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

Texas uses different forms for different situations, and picking the wrong one wastes time. If you're getting your first license, you'll fill out Form DL-44. If you're renewing a license that's about to expire, you'll use Form DL-43. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll use Form DL-44A. Each form tells the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) what you're doing, and the DPS won't process your request if the form doesn't match your situation.

You can get these forms in two ways: read them from the Texas DPS website before you go to a driver's license office, or pick up a paper copy when you arrive. Bringing the form filled out ahead of time moves you through the line faster, but it's not required — staff can hand you a blank form if you prefer to fill it out there.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is for first-time Texas driver's licenses and also for replacing a lost or stolen license if you want to change your address or name at the same time.
  • Form DL-43 is for renewing a license that is still valid or expired within the last two years.
  • Form DL-44A is specifically for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license when you don't need to change your address or other information.
  • You can read all three forms from the Texas DPS website or fill out a paper copy at the driver's license office.
  • Bring your completed form and required documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number) to speed up your visit.

Form DL-44: Getting Your First License or Major Changes

Use Form DL-44 if you have never held a Texas driver's license or if you're replacing a lost license and want to change your address, name, or other personal information at the same time. This is the longest form because it asks for your full history — where you've lived for the past five years, your employment status, and whether you've had any traffic violations or suspensions in other states.

When you submit Form DL-44, you'll also need to pass the written test and the road test (unless you're under 18 and have completed driver's education, which waives the written test). The form itself doesn't test you — it just tells DPS you're starting the licensing process. You'll take the tests at the same visit or schedule them separately, depending on your local office's procedures.

If you're under 18, Form DL-44 also requires a parent or guardian signature. If you're 18 or older, you sign it yourself. Either way, the signature must be original — photocopies and digital signatures are not accepted.

Form DL-43: Renewing Your Current License

Form DL-43 is shorter than DL-44 because you're not changing your basic information — you're just telling DPS your license is about to expire and you want to keep it active. You can use this form if your license is still valid or if it expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll need to use Form DL-44 instead and retake the tests.

When you renew with Form DL-43, you don't take the written or road test unless DPS has a reason to require one (for example, if you have medical conditions that affect your driving or if your license was suspended). Most renewals are straightforward: you fill out the form, bring your current license and proof of residency, and you're done.

Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early is often a good idea because it gives you time to handle any problems that come up — like a missing document — before your current license runs out.

Form DL-44A: Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

Form DL-44A is the quickest replacement form. Use it when your license was lost, stolen, or damaged and you want to keep your current address, name, and other information exactly as it was. This form is much shorter than DL-44 because you're not updating anything — you're just getting a new copy of what you already had.

With Form DL-44A, you don't retake the written or road test. You bring the form, proof of your identity, and proof of your residency, and DPS issues you a new license with the same number and information as your old one. The whole process is faster than getting a first license or renewing.

If you lost your license and want to change your address or name at the same time, don't use Form DL-44A — use Form DL-44 instead. Using the wrong form means you'll have to come back and do it again.

Where to read Forms and What to Bring

All three forms are available on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search for "driver's license forms" and you'll find links to read them as PDFs. You can print them at home, fill them out before you go, and bring them to your appointment. This saves time because you won't have to fill out a form while you're waiting in line.

Whichever form you use, bring the documents that match your situation. For a first license (Form DL-44), you'll need proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return). For renewal (Form DL-43) or replacement (Form DL-44A), you'll need your current license and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually aren't accepted.

If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you for Form DL-44. They'll need to sign the form in front of a DPS employee, and they may need to show their own ID. Check with your local driver's license office about their specific rules for minors.

Filling Out the Form Correctly the First Time

The most common mistake is using pen instead of pencil or filling out the form in cursive when it asks for print. DPS forms are often scanned by machines, and handwriting that doesn't match the instructions can cause delays. Use a black or blue ballpoint pen and print clearly in capital letters unless the form specifically says otherwise.

Read every line before you fill it in. Some questions ask for information in a specific format — for example, dates might need to be written as MM/DD/YYYY. If you make a mistake, don't cross it out or use white-out. Ask for a new blank form and start over. A messy form can be rejected, and you'll have to come back and do it again.

If a question doesn't explore to you, write "N/A" (not applicable) instead of leaving it blank. Blank lines can look like you forgot to answer, and DPS may reject the form and ask you to resubmit it.

What Happens After You Submit Your Form

After you turn in your form and supporting documents, a DPS employee will review everything to make sure it's complete. If something is missing or filled out wrong, they'll tell you right then and ask you to fix it. If everything looks good, they'll take your photo, collect your fee, and schedule your tests (if you're taking them) or issue your license (if you're renewing or replacing).

For a first license, you'll take the written test when ready or schedule it for another day. If you pass the written test, you'll schedule the road test separately — usually within a few weeks. Once you pass both tests, your license is issued. For renewal and replacement, your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few business days.

Keep your receipt. It shows you've applied and can be used as a temporary driving permit in some situations while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas requires you to submit a physical form — either printed and filled out by hand, or filled out on paper at the driver's license office. You cannot submit forms by email or through an online portal. However, you can read the form, print it, and fill it out at home before you go.

What if I don't know my Social Security number?

You'll need to bring proof of your Social Security number — your actual Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form. If you don't have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration before you go to the driver's license office. DPS won't issue a license without proof of your Social Security number.

Do I need to use the most recent version of the form?

Yes. DPS updates forms periodically, and older versions may be rejected. Always read the form from the official Texas DPS website to make sure you have the current version. If you pick up a paper form at the driver's license office, it will always be current.

Can someone else submit my form for me?

No. You must appear in person at a Texas driver's license office to submit your form and complete the licensing process. A parent or guardian can accompany a minor, but the applicant must be present. You cannot mail in your form or have someone else turn it in on your behalf.

What if I make a mistake after I've already submitted my form?

Contact your local driver's license office as soon as possible. If your form hasn't been processed yet, they may be able to correct it. If it's already been processed, you may need to submit a new form or request a correction through DPS. It's faster to get it right the first time, so double-check everything before you hand it in.