What the DL 44 Form Is and Who Needs It

The DL 44 is California's official process form for a driver's license or identification card. You fill it out and bring it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you are ready to explore for your first license, renew an expired one, or switch from an ID card to a driver's license. The form itself is free and available online or at any DMV office.

You need the DL 44 whether you are a teenager getting your first license, an adult who has never driven in California, or someone whose license has lapsed. If you already have a valid California driver's license and just need to renew it before it expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead — but if you are explore for the first time or after a long gap, the DL 44 is your starting point.

The form asks for your personal information, address, Social Security number, and medical history. It also includes a section where you declare whether you want to register as an organ donor. None of this information is unusual; the DMV needs it to verify your identity and check your driving record.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is a single form that works for both a driver's license and an identification card, and you choose which one you want when you submit it.
  • You must bring the completed form to a DMV office in person; you cannot submit it by mail or online for a first-time process.
  • You need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN along with the form.
  • The DMV will take your photo and signature at the office, so you do not fill those in on the form itself.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form and bring documents proving their relationship to you.

How to Get and Complete the DL 44 Form

You can read the DL 44 from the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or pick up a paper copy at any DMV office. The form is two pages and printed front and back. You can fill it out by hand or print it and fill it out before you go, which saves time at the office.

Start with Section 1, which asks for your name, date of birth, and current address. Write clearly in black or blue ink. In Section 2, you will enter your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Section 3 asks about your driving history — whether you have ever held a license in California or another state, and whether your license has ever been suspended or revoked. Answer honestly; the DMV will check this against their records anyway.

Section 4 covers medical history and asks about conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or vision problems. You must disclose these truthfully. Section 5 is where you indicate whether you want a driver's license (which lets you drive) or an identification card (which does not). If you are explore for a driver's license, you will also need to pass a written test and a driving test later.

Do not sign the form yet if you are under 18 — your parent or guardian must sign it. If you are 18 or older, you sign it yourself. Leave the photo and signature boxes blank; the DMV will capture these at the office.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring the completed DL 44 form and three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security card or tax return showing your ITIN.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a birth certificate, a consular ID card, a military ID, or a previous California driver's license or ID card. If your document is in another language, bring the original and an official English translation.

For proof of California residency, bring two documents that show your current address. These can be a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, or a bank or credit card statement. They must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have documents in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the documents, plus their ID.

Bring your original Social Security card or a tax return showing your ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead, but you will need to bring documentation of that.

What Happens When You Submit the Form at the DMV

Go to your local DMV office during business hours. Bring your completed DL 44 form, all your documents, and your current address. When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DMV representative will review your form and documents to make sure everything is there and correct.

The representative will take your photograph and have you sign a digital pad or paper for your signature. They will also verify your Social Security number and run a background check. If you are explore for a driver's license (not just an ID card), they will schedule you for a written test and a driving test at that same visit or a future appointment, depending on the office's schedule.

You will pay the process fee at this time. The fee varies depending on whether you are getting a driver's license or an ID card, and how long you want it to be valid. The DMV will give you a receipt with your temporary driving privilege document, which you can use while your permanent card is being made.

If You Are Under 18

If you are a minor, your parent or legal guardian must sign the DL 44 form in the space marked for a parent or guardian signature. They do not have to be present at the DMV office, but they must sign the form before you bring it in.

When you go to the DMV, bring a document proving the relationship between you and the person who signed — usually a birth certificate. If the person who signed has a different last name than you, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers that explains the name change.

If you are explore for a driver's license (not just an ID card), California law requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. Your parent or guardian will also need to sign a form giving you permission to take the driving test when you are ready.

After You Submit the DL 44

Your permanent driver's license or ID card will be mailed to the address you listed on the form within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary document the DMV gave you is valid during this time, so you can drive (if you passed your tests) or use it as ID while you wait.

If you are explore for a driver's license, you will also need to pass a written test and a driving test before your permanent card is issued. The DMV will tell you when and where to take these tests. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you will need to pay another fee each time.

If you applied for an ID card only (not a driver's license), you do not need to take any tests. Your card will arrive in the mail and you can use it as proof of identity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the DL 44

The most common mistake is leaving sections blank or writing illegibly. The DMV cannot process a form with missing information, so you will have to fill it out again or wait while a staff member helps you complete it. Write clearly and make sure you answer every question, even if the answer is "no."

Another frequent error is bringing the wrong documents. Many people bring only one proof of residency when they need two, or bring documents that are too old. Check the DMV website before you go to confirm which documents are acceptable and that they meet the date requirements.

If you are under 18, forgetting to have a parent or guardian sign the form will stop you from being processed. Make sure the signature is on the form before you arrive at the DMV.

Do not write in the photo or signature boxes. The DMV will capture these at the office, and writing in these spaces can cause your form to be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 online and submit it without going to the DMV?

No. You must bring the completed form and your documents to a DMV office in person. The DMV needs to verify your identity, take your photograph, and capture your signature. You can fill out the form at home to save time, but you cannot submit it remotely.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or letter from the IRS. You will still need to complete the Social Security number field on the form — write your ITIN there instead.

Do I need to take the written and driving tests on the same day I submit the DL 44?

Not necessarily. If you are explore for a driver's license, the DMV will schedule your written test for the same visit if time allows, or for a future appointment. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test, which is usually scheduled for a later date.

What if my name has changed since my last license or ID card?

Write your current legal name on the DL 44. Bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your record.

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

Your permanent card is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary document you receive at the DMV is valid during this time. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.