What Form You Need and Where to Get It

The form you need is the process for Learner License, officially called Form DL-44. This is the only form the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts for learner's permit requests. You cannot use an online process or a different form — DPS will reject it and return it to you.

You can get Form DL-44 in three ways: read it from the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov), pick up a printed copy at any Texas Driver License office, or request one by mail from DPS. The form is the same regardless of which method you use. If you read it, print it on standard white paper and use black or blue ink only — pencil or other colors will cause the form to be rejected during processing.

The form itself is two pages. Page one asks for your personal information and driving history. Page two covers medical conditions, vision information, and your signature. Both pages must be completed and signed before you submit the form.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is the only process form Texas DPS accepts for a learner's permit, and you must use black or blue ink if you print it yourself.
  • You need to bring the completed form to a Driver License office in person along with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency.
  • Your parent or guardian must sign the form if you are under 18, and they must be present with you at the Driver License office.
  • Incomplete forms or forms with pencil, erasures, or missing signatures will be rejected, and you will have to resubmit.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after you submit the form and pass the written test at the office.

Personal Information Section: What Goes on Page One

The top of page one asks for your full legal name, date of birth, and Texas driver license number if you already have one. If you do not have a license yet, leave that field blank. Write your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or other legal identity document — if your legal name includes a suffix like Jr. or III, include it.

Below that, you will enter your Social Security number, current address in Texas, phone number, and email address. The address must be your actual residence in Texas, not a mailing address or a relative's address. If you have moved within the last 30 days, use your current address, not your previous one.

The form also asks whether you have ever held a driver license in Texas or any other state. Answer honestly. If you have, write the state and the license number. If you have never held a license, write "None." This section is checked against DPS records, and providing false information will delay your process or result in rejection.

Medical and Vision Information: What Goes on Page Two

Page two includes a section where you declare whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or loss of consciousness. You must answer yes or no for each condition listed. If you answer yes to any condition, you will need to provide a medical certificate from a licensed physician before DPS will issue your permit. Do not leave these fields blank.

The vision section asks about your eyesight and whether you wear corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must check that box. If you have had eye surgery, you must report it. DPS will test your vision at the Driver License office, but the form prepares them for what to expect. Providing false information about your vision can result in denial of your permit.

At the bottom of page two, you will sign and date the form. Your signature must match the signature you will provide at the Driver License office. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also sign the form in the designated space. Both signatures are required — a form signed by only the minor will be rejected.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver License Office

The completed Form DL-44 is only the first step. When you go to the Driver License office to submit it, you must bring original or certified copies of several documents. Texas DPS requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. These are not optional — you cannot submit the form without them.

For proof of identity, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or consular report of birth. A school ID or library card will not work. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works if it shows your current Texas address.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present at the office and must bring their own proof of identity. They do not need to bring proof of residency or Social Security number, but they must show a valid ID. If the adult cannot be present, you cannot submit the process — DPS will not accept a learner's permit process from a minor without a parent or guardian present in the office.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Your process

The most common reason applications are rejected is incomplete information. If you leave any field blank on the form, DPS will send it back to you. This includes the medical conditions section — you must answer yes or no for every condition, even if the answer is no. Leaving a field blank is treated the same as providing no answer at all.

Erasures and corrections also cause rejection. If you make a mistake while filling out the form, do not cross it out or use white-out. Start over with a fresh copy of the form. DPS cannot process forms with visible corrections or alterations. Similarly, if you use pencil instead of black or blue ink, the form will be rejected.

Missing or mismatched signatures are another frequent problem. If you are under 18 and you sign the form but your parent or guardian does not, DPS will reject it. If your parent or guardian signs but you do not, it will also be rejected. Both signatures must be present and must be actual signatures, not printed names or initials.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once you hand in your completed Form DL-44 and your supporting documents at the Driver License office, a staff member will review them on the spot. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you when ready and ask you to correct it or provide the missing document. If everything is in order, they will accept the form and schedule you to take the written knowledge test.

You will take the written test the same day or on a scheduled date, depending on how busy the office is. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must pass this test before DPS will issue your learner's permit. After you pass, DPS will process your process, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your learner's permit will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you may have to pay a retest fee depending on your location. Check with your local Driver License office about their specific retesting policy and any associated costs.

If You Need to Make Changes After Submitting the Form

If you realize you made an error on Form DL-44 after you have submitted it but before your permit is issued, contact the Driver License office where you submitted the form as soon as possible. If the error is minor — such as a misspelled street name or a wrong phone number — the office may be able to correct it in their system without requiring you to resubmit the entire form.

If the error is significant — such as an incorrect date of birth or Social Security number — you will need to submit a new Form DL-44 with the correct information. The office will void the original process and start the process over. This will delay your permit by at least one additional week.

Once your learner's permit has been issued and mailed to you, you cannot make changes to the information on it through the form. You would need to visit a Driver License office in person to request a replacement permit with corrected information, and you may be charged a replacement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit Form DL-44 by mail instead of going to the office in person?

No. Texas DPS requires you to appear in person at a Driver License office to submit your learner's permit process. You must bring your original documents, pass the written test at the office, and sign the form in front of a DPS staff member. Mailed applications are not accepted.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You need one form of original or certified proof of identity to submit your process. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can use a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. Contact your local Driver License office to ask about other acceptable documents if none of these explore to you.

Do I have to print Form DL-44 myself, or can I fill it out by hand at the office?

You can do either. You may print the form and fill it out at home, or you can pick up a blank printed form at the Driver License office and fill it out there. Either way, you must use black or blue ink and sign the form before submitting it. The office staff will not fill it out for you.

What if my parent or guardian cannot come to the office with me?

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present when you submit your process. DPS will not accept a learner's permit process from a minor without a parent or guardian in the office. If your parent or guardian cannot attend, you will need to reschedule your visit for a time when they can be there.

How long does it take to get my learner's permit after I submit the form?

After you submit Form DL-44 and pass the written test at the Driver License office, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your learner's permit will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Processing times may be longer during busy periods or if there are issues with your process that require follow-up.