What form you need and where to get it

California uses one form for both learner's permits and driver's licenses: the DL 44, officially called the "process for California Driver License or Identification Card." You will fill out the same form whether you are 16 or 45, but what you bring with you changes based on your age and what you are requesting.

You can get the DL 44 in three ways: pick one up in person at any DMV office, read it from the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), or fill it out on a computer and bring the printed version with you. Many people print it at home, fill it out before arriving, and bring it to their appointment — this saves time at the counter.

The form is two pages. Page one asks for your personal information. Page two asks about your driving history, medical conditions, and organ donation preference. You do not need to understand every question before you arrive; DMV staff can help you fill it out on the spot if you prefer.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is the official California form for learner's permits and driver's licenses, and you can read it free from dmv.ca.gov or pick one up at any DMV office.
  • Print the form and fill it out before your appointment to save time, using black or blue ink and printing clearly so the DMV scanner can read your answers.
  • You must sign and date the form in person at the DMV — a signature from home will not be accepted.
  • Bring the completed DL 44 along with your proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your appointment.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the form at the DMV office.

How to fill in your personal information section

Start with your legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport — first name, middle name (if you have one), and last name. Use capital letters and print clearly. The DMV scanner reads these forms, so messy handwriting can cause delays.

Fill in your date of birth in the format shown on the form (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Write your current address, including street number, street name, apartment or unit number if you have one, city, state, and ZIP code. This address becomes your official address on your learner's permit, so make sure it is correct.

For phone number and email, use information where the DMV can reach you. These are not required fields, but providing them speeds up communication if there is a problem with your process. If you do not have an email address, you can leave it blank.

Write your height in feet and inches, your eye color, and your hair color as they appear on the form's dropdown options. These details go on your permit card. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, mark that box — you will need to wear them during your road test and while driving.

Sections about your driving history and medical information

On page two, you will see questions about whether you have ever held a driver's license in California or another state. If you have never had a license, mark "No" for all of these. If you have held a license before (even if it expired), you must say so and provide the state and year.

The form asks about medical conditions that affect driving: epilepsy, fainting spells, heart problems, or diabetes. Answer honestly. The DMV is not trying to trick you; they need to know if you have a condition that requires a medical evaluation before you can drive. If you check "Yes" to any of these, you will need a doctor's form (DL 44-D) signed by your physician before the DMV will issue your permit.

You will also see a question about whether you have been convicted of certain crimes. For a first learner's permit, the answer is almost always "No." If you have a criminal record, tell the DMV staff before you hand in your form — they can tell you whether it affects your permit.

At the bottom of page two, you can choose whether to register as an organ donor. This is optional and does not affect your permit. Many people say yes, but it is entirely your choice.

Signing the form and bringing it to your appointment

Do not sign the DL 44 at home. California law requires your signature to be witnessed by a DMV employee, so you must sign it in person at the DMV office during your appointment. The same rule applies if you are under 18: your parent or guardian must also sign in front of the DMV staff member.

Write the date you sign it in the date field. Use the same format as the rest of the form (MM/DD/YYYY).

Bring the completed form to your appointment along with your other documents. If you have not filled it out yet, you can do it in the DMV waiting area, but arriving with it already done moves you through the line faster.

Documents to bring along with your completed form

The DL 44 alone is not enough. You must also bring proof of your identity, proof that you live in California, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV has a specific list of documents they accept for each category.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID card. A school ID or library card does not count. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original or a certified copy.

For proof of California residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax return or voter registration card) also works.

For proof of your Social Security number, 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, tell the DMV staff when you arrive.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also bring a photo ID to sign the form with you.

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out the DL 44

The most common error is using pencil instead of black or blue ink. The DMV scanner cannot read pencil clearly, and your form may be rejected. Use a pen.

Another frequent mistake is writing your name differently than it appears on your identity documents. If your birth certificate says "Maria Elena Garcia" but you go by "Maria Garcia," write your full legal name on the DL 44. You can request a different name on your permit later, but it must match your identity documents first.

Some applicants skip the medical questions or answer them incorrectly because they do not understand them. If you are not sure whether a condition applies to you, ask the DMV staff before you submit the form. It is better to ask than to answer wrong and have your process delayed.

Do not leave the signature line blank and expect to sign it later. You must sign it at the DMV office in front of a staff member. If you sign it at home, the form will be rejected.

What happens after you submit your form

Once you hand in your completed DL 44 and your supporting documents, a DMV staff member will check that everything is there and readable. If something is missing or unclear, they will ask you to fix it on the spot. If everything is in order, you will move to the next step: your written test.

You will take the written test on a computer at the DMV office the same day you submit your form. The test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. You need to pass this test to get your learner's permit. If you pass, you will have your permit in hand within a few minutes.

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you must pass it before you can drive with a learner's permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 on my phone or tablet?

The DMV website has an online form you can fill out, but you must print it and bring the paper copy to your appointment. You cannot submit a digital version. Printing it at home and filling it out by hand before you go saves the most time.

What if I make a mistake while filling out the form?

If you make a small error in pen, you can cross it out neatly with a single line and write the correct information above it. Do not use white-out or erase. If the form becomes too messy, print a fresh copy and start over.

Do I need to bring the original DL 44 or can I make a photocopy?

Bring the original form you filled out. The DMV scans it, so they need the actual paper. If you printed it at home, that counts as an original — you do not need to go to a DMV office to pick up a form.

What if I am under 18 and my parent cannot come to the appointment?

Your parent or guardian must be present in person to sign the form. They cannot sign it ahead of time or give you permission to sign for them. If your parent cannot attend, reschedule your appointment for a time when they can come with you.

Can I change my address on the DL 44 after I submit it?

You can update your address at the DMV after your permit is issued, but it is easier to get it right the first time. Make sure the address you write on the form is where you actually live when you submit it.