What a DL-44 Is and Who Can Get One

A DL-44 is California's official identification card for people who do not drive or choose not to hold a driver's license. It is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and works as a state ID for age verification, banking, travel within the US, and other situations where you need government-issued photo identification. The card looks similar to a California driver's license but displays "IDENTIFICATION CARD" instead of "DRIVER LICENSE" at the top.

You can request a DL-44 if you are a California resident and at least 13 years old. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process. You do not need to pass a driving test or vision test to get a DL-44, though you will still need to provide proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a driver's license.

If you already hold a valid California driver's license, you cannot hold a DL-44 at the same time. You would need to surrender your license first. Similarly, if you hold an instruction permit or provisional license, you must cancel it before requesting a DL-44.

Key Takeaways

  • A DL-44 is California's state identification card for non-drivers and requires proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, but no driving test.
  • You must be at least 13 years old and a California resident; applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian signature on the process.
  • You cannot hold a DL-44 and a driver's license at the same time—you must surrender any active license before requesting a DL-44.
  • The DL-44 costs less than a driver's license and is valid for 10 years for adults, or until age 18 for minors, with no renewal test required.
  • You must explore in person at a DMV office with original documents; online and mail applications are not available for first-time DL-44 requests.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. These are the same categories required for a driver's license, but the specific documents that satisfy each category differ slightly.

For proof of identity, bring one of these original documents: a valid US passport, a valid passport card, a valid foreign passport with a valid US visa, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you are under 18, a school ID or report card with your name and photo may also work, but call your local DMV office first to confirm.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else, you can use their utility bill or lease as long as you bring a signed letter from them stating you live there, plus your own ID.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still request a DL-44, but you will need to complete a form stating that you do not have one and provide additional identity documents instead.

The DL-44 process Process at the DMV

You must explore for a DL-44 in person at a California DMV office. There is no online or mail option for first-time applications. Bring all your documents, your completed process form (Form DL 44), and your payment. You can read and fill out Form DL 44 before you go, or you can fill it out at the DMV office itself.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are requesting a DL-44. The clerk will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and take your photo and fingerprints. The photo will be taken by the DMV camera—you cannot bring your own. If you wear glasses, the DMV will ask whether you want them on or off in the photo; if you wear a head covering for religious reasons, you can keep it on as long as your face is fully visible.

After the clerk processes your process, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your DL-44 will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to use identification before it arrives, ask the clerk for a temporary paper ID, which is valid for 60 days.

Fees and Card Validity

The fee for a DL-44 is lower than the fee for a driver's license. As of 2024, a 10-year DL-44 for an adult costs $38. If you are under 18, your card will be valid only until your 18th birthday, and the fee is $24. These fees are subject to change; check the California DMV website or call your local office to confirm the current amount before you go.

Your DL-44 will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, it will expire on your 18th birthday. You do not need to pass any test to renew it—you can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation. Renewal is simpler than the first process because you do not need to bring as many documents.

Renewing or Replacing Your DL-44

If your DL-44 is expiring soon, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements: your card must not be expired by more than 5 years, you must not have any medical or legal holds on your record, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last card was issued. If you can renew online, you will pay the fee, upload a new photo, and receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your completed renewal form, your current DL-44, and your payment to the DMV address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you need your new card faster, you can renew in person at a DMV office, which takes about 30 minutes.

If your DL-44 is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. Bring your completed Form DL 44, proof of identity, and payment to a DMV office. The replacement fee is the same as the renewal fee. If your card was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required by the DMV.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing documents that do not meet the DMV's requirements. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days—a utility bill from six months ago will not work. Proof of identity must be an original document, not a photocopy. If you bring a certified birth certificate, it must be certified by the state or county that issued it, not just a copy you printed from a website.

Another mistake is not bringing enough documents. The DMV requires one document from each of the three categories (identity, residency, and Social Security number). If you bring only two categories, you will be turned away and have to return another day. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local DMV office before you go—they can tell you in a few minutes whether it qualifies.

A third mistake is explore while you still hold a valid driver's license or instruction permit. You must cancel your license or permit first. You can do this at the same DMV visit by telling the clerk you want to surrender it, but it is faster to call ahead and ask whether you can do both in one appointment, since some offices require separate transactions.

Special Situations: Minors, Name Changes, and Medical Holds

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your DL-44 process. Both you and the parent or guardian must be present at the DMV office. If the parent or guardian cannot come, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by them, but the DMV still requires you to bring the parent or guardian's ID to verify their identity. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm whether they will accept a notarized form, since policies vary by location.

If you have changed your name since your last ID was issued, or if you have never had a state ID and your name differs from your birth certificate, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change. The DMV will not issue a DL-44 with a name that does not match your identity documents.

If you have a medical hold on your record—for example, a doctor has reported that you are not safe to drive—you may still be able to get a DL-44, but the DMV will contact you to discuss it. Do not be surprised if the DMV calls you after you explore. If you have questions about a hold, call the DMV before you explore so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a DL-44 to fly on an airplane?

Yes. A DL-44 is acceptable identification for domestic flights within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it at airport security checkpoints. For international travel, you will need a passport, not a DL-44.

What if I lose my DL-44 before it expires?

You can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your completed Form DL 44, proof of identity, and the replacement fee. The DMV will issue you a new card with the same expiration date as your original card. You do not lose time on your card's validity.

Can I get a DL-44 if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still request a DL-44. You will need to complete a form stating that you do not have one and provide additional identity documents instead. Bring your passport or other government-issued ID to the DMV office.

How long does it take to get a DL-44 after I explore?

Your DL-44 will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you explore in person. The DMV will give you a temporary paper ID at the office that is valid for 60 days while you wait for your card to arrive.

Can I renew my DL-44 before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your DL-44 up to 60 days before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new card—your new card will still be valid for 10 years from the date it is issued.