What Form You Need and Where to Get It

The form you need is the process for a Learner License, also called Form DL-44. This is the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) form for anyone under 18 explore for a learner permit. You can get it three ways: read it from the DPS website at dps.texas.gov, pick up a copy at any Texas Driver License Office, or fill it out on a computer at the office itself when you arrive.

The form is one page, front and back. You do not need to print it in color or on special paper — standard white copy paper works fine. If you read it, make sure you are getting the current version; DPS updates forms occasionally, and an outdated version may be rejected at the office.

You can fill out the form by hand or on a computer before you go in. Many people print it and fill it in pen, which is acceptable as long as the writing is legible. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly and initial the change — do not use correction fluid or tape.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is the only form you need; read it from dps.texas.gov or get a copy at any Driver License Office.
  • You must fill in your full legal name, date of birth, Texas address, and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your identity documents.
  • Bring the completed form to the office along with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — missing documents will delay your permit.
  • The form itself is free, but the learner permit fee (currently $16 for a four-year permit) is due when you submit the form at the office.
  • You cannot submit the form by mail; you must appear in person at a Driver License Office with your documents and the completed form.

Sections of the Form and What to Write

The form has five main sections. Section 1 asks for your full legal name (first, middle, last), date of birth, and sex. Write your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport — if your legal name includes a suffix like Jr. or III, include it. Do not use nicknames.

Section 2 asks for your current address in Texas. Write the street address, city, ZIP code, and county. This must be your actual residence, not a mailing address or a friend's house. If you live with a parent or guardian, use their address. If you have moved recently, use the address where you live now.

Section 3 asks for your phone number, email address, and Social Security number. The phone and email are optional, but the Social Security number is required. Write all nine digits of your SSN with no dashes or spaces, exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.

Section 4 is about your vision and medical history. Check the boxes that explore: whether you wear glasses or contacts, whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and whether you take medications. If you check yes to any medical question, you may need to bring a doctor's statement to the office, so be honest.

Section 5 is the signature line. You must sign the form in person at the Driver License Office — do not sign it at home. The office staff will watch you sign to confirm your identity.

Documents You Must Bring With the Form

Bringing the completed form alone is not enough. Texas law requires you to show three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The Driver License Office will not process your form without all three.

Proof of identity means one of these: a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A photocopy is acceptable if it is certified (stamped by the issuing office). A school ID, library card, or other informal ID does not count.

Proof of residency means a document showing your name and Texas address dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from your school or employer on official letterhead. A bank statement or credit card statement with your address also works. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Proof of Social Security number means your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A tax return with your SSN printed on it also works. If you do not have your Social Security card, order a replacement from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 before your office visit.

Common Mistakes When Filling Out the Form

The most frequent error is writing your name differently than it appears on your identity documents. If your birth certificate says "Robert James Smith" but you write "Bob Smith" on the form, the office will ask you to correct it. Take 30 seconds to match your documents exactly — middle names, spelling, and any suffixes.

Another common mistake is writing an address that is not your actual residence. Some applicants write a parent's work address or a relative's house. Texas requires your real home address. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, tell the office staff; they have procedures for that situation.

Some people leave the Social Security number field blank thinking it is optional. It is not. If you do not have your SSN yet, you cannot get a learner permit until you do. You can explore for one at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.

Signing the form at home and bringing it already signed is also a mistake. The office staff must watch you sign to verify your identity. If you arrive with a pre-signed form, they will ask you to sign again in front of them, which wastes time.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

Once you hand in your completed form and documents, the office staff will check that everything is there and legible. They will ask you to sign the form in front of them. Then they will take your photo for the permit and collect the fee — currently $16 for a four-year learner permit, though this amount can change. Pay by cash, debit card, or credit card; the office will tell you which methods they accept.

You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test is 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free online at dps.texas.gov. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.

If you pass the test, you will receive your learner permit on the spot. It is a plastic card that looks like a driver's license. The permit is valid for two years if you are under 18, or four years if you are 18 or older when you get it. You can start driving with a licensed adult in the car when ready.

If You Are Under 18 and Need a Parent or Guardian's Signature

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the form as well. There is a separate signature line for the parent or guardian on the back of Form DL-44. Both you and your parent or guardian must sign in front of the office staff — you cannot sign at home and have your parent sign later.

Your parent or guardian does not need to fill out any separate paperwork or bring any documents of their own. They just need to be present at the office to sign the form and confirm that they consent to you getting a learner permit. If your parent or guardian cannot go with you, you can bring a notarized letter of consent, but it is simpler to have them come to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas does not offer an online process for learner permits. You must submit a printed, completed Form DL-44 in person at a Driver License Office. Some offices have computers available if you want to fill out the form there before submitting it, but you cannot submit it remotely.

What if I made a mistake on the form before I got to the office?

Cross out the error neatly, write the correct information next to it, and initial the change. The office staff will accept it. If the form is too messy or hard to read, ask for a blank copy at the office and fill it out again — it takes five minutes and is better than having your process delayed.

Do I need to bring the original documents or are copies okay?

For most documents, certified copies are acceptable. Your birth certificate, for example, can be a certified copy from the vital records office. However, your Social Security card and proof of residency (like a utility bill) should be originals. Ask the office staff if you are unsure whether a copy will work.

What if my address on the form does not match my documents?

Your address on the form must match your proof of residency document. If you just moved and your documents show an old address, bring a new proof of residency (like a recent utility bill or lease) that shows your current address. The office will use the address on your most recent document.

Is there a fee to read or print the form?

No. The form itself is free to read and print. The only fee is the learner permit fee, which you pay at the office when you submit the form. Currently that is $16 for a four-year permit, but confirm the current fee on dps.texas.gov before you go.