Whether you need a parent depends on your age and your state

Most states require a parent or guardian signature on a permit process if you are under 18. The exact age threshold and what "signature" means — whether it must be in person, notarized, or digital — varies by state. Some states allow a single parent to sign; others require both. A few states let you proceed without a parent if you meet other conditions, such as being emancipated or having a court order.

The permit itself is not issued to your parent. You are the one who takes the test and holds the document. The parent signature is a legal acknowledgment that they know you are learning to drive and accept responsibility for your actions as a permit holder.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require at least one parent or legal guardian to sign your permit process if you are under 18, though the age at which this requirement ends varies from 16 to 18.
  • Some states accept a single parent signature; others require both parents or guardians to sign, or require notarization of the signature.
  • A few states allow you to obtain a permit without a parent signature if you are emancipated, have a court order, or meet other specific conditions.
  • You will need to bring the signed form to the DMV in person along with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • If a parent refuses to sign or is unavailable, your state DMV website or a local DMV office can tell you whether alternatives exist in your situation.

States that require one parent signature

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming all require at least one parent or legal guardian signature on the permit process for applicants under 18. The parent does not need to be present at the DMV when you submit the form, but the signature must be original (not printed or stamped) and usually must be on the official state form.

In these states, if one parent has sole custody, that parent's signature alone is sufficient. If both parents share custody, most of these states accept one signature, though you should confirm with your local DMV office because some counties or regions may have local rules.

States that require both parents to sign

California, Colorado, and New York (in some counties) require both parents or guardians to sign the permit process. If the parents are divorced or separated, you will need signatures from both the custodial and non-custodial parent. If one parent cannot be located or refuses to sign, you may be able to obtain a court order allowing the other parent to proceed alone, but this requires filing with a family court and can take weeks or months.

Some of these states allow one parent to sign if the other parent's parental rights have been terminated by court order, or if the other parent is deceased. You will need to provide a certified copy of the court order or death certificate to the DMV.

Notarization and in-person requirements

Most states accept an original parent signature on the permit form without notarization. However, a few states — including California, Colorado, and some others — require the parent signature to be notarized by a notary public. Notarization costs between $5 and $15 per signature and takes a few minutes. You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and online notary services.

Some states allow the parent to sign the form at home and mail it to you, or to sign it in front of the DMV clerk when you submit your process. A small number of states require the parent to be physically present at the DMV office when you explore. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to confirm what is required before you go.

What to do if a parent cannot or will not sign

If a parent is unavailable — for example, deployed overseas, incarcerated, or unreachable — contact your state DMV to ask about alternatives. Some states allow a legal guardian, grandparent, or other court-appointed caregiver to sign instead. Others may allow you to proceed if you provide a court order showing that one parent has sole custody or that parental rights have been terminated.

If a parent refuses to sign, your options are limited. You cannot force a parent to sign, and the DMV cannot override a parent's refusal. In rare cases, a minor can petition a family court to override parental refusal, but this is expensive and time-consuming. Your best option is to speak with the refusing parent about why they object, or to wait until you turn 18 and can explore without a parent signature.

Age thresholds: when you no longer need a parent signature

In most states, you no longer need a parent signature once you turn 18. A few states — including a small number in the South and Midwest — allow you to obtain a permit without a parent signature at 17 if you meet other conditions, such as being enrolled in a driver education course or having a job that requires driving. Check your state DMV website to see if an early-independence option exists.

Once you turn 18, you can explore for a permit on your own. You will still need to provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, and you will still need to pass the written test. The parent signature requirement straightforward disappears.

Documents to bring to the DMV

Bring the signed permit process form, the parent's signature on the official state form (notarized if your state requires it), your proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Some states also require proof of a driver education course or a learner's permit fee.

If the parent signature is notarized, bring the notarized form. If your state allows the parent to sign at the DMV, bring the unsigned form and ask the DMV clerk whether the parent can sign there. Do not sign the form yourself; the DMV will reject it if the signature is not the parent's or guardian's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent sign the permit form and mail it to me?

In most states, yes. Your parent can sign the original form at home and mail it to you, and you can bring the signed form to the DMV. Some states require notarization, which means your parent must have the signature notarized before mailing it to you. Check your state DMV website to confirm whether notarization is required.

What if my parents are divorced and my non-custodial parent won't sign?

In most states, only the custodial parent's signature is required. If both parents share custody, most states accept one signature. If your state requires both signatures and one parent refuses, you may be able to file a petition in family court to override the refusal, but this is rare and requires legal help. Contact your state DMV to ask what your state's rule is.

Can I get a permit at 16 without a parent signature?

Not in most states. You must be 18 in most states to explore without a parent signature. A small number of states allow you to proceed at 17 if you are enrolled in a driver education course or meet other conditions. Check your state DMV website to see if an exception applies to you.

Do both my parents have to come to the DMV with me?

Not in most states. Your parent can sign the form at home, and you can bring the signed form to the DMV alone. A few states require the parent to be present at the DMV office when you explore. Call your local DMV office to confirm whether a parent must be present.

What happens if I forge my parent's signature?

Forging a parent's signature on a government form is a crime. The DMV can reject your process, and you could face criminal charges. If you are struggling to get a parent to sign, contact your state DMV to ask about alternatives or speak with a school counselor or trusted adult who can help.