The DL 44 is California's process form for a first-time driver's license or identification card

The DL 44 is the official form the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses when you explore for your first driver's license, your first identification card, or when you renew either one after it has expired for more than a certain period. You fill it out in person at a DMV office, and it collects your personal information, address, and answers to questions about your driving history and medical conditions. The form itself is free, and you cannot submit it online — you must bring it to a DMV location to complete your process.

If you already hold a valid California driver's license and are renewing it before it expires, you may not need the DL 44 at all; the DMV offers simpler renewal paths for those situations. But if you are explore for your first license, switching from an out-of-state license, or your license has been expired for too long to renew by mail, the DL 44 is the document that starts your process.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is filled out in person at a California DMV office and is required for first-time driver's license and identification card applications.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number when you submit the form.
  • After you submit the DL 44, you will take a written test and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • The form asks about your medical history and driving record, and you must answer truthfully — false statements can delay or deny your process.

Who needs to fill out a DL 44

You need the DL 44 if you are explore for a California driver's license for the first time, even if you have held a license in another state. You also need it if you are explore for a California identification card (ID) for the first time — this is a non-driving ID that serves the same purpose as a driver's license for identification but does not authorize you to drive. The form is also required if your driver's license or ID has been expired for more than a certain length of time and cannot be renewed by mail or online.

If you already hold a valid, unexpired California driver's license and you are renewing it before the expiration date, you do not need the DL 44. The DMV offers a faster renewal process for those situations. Similarly, if you are upgrading your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license), you may use a different form.

What documents you must bring to the DMV

When you bring your completed DL 44 to a California DMV office, you must also bring original or certified copies of three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images for these documents — they must be originals or certified by the issuing agency.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. Proof of California residency can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of your Social Security number can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

How to fill out the DL 44 form

The DL 44 is a multi-page form that you can pick up at any California DMV office or read from the DMV website before you go. You can fill it out at home or at the DMV office itself. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. It also asks whether you have ever held a driver's license in California or another state, and if so, when and in which state.

The form includes a section where you disclose any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or vision problems. You must answer these questions truthfully; the DMV may request medical documentation if your answers raise concerns. There is also a section about your driving record — whether you have been convicted of certain traffic violations or crimes — and you must answer honestly here as well. False statements on the DL 44 can result in your process being denied or delayed.

You will also declare your Social Security number on the form and confirm that you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. If you are not yet a permanent resident but have a valid visa or work permit, you may still be able to obtain a driver's license; the DMV staff can advise you on this when you submit your form.

What happens after you submit the DL 44

Once you submit your completed DL 44 and your supporting documents at a DMV office, a staff member will review them to make sure everything is in order. If any documents are missing or incomplete, the DMV will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is acceptable, you will move on to the written test, also called the knowledge test.

The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study for it using the California Driver Handbook, which is free and available online or at any DMV office. Most people take this test on the same day they submit the DL 44, though you can schedule it for another day if you need more time to prepare. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. This test usually takes place within a few weeks of passing the written test, depending on how busy your local DMV office is. Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your driver's license, usually within a few days.

The difference between a DL 44 and other California DMV forms

California uses different forms for different situations. The DL 44 is for first-time applications and certain renewals. The DL 43 is used to renew a driver's license or ID that is still valid or has been expired for less than a certain period — this is a simpler process that does not require a new written or driving test. The DL 44ER is a version of the DL 44 used specifically for people explore for a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID, which meets federal identification standards.

If you are changing your name, address, or license class, you may need a different form or a different process. The DMV website has a tool that asks you a few questions and tells you which form you need. If you are unsure, you can call the DMV or visit an office in person to ask.

Real ID and the DL 44

Since 2020, California has issued Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. If you are explore for your first California driver's license using the DL 44, you can request a Real ID license at the same time. You will need to bring the same documents — proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — so there is no extra burden.

A standard (non-Real ID) California driver's license is still valid for driving and for most everyday identification purposes. You only need a Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. If you are unsure which type you need, ask the DMV staff when you submit your DL 44.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 online before I go to the DMV?

You can read and print the DL 44 from the California DMV website and fill it out at home before you go to the DMV office. However, you cannot submit it online — you must bring the completed form and your documents to a DMV office in person. Filling it out ahead of time can save you time at the office.

What if I don't have all the documents the DMV is asking for?

If you are missing one of the required documents, the DMV will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete your process without proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN. If you are having trouble obtaining a document, ask the DMV staff — they may be able to suggest alternatives or direct you to the agency that issues the document you need.

How long does it take to get my license after I submit the DL 44?

The timeline depends on how quickly you pass the written and driving tests. Most people take the written test on the same day they submit the DL 44, and the driving test is usually scheduled within a few weeks. Once you pass the driving test, you receive your license within a few days. The entire process from submission to receiving your license typically takes four to eight weeks.

Do I need to bring the DL 44 with me every time I renew my license?

No. After you receive your first California driver's license, future renewals use a different form (the DL 43) and a simpler process. You only need the DL 44 for your initial process or if your license has been expired for an extended period and cannot be renewed by mail or online.

What happens if I answer a question on the DL 44 incorrectly by mistake?

Tell the DMV staff member reviewing your form before you submit it. They can help you correct the error on the spot. If you discover an error after you have submitted the form, contact your local DMV office and ask to correct it. Do not submit false information intentionally, as this can delay or deny your process.