How to Fill Out Form DL 14A for Your Texas Driver License or ID Card

What Form DL 14A Is and Why You Need It

Form DL 14A is the official process the Texas Department of Public Safety requires you to complete and sign before you can get a driver license or identification card. It is not optional — you cannot walk into a DPS office and get licensed without submitting this form. The form collects your personal information, address, physical description, and signature so the state can verify your identity and create your license record.

You fill it out by hand or print it and complete it before your appointment, or you can fill it out at the DPS office itself. Either way, you must bring it with you along with your other required documents. The form itself is free and available on the Texas DPS website or at any DPS office.

Key Takeaways

Form DL 14A is the state's official process and must be signed in front of a DPS employee or notarized if you sign it beforehand.
You can read the form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out at home, or complete it at the office on the day of your appointment.
The form asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and physical description — bring documents that match what you write.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form as well as you.
Mistakes or missing information on the form can delay your appointment, so double-check spelling and dates before you submit it.

Where to Get Form DL 14A and How to Complete It

You can obtain Form DL 14A in three ways. First, read it directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety website — search for "DL 14A" and you will find the PDF. Second, pick up a printed copy at any DPS office during business hours. Third, arrive at your appointment early and ask for a form to fill out on-site.

If you read or print the form at home, use black or blue ink and print clearly. Fill in every field that applies to you. Do not leave blanks unless the form explicitly says a section is optional. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly with a single line and initial the change — do not use white-out or heavy scribbling, as the form must remain legible.

You have the option to sign the form before you arrive at the DPS office, but only if you have it notarized. A notary public will witness your signature and stamp the form. If you do not have it notarized beforehand, you must sign it in front of the DPS employee at your appointment. Many people find it simpler to sign at the office rather than pay for notarization.

Information You Must Provide on the Form

Form DL 14A asks for your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or other identity document. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, use your current legal name and bring the document that proves the change. Write your date of birth in the format the form specifies — usually month, day, and year.

You will need to provide your current mailing address and your Texas residence address if they differ. The form also asks for your Social Security number, which the state uses to check for duplicate licenses and verify your identity. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

The form includes a section for your physical description: height, weight, eye color, and hair color. These details must match what the DPS officer observes when you appear for your appointment. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, note that on the form. You will also indicate whether you have any distinguishing marks or scars.

What Happens If You Are Under 18

If you are a minor, both you and your parent or legal guardian must sign Form DL 14A. The parent or guardian signature certifies that they consent to you obtaining a license and that the information on the form is accurate. The guardian must appear with you at the DPS office — they cannot sign the form remotely or mail it in separately.

Bring the guardian's identification document to your appointment so the DPS officer can verify their identity before accepting the signed form. If you live with only one parent or have a court-ordered custody arrangement, bring documentation of that arrangement. If you are in foster care or have a legal guardian who is not a parent, bring the guardianship papers.

Documents That Must Match Your Form

Every piece of information you write on Form DL 14A must match the documents you bring to prove it. If your form says your name is "Jennifer Marie Rodriguez" but your birth certificate says "Jennifer M. Rodriguez," the DPS office will ask you to correct the form before processing it. Mismatches delay your appointment and may require you to reschedule.

Your address on the form must match your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your date of birth must match your birth certificate or passport. Your Social Security number must match your Social Security card or tax return. Bring originals or certified copies, not photos or screenshots.

If you have changed your name, the name on your form should be your current legal name, and you must bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that proves the change. Do not write your old name on the form unless the DPS office specifically asks you to list it for identification purposes.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Appointment

The most frequent error is writing your name differently than it appears on your identity documents. Even small differences — a middle initial left off, a nickname used instead of your legal name, or a hyphen added or removed — will cause the DPS to reject the form and ask you to fill out a new one. Check your birth certificate or passport before you write your name.

Another common mistake is leaving the signature line blank or signing the form at home without notarization. If you sign it at home without a notary, the DPS office will ask you to sign it again in front of them. If you do not sign it at all, they will not process your process. Minors often forget to have their parent or guardian sign, which also stops the process.

Illegible handwriting causes delays because the DPS officer may not be able to read your information. Print clearly in capital letters if your cursive is hard to read. Do not use pencil — use pen only. If you make multiple corrections or the form looks messy, ask for a fresh copy and start over rather than submit a form that looks unclear.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once you hand Form DL 14A to the DPS employee at your appointment, they will review it for completeness and accuracy. If everything matches your documents and is filled out correctly, they will scan or photograph the form and enter your information into the Texas driver license database. You will then proceed to the photo and vision test portions of your appointment.

If there are errors or missing information, the DPS employee will point them out and ask you to correct them on the spot. You may be able to fix minor issues right there, or you may need to reschedule your appointment if the problem is significant. This is why arriving early and double-checking your form before you hand it over saves time.

The form becomes part of your permanent license file with the state. You do not receive a copy to take home, but you can request a copy of your license file from the DPS if you need it for legal or administrative reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out Form DL 14A online instead of by hand?

No. The Texas DPS does not offer an online version of Form DL 14A that you can submit electronically. You must complete the physical form — either printed and filled by hand, or filled out at the DPS office. Some DPS offices have begun using digital kiosks where you can enter information on a tablet, but this varies by location. Call your local DPS office to ask if they offer this option.

What if I make a mistake on the form after I submit it?

Tell the DPS employee when ready. They can often correct minor errors on the spot or provide you with a new form to fill out. If you discover an error after you leave the office, contact the DPS office where you applied and ask about correcting your record. You may need to visit in person or submit a written request with supporting documents.

Do I need to bring the original Form DL 14A or can I print a copy?

You can print a copy. The form is a public document available on the Texas DPS website, and any legible printed version is acceptable. You do not need to bring the official DPS letterhead version — a standard printout works fine. Just make sure the form is complete and all fields are visible.

If I am renewing my license, do I need to fill out Form DL 14A again?

For a standard renewal by mail or online, you do not need Form DL 14A. You only complete it if you are renewing in person at a DPS office or if your renewal requires you to provide updated information. If your address or name has changed, you will likely need to fill out a new form or update form when you renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.