What You're Actually Submitting
The form you need is Form DL-44, the official process for an Original Texas Driver License or Identification Card. This is the single document the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses to collect your personal information, verify your identity, and create your license record. You cannot get a Texas driver license without submitting this form — either in person at a DPS office or, in some cases, by mail.
The form itself is straightforward: it asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and basic physical descriptors. But what makes it work is pairing it with the documents that prove what you're claiming. The form is the container; your documents are the proof.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL-44 is the official Texas process, and you must submit it along with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — the form alone is not enough.
- You can explore in person at any DPS office or by mail if you meet specific conditions, such as being unable to appear in person due to a medical condition or military service.
- The documents you bring must match the name on your form; if your name has changed, you need a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
- DPS processes applications in the order they arrive, and processing time varies by office location and current volume.
- You must be a Texas resident with a valid Social Security number to hold a Texas driver license or ID card.
Where to Get Form DL-44
You can obtain Form DL-44 in three ways. First, read it directly from the Texas DPS website (texas.gov/dps) — search for "DL-44" and print it at home. Second, pick up a physical copy at any DPS office when you go to explore. Third, request it by mail from DPS, though this adds time to your overall process.
The form does not change often, but always check the date on the version you use. If you print an outdated form, DPS may reject it and ask you to resubmit with the current version. The current version number appears in small print at the bottom of the form.
Filling Out the Form Correctly
Use black or blue ink and print clearly — DPS staff and automated systems both need to read what you write. Do not use pencil. Fill in every field that applies to you; if a field does not explore, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank.
Pay special attention to your name. Write it exactly as it appears on your proof of identity document (your birth certificate, passport, or other state ID). If your legal name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other means — you will need to bring the certified document that shows the change. DPS will not accept a form with a name that does not match your identity documents.
Your address must be a Texas residential address where you actually live. A post office box does not count as a residential address for driver license purposes. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternatives; some offices can work with you on this.
For the Social Security number field, you must provide your full, valid Social Security number. Texas law requires this. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot obtain a Texas driver license, though you may be able to get a Texas ID card under different rules — ask at your DPS office.
Documents You Must Bring With Your Form
Form DL-44 is only the beginning. You must also bring original or certified documents that prove three things: your identity, your Texas residency, and your Social Security number. DPS has a specific list of documents it will accept for each category, and you cannot substitute one document for another.
For identity: Bring your U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or a valid ID card from another state or country. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count. If you were born outside the United States, your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card) will work.
For residency: Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill — all in your name and dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail addressed to you also works. You cannot use a post office box address to prove residency.
For Social Security: 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, ask DPS what alternatives they will accept.
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring the certified document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. This document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy you made yourself.
explore in Person at a DPS Office
This is the most common route. Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website, check their hours, and bring your completed Form DL-44 and all required documents. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online appointment system — check before you go.
Arrive early if you can. DPS offices often have a wait, especially in the morning and on Fridays. Bring all your documents in one folder so you do not have to search for them when the staff member calls you up.
The staff member will review your form and documents, ask you to verify the information, and take your photograph and fingerprints. They will also give you a receipt showing your process number and an estimated completion date. Keep this receipt — you may need it if you have questions about your process status.
After you submit, DPS will mail your license to the address you provided on the form. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though this varies by office and current workload. You can check your process status online using your process number.
explore by Mail
You can mail your Form DL-44 and documents to DPS only if you meet specific conditions: you are unable to appear in person due to a medical condition, you are on active military duty outside Texas, or you are a Texas resident living temporarily outside the state. You cannot straightforward mail in your process because it is more convenient.
If you may have access to, mail your completed form and all required documents to the address listed on the form itself. Include a copy of the document that explains why you cannot appear in person (a doctor's letter, military orders, etc.). Mail everything certified with return receipt so you have proof it arrived.
Processing time for mailed applications is longer than in-person applications — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.
What Happens After You Submit
Once DPS receives your process, they run a background check and verify your documents. If everything matches and there are no issues, they print your license and mail it to you. If something is missing or does not match — for example, your name on the form does not match your birth certificate — DPS will contact you and ask you to resubmit or provide additional documents.
You can track your process online using your process number and date of birth. The DPS website shows whether your process is still being processed, approved, or ready for pickup. If you applied in person and chose to pick up your license at the office instead of having it mailed, you will be notified when it is ready.
Once your license arrives, check it when ready for errors. If your name, address, or date of birth is wrong, return to a DPS office with your license and a corrected Form DL-44 to request a replacement. Corrections are usually free if made within a short time after issuance.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your process
The most frequent problem is bringing documents that do not match the accepted list. For example, a school ID is not acceptable proof of identity, even if it has your photo and signature. A credit card bill is not acceptable proof of residency if it is older than 30 days. Check the DPS website for the exact list before you go.
The second common mistake is a name mismatch. If you write your name one way on the form but your birth certificate shows it differently — for example, "Robert" on the form but "Bob" on the certificate — DPS will flag it. Use the legal name that appears on your official identity document.
The third is incomplete information. If you skip a field or write illegibly, DPS may have to contact you to clarify. This delays your process by days or weeks. Take time to fill out the form completely and clearly before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my documents instead of the original?
No. DPS requires original documents or certified copies for identity and residency proof. A photocopy you made yourself is not acceptable. If you have a certified copy from the issuing agency (for example, a certified birth certificate from the vital records office), that works.
What if my name on my birth certificate is different from the name I use now?
Bring both your birth certificate and the certified document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will use the name on your birth certificate as your legal name unless you provide a court order that changed it.
Do I need to pass a test before I submit Form DL-44?
No. Form DL-44 is for an original license or ID card. You submit the form and documents first. If you are explore for a driver license (not just an ID card), you will take the written test and road test after your process is approved, not before.
How long does DPS keep my process if I do not pick it up or receive it?
DPS typically holds a completed license at the office for 30 days. If you do not pick it up or provide a mailing address, contact your local DPS office to ask about their specific hold policy. If your license is mailed and returned as undeliverable, DPS will hold it for a limited time before destroying it.
Can someone else submit my Form DL-44 for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to submit your process, provide your photograph and fingerprints, and verify your information. The only exception is the mail-in option for people unable to appear due to medical conditions or military service, and even then you must sign the form yourself.