What Form You Need and Where to Get It

The form you need is the process for Learner License, officially known as Form DL-44. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides this form at every driver license office in the state, and you can also read it from the official Texas DPS website before you go in.

You do not have to print it ahead of time — the office will have copies available. However, bringing a completed copy with you can speed up your visit, especially if the office is busy. The form is the same whether you are explore in person at a DPS office or renewing by mail (if you are may be able to access for mail renewal).

The form itself is one page, front and back. It asks for personal information, driving history, medical history, and vision information. Every field must be filled in completely; blank sections or crossed-out answers can cause the office to reject your process and ask you to reapply.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL-44 is the official Texas DPS process for Learner License and is available at any driver license office or online from the Texas DPS website.
  • You must provide your Social Security number, date of birth, Texas address, and signature in ink — no printed signatures or digital signatures are accepted.
  • If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), you must check the box on the form and bring your glasses or contacts to the office for the vision test.
  • The form requires you to disclose any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, and lying on this section can result in denial or cancellation of your permit.
  • Minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the form in the presence of a DPS officer; the signature cannot be done ahead of time at home.

Personal Information Section: What Goes Where

Start with your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions. 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 (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Enter your date of birth in the format shown on the form (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Your Social Security number goes in the designated box — this is required and cannot be left blank. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a learner permit.

For your address, use your current Texas residence address. A post office box is not acceptable. If you recently moved, use your new address, and bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Your phone number and email address are optional but recommended, as DPS may use them to contact you about your process status.

Vision and Medical History Sections

The vision section asks whether you wear or need corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must check "Yes" and bring them with you to the office. The DPS officer will test your vision while you are wearing them. If you check "No" but the vision test shows you need correction, the office may deny your permit or issue it with a restriction requiring you to wear glasses while driving.

The medical history section lists conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely — epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, sleep disorders, and others. You must answer honestly. If you have any of the listed conditions, check "Yes" and be prepared to provide medical documentation or a letter from your doctor stating that your condition is controlled and does not prevent safe driving. Lying on this section is grounds for denial or cancellation of your permit after it is issued.

If you have had a seizure, loss of consciousness, or fainting spell in the past three years, you must disclose it. The same applies if you are taking medications that affect alertness or coordination. If you are unsure whether a condition applies, ask the DPS officer before you submit the form.

Signature and Parental Consent for Minors

Your signature must be in blue or black ink — printed signatures or digital signatures are not accepted. Sign the form in front of the DPS officer at the office; do not sign it at home and bring it in. The officer needs to see you sign to verify your identity.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the form in the presence of the DPS officer. Both signatures must happen at the same time, in the office. The parent or guardian does not need to bring any special document to prove their relationship to you, but they must present a valid photo ID (driver license, passport, or state ID). If you are in the custody of someone other than your biological parents, bring a copy of the custody order or guardianship papers.

If one parent is deceased or the custody arrangement is complex, bring documentation of that situation. The DPS officer will guide you through what is needed based on your specific case.

Documents to Bring to the Office

Bring your completed Form DL-44 (or a blank copy if you prefer to fill it out at the office). You also need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a document issued by a government agency that shows your name and date of birth. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you have a medical condition listed on the form, bring a letter from your doctor or medical records showing that the condition is managed and does not prevent safe driving. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian must bring a valid photo ID.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Your process

Leaving any field blank is the most common reason for rejection. Even if a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" or "None" rather than leaving it empty. Illegible handwriting can also cause problems — if the officer cannot read your name or address, they may ask you to rewrite it.

Signing the form at home before you arrive at the office is another frequent mistake. The DPS officer must see you sign in person. If you sign it ahead of time, the office will ask you to sign again in front of them, which wastes time.

Forgetting to disclose a medical condition or lying about one can result in your permit being denied or cancelled later. If you are unsure whether something counts as a medical condition, ask the officer — it is better to disclose and have it cleared than to hide it and face consequences.

For minors, forgetting to have a parent or guardian present is a deal-breaker. You cannot get a learner permit without parental consent, and the parent or guardian must sign in front of the officer. If you show up alone, you will have to reschedule.

After You Submit the Form

Once you submit Form DL-44 and all required documents, the DPS officer will review everything for completeness. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you right away and may ask you to correct it on the spot or reschedule. If everything is in order, you will take the written knowledge test (the permit test) that same day.

If you pass the test, you will receive your learner permit when ready — usually a temporary paper permit that day, with your official plastic card arriving by mail within one to two weeks. If you fail the test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Keep your temporary permit safe. It is valid for driving as long as you have a licensed adult in the front seat with you. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary permit is no longer valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out Form DL-44 on my phone or computer and bring it printed?

Yes. You can read the form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out on your computer, print it, and bring it to the office. However, you must still sign it in ink in front of the DPS officer — you cannot print your signature. If you make a mistake while filling it out, you can cross it out neatly and initial the change, or print a fresh copy.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a learner permit without a Social Security number. You must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you explore for your permit. The process takes about two weeks. Once you receive your Social Security card, you can explore for your learner permit.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a passport?

No. A passport is acceptable proof of identity and date of birth. You do not need to bring your birth certificate if you have a valid passport. However, you still need separate proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099).

Can my parent sign the form at home if I am under 18?

No. Your parent or guardian must sign the form in front of the DPS officer at the office. The signature cannot be done ahead of time. Both you and your parent or guardian must be present at the same time to sign.

What happens if I check the wrong box for a medical condition by mistake?

Tell the DPS officer when ready before you submit the form. They can help you correct it. If you have already submitted the form with incorrect information, contact the DPS office where you applied and ask to amend your process. Do not ignore it — incorrect medical information can lead to denial or cancellation of your permit.