The DL-14B is the application form you fill out every time you visit the Texas DPS for a learner permit or driver license. It's straightforward, but small mistakes can get you sent home. Here's how to complete it correctly at home and save yourself 20+ minutes of paperwork at the office.
What Is the DL-14B?
The DL-14B is the Texas Department of Public Safety's standard application for a driver license, learner permit, or ID card. If you're going through parent-taught driver education, you'll fill this form out twice: once when you get your learner permit and again when you apply for your provisional license.
Section-by-Section Walkthrough
Personal Information
Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport — no nicknames. Include your Social Security number, date of birth, sex, and contact information. Use your physical Texas home address (PO Boxes are not accepted for your residence address, though you can use one for your mailing address).
Physical Description
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color. Use the standard abbreviations (BRN for brown, BLK for black, BLU for blue, etc.). Don't overthink this — just be accurate.
Yes/No Questions
You'll answer questions about U.S. citizenship, previous license history in any state, medical conditions that could affect safe driving, and criminal history. Answer honestly — DPS will verify this information, and discrepancies can delay your application.
Organ Donor
Optional. If you choose yes, a heart symbol will appear on your license.
Signature
This is where most people make their biggest mistake.
For applicants under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the form at the DPS office. This signature means the adult accepts financial responsibility for the minor's driving.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing the form at home — Wait until you're at the DPS. This is the #1 reason people have to redo the form.
- Using a nickname — Your name must match your birth certificate exactly. If your legal name is “William” don't write “Will.”
- PO Box as residence address — DPS requires your physical home address. A PO Box can only be used for your mailing address.
- Leaving the SSN blank — Social Security number is required. If you don't have one, bring documentation to the DPS explaining why.
- Forgetting the parent signature line — If the applicant is under 18, both the teen AND parent must sign (at the DPS).
What Else to Bring to the DPS
The DL-14B is just one piece of the puzzle. When visiting the DPS, you'll also need:
- Your DE-964 certificate (Learner or Completion, depending on the visit)
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card or W-2
- Proof of Texas residency (two documents)
- VOE form (Verification of Enrollment)
For the complete list, see our DPS appointment checklist.
Full Field-by-Field Guide
Need help with a specific field? Our complete DL-14B guide walks through every single field with tips for each one, including common mistakes and how to correct errors on the form.
Ready for the DPS?
Download the form, fill it out at home, and bring it to your DPS appointment.