What Form DL 44 Is and When You Need It

Form DL 44 is California's official process for a first-time driver's license or identification card. You fill it out in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office — you cannot submit it by mail or online. The form collects your personal information, address, and driving history (if any), and it's the document that starts the process of getting your license or ID.

You need DL 44 if you are explore for a California driver's license or ID card for the first time, or if you are a new resident of California and need to transfer your out-of-state license. If you already have a California license and are renewing it, you use a different form (DL 44R). If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you use DL 44 as well.

The DMV provides the form at every office, or you can read and print it from the California DMV website before you go. Bringing it pre-filled saves time, though staff will hand you a blank copy if you prefer to fill it out there.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 44 is filled out in person at a DMV office and is required for all first-time California driver's licenses and ID cards.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — the form itself does not substitute for these documents.
  • The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect driving; answering truthfully is required by law.
  • After you submit DL 44, you will take a written test, vision test, and photo, and pay the process fee before leaving the DMV.
  • Processing time varies, but you typically receive your license or ID card in the mail within two to three weeks.

What Documents You Must Bring With Form DL 44

Form DL 44 itself is not enough. California law requires you to bring original documents — not copies — that prove three things: your identity, your California residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The DMV will not accept a form without these documents, and you cannot get a license without them.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport from another country, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID or work ID does not count. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you.

For proof of California residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. A credit card statement or bank statement works if it shows your address. A hotel receipt does not.

For proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number and are not a U.S. citizen, you can use an ITIN — bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you, or your Individual Identification Number (IIN) card if you have one.

How to Fill Out the Form Itself

Form DL 44 has sections for your name, date of birth, current address, mailing address (if different), and contact information. Print clearly or type. The DMV staff will review what you write before you leave, so mistakes caught at the counter can be corrected on the spot.

The form includes a section asking whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or vision problems. You must answer truthfully. If you check "yes," the DMV may require a medical report from your doctor before issuing your license. Lying on this section is illegal and can result in your license being suspended or revoked later.

You will also declare whether you want to be an organ donor. This is optional and does not affect your license. The form asks about your immigration status and whether you are a U.S. citizen; answer accurately based on your actual status.

There is a section for your signature. You must sign the form in front of a DMV employee — you cannot sign it at home. The signature on your license will match what you write on DL 44.

What Happens After You Submit Form DL 44

Once you hand in the completed form and your documents, a DMV employee will verify that everything matches and that you have brought all required paperwork. If something is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what to fix before you can proceed. This is the moment to catch errors, so listen carefully.

Next, you will take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. The test is usually 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can take it on a computer or on paper. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

After the written test, you will have your vision checked. The DMV tests whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a doctor's report or corrective lenses before you can get your license.

Then you will have your photo taken for your license or ID card. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your card for years. You will also pay the process fee, which varies depending on whether you are getting a license or ID card and how long you want it to be valid.

Fees and Timeline for Getting Your License After DL 44

The cost of a first-time driver's license or ID card depends on how long you want it valid. A driver's license valid for five years costs one amount; one valid for ten years costs more. An identification card (for non-drivers) has its own pricing. The DMV website lists current fees, which change periodically.

You pay the fee at the DMV office after you pass the tests and have your photo taken. Some offices accept cash, debit, or credit cards; a few accept only certain payment methods, so check ahead if you want to be sure.

After you leave the DMV, your physical license or ID card is mailed to the address you provided on Form DL 44. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks. During that time, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office if you need to drive when ready — this is valid for a limited time and is not the same as your permanent card.

If You Are Under 18: What Changes on Form DL 44

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV and sign Form DL 44 in front of a DMV employee. You cannot sign it alone. The guardian's signature gives legal consent for you to hold a license.

Minors in California are also subject to graduated licensing, which means your first license comes with restrictions. For the first six months, you cannot drive alone — you must have a licensed adult 25 or older in the car with you. After six months, you can drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a licensed adult is with you. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18. Form DL 44 does not change because of these rules; they are automatic based on your age.

You will still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number or ITIN, just as an adult would. Your parent or guardian does not need to bring separate documents unless they are also explore for a license or ID.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Form DL 44

The most common mistake is not bringing all required documents. Many people arrive with only a birth certificate and no proof of residency, or they bring a copy instead of an original. The DMV cannot issue a license without all three types of proof, so you will have to leave and come back. Check the DMV website or call ahead to confirm what counts as acceptable proof before you go.

Another frequent error is providing an address on the form that does not match your proof of residency. If your lease says one address and you write a different one on DL 44, the DMV will ask you to correct it. Use the address that appears on your residency document.

Some applicants do not read the medical conditions section carefully and accidentally check boxes that do not explore to them. This can trigger a requirement for a medical report, which delays your license. Take time to read each question and answer only what is true.

Minors sometimes show up without a parent or guardian, thinking they can sign the form themselves. You cannot. If you are under 18 and arrive alone, you will have to reschedule and come back with a parent or legal guardian present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out Form DL 44 online or by mail?

No. Form DL 44 must be completed and submitted in person at a DMV office. You can read and print it before you go to save time, but you must sign it in front of a DMV employee, and you must bring your original documents with you.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS, you can use that instead. Bring the IRS letter that assigned you the ITIN or your IIN card. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you cannot get a California driver's license or ID card at this time.

Do I need to study before I take the written test after submitting DL 44?

Yes. The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The DMV provides a free handbook on its website and at every office. Most people study it for a few days before taking the test. You can retake the test if you fail, but you will need to return to the DMV another day.

What if my address changes after I submit Form DL 44 but before my license arrives?

Contact the DMV when ready and provide your new address. Your license will be mailed to whatever address is on file. If you do not update it, your license will go to your old address and you will have to request a replacement.

Can someone else pick up my license from the DMV after I submit Form DL 44?

No. Your license is mailed to you at the address you provided on the form. You do not pick it up at the office. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office on the day you submit your process.