What form you need and where to get it

The form you need is called the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Certificate, officially numbered DL 44. This is the single form Texas uses for all first-time driver license applicants, whether you are explore for a regular license, a commercial license, or an ID card.

You can get the DL 44 in three ways: read it from the Texas Department of Public Safety website before you go to the office, pick up a copy when you arrive at your local DPS office, or ask the staff to hand you one when you check in. Most people find it faster to read and print it at home, fill it out there, and bring the completed form with them — this cuts down the time you spend at the office.

The form is free. You do not need to buy it or pay to read it. Texas also offers the form in Spanish if that is easier for you to read and complete.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is a single-page form that asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and basic information about your vision and medical history.
  • You must sign the form in front of a DPS employee — you cannot sign it at home, and a signature from anywhere else will not be accepted.
  • Bring the completed form with you to your appointment, along with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • The form itself does not cost money, but the license fee (which varies based on the type of license you are getting) is due when you submit the form.
  • If you make a mistake while filling out the form, ask the DPS staff for a new blank copy — do not try to cross out and correct errors yourself.

The sections of the DL 44 and what goes in each one

The form is divided into clear sections. The top section asks for your full legal name, date of birth, and current address in Texas. Write your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or other legal document you are bringing — if your legal name has changed, you will need to bring proof of that change (a marriage certificate, court order, or other official document).

The middle section asks about your physical description: height, weight, eye color, and distinguishing marks (scars, tattoos, or birthmarks that would help identify you). Answer these honestly — the information goes on your license photo and is used by law enforcement. You will also be asked whether you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). If you do, you must check that box; if you do not, leave it blank.

Below that is a section about your Social Security number and your driver license number if you have held one before. If this is your first license, leave the driver license field blank. You must provide your Social Security number — Texas requires it for all applicants.

The form also includes questions about your medical history and driving record. You will be asked whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely (such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or loss of consciousness). Answer truthfully. You will also be asked whether you have ever been convicted of certain traffic offenses or crimes. Again, answer truthfully — the DPS will check your record anyway, and lying on the form can result in denial or cancellation of your license.

Where to sign and what happens if you sign in the wrong place

The signature line is near the bottom of the form. You must sign it in front of a DPS employee at the office — you cannot sign it at home, and you cannot have someone else sign it for you. The DPS employee will watch you sign, and that signature is what makes the form official.

If you sign the form before you arrive at the office, the DPS staff will reject it and ask you to sign a new blank copy in front of them. This adds time to your appointment. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian does not sign the form — you sign it yourself, but you may need to bring a parent or guardian to the appointment depending on Texas law at the time you explore.

Documents to bring with your completed form

Bringing the right documents with your DL 44 is just as important as filling out the form correctly. You will need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a consular report of birth, or a certificate of naturalization. A photocopy is not enough — it must be an original or certified copy. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

For proof of Texas residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. You need only one document, but it must show your current address.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. If you do not have any of these, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Common mistakes people make when filling out the DL 44

The most common mistake is leaving fields blank when they should be filled in. Every line that does not say "optional" should have an answer. If a question does not explore to you (for example, you have never held a license before), write "N/A" or "none" rather than leaving it blank. Blank fields can cause the DPS to reject the form and ask you to come back.

Another frequent error is writing your name differently than it appears on your legal documents. If your birth certificate says "Robert James Smith" but you go by "Bob Smith," write "Robert James Smith" on the form. You can list a nickname or preferred name in a separate field if the form provides one, but your legal name must match your documents exactly.

People also sometimes make corrections by crossing out and rewriting. Do not do this. If you make a mistake, ask the DPS staff for a new blank form and start over. A form with cross-outs and corrections may be rejected.

Finally, some applicants forget to bring all three categories of supporting documents. You cannot submit the form without proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Check your documents before you leave home so you do not have to reschedule your appointment.

What happens after you submit the form

Once you hand in your completed DL 44 along with your documents and payment, the DPS staff will review everything to make sure it is filled out correctly and that your documents match the information on the form. If something is missing or incorrect, they will tell you right then and ask you to fix it or provide additional documents.

If everything is in order, you will move on to the vision test and the written test (if you are getting a driver license rather than just an ID card). The DL 44 itself does not determine whether you pass or fail — it is straightforward the official record of your process. Your performance on the vision and written tests, and later on the road test, is what determines whether you receive your license.

After you pass all the tests, the DPS will issue your license. You will receive it by mail within a few weeks, or you may be able to pick it up at the office the same day, depending on the office location and current processing times.

If you need the form in a different language or format

Texas provides the DL 44 in Spanish. You can read the Spanish version from the DPS website or ask for it at the office. The form is identical to the English version — only the instructions and field labels are in Spanish.

If you need the form in another language or in a large-print format due to a vision impairment, contact your local DPS office directly. Staff can often help you complete the form or provide it in an accessible format. You can also bring someone to help you read and understand the form, though you must still sign it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 on my phone or tablet instead of printing it?

No. The DPS requires a printed, paper copy of the form. You cannot fill it out digitally and submit it that way. read the form, print it, and fill it out by hand or on a printed copy.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can explore for a license. Texas does not offer an alternative to this requirement.

Do I need to notarize the DL 44 before I bring it to the DPS office?

No. The form does not need to be notarized. Your signature in front of the DPS employee is all that is required. Do not pay for notarization — it is not necessary and will not help your process.

What if my address changes between when I fill out the form and when I go to the DPS office?

Tell the DPS staff about the address change when you arrive for your appointment. They can update the form before you sign it. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 30 days) so they can verify the change.

Can someone else submit the DL 44 for me if I cannot go to the office in person?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to sign the form in front of an employee. You cannot mail it in, have someone else submit it, or complete the process remotely. An in-person appointment is required for all first-time applicants.