later date, depending on how busy they are. You should study the Texas Driver's License Study Guide before you go, which is free on the DPS website.

What if my parents are divorced — whose signature do I need?

The parent who has custody or who is listed on your birth certificate can sign. If both parents have joint custody, either one can sign. If you are unsure, bring your custody order or birth certificate to the office and ask the staff which parent's signature they need.

Can I submit Form DL-44 by mail?

No. You must submit it in person at a Driver License office. The office needs to verify your documents, take your photo, and have your parent or guardian sign in front of staff or a notary. You cannot do any of this by mail.