The form you need depends on your state and whether you're under 18

Every state has its own learner's permit form, and you cannot use one state's form in another. The form itself is usually free, but some states charge a fee when you submit it at the DMV office or online. Your state's DMV website lists the exact form by name and number — for example, California uses DL 44, New York uses MV-44, and Texas uses DL-43.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian signature on the form itself. Some states require that signature to be notarized (certified by a notary public), while others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call the local office to confirm whether notarization is required before you fill anything out.

You can usually read the form as a PDF from your state DMV website, pick up a printed copy at a DMV office, or fill it out online if your state offers that option. A few states now allow you to complete the entire process on their website without printing anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact form name and number you need — do not assume a form from another state will work.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form, and some states require that signature to be notarized.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN when you submit the form in person.
  • Some states let you fill out and submit the form online, while others require you to print it and bring it to a DMV office.
  • Filling out the form incorrectly or leaving fields blank is the most common reason applications are rejected and sent back.

Documents you must have before you fill out the form

Do not start filling out the form until you have gathered the documents listed on the back or instructions page of the form itself. Most states require the same core set: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Proof of identity usually means a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. Some states accept a school ID or tribal ID; others do not. Proof of residency typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address on it — and it usually must be dated within the last 60 days. A few states accept a recent tax return or insurance document instead.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need your ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS. If you do not have either, contact your state DMV to ask what alternative documents they accept — some states have workarounds, but they vary widely.

How to fill out the form correctly

Read the entire form before you write anything. The instructions are usually on the back or in a separate document on the DMV website. Many forms have sections that explore only to certain people — for example, a section for name changes or a section for people renewing a permit — and filling in the wrong section can cause your process to be rejected.

Use black or blue pen if you are filling out a paper form. Do not use pencil, marker, or red ink. Write clearly and stay inside the boxes. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line and write the correction next to it — do not use white-out or tape. If the form is too messy, the DMV may ask you to submit a new one.

Leave no fields blank unless the form explicitly says "if applicable" or "optional." If a field does not explore to you, write "N/A" (not applicable) instead of leaving it empty. This tells the DMV staff that you read the question and decided it did not explore, rather than that you missed it.

Double-check your name, date of birth, and address letter by letter. These are the fields most often filled out incorrectly, and even a small typo can delay your process or cause it to be rejected.

Parent or guardian signature requirements for applicants under 18

If you are under 18, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. The signature must be in the box labeled for that purpose — a signature anywhere else on the form will not count. Some states require the parent or guardian to sign in front of a notary public, who will then stamp and sign the form to certify that the signature is genuine.

If notarization is required in your state, you cannot have it notarized until you have filled out the rest of the form completely. Notaries will not notarize a blank or partially filled form. You can find a notary at a bank, UPS Store, law office, or online notary service. Notarization usually costs between $5 and $25 per signature.

Some states allow a parent or guardian to sign electronically if you are filling out the form online. Others require a wet signature (pen on paper) even if the rest of the form is digital. Check your state's instructions before you ask your parent or guardian to sign.

Where to submit the form and what happens next

If your state allows online submission, you can usually upload the form and documents through the DMV website. The system will tell you when ready if something is missing or filled out incorrectly, and you can fix it and resubmit the same day.

If you must submit in person, bring the original form, all required documents, and a completed form checklist (if your state provides one). Arrive early — DMV offices often have long waits, and some stop accepting new applications at a certain time each day. Bring cash or a card, because you will need to pay the permit fee at the time of submission.

After you submit, the DMV will either issue your permit on the spot (if you passed the written test) or mail it to you within a few weeks. Some states mail the permit; others require you to return to pick it up. Your submission receipt will tell you which applies in your state.

Common mistakes that cause rejections or delays

Incomplete or illegible handwriting is the most common reason forms are returned. If the DMV cannot read a field, they will send the form back and ask you to resubmit it. This can add two to four weeks to your timeline.

Mismatched information is the second most common problem. If your name on the form does not match your birth certificate exactly, or if your address on the form does not match your proof of residency, the DMV will reject it. Middle names, hyphens, and suffixes (Jr., Sr., III) must all match.

Missing parent or guardian signature (or a signature that is not notarized when notarization is required) will also send the form back. If you are under 18, do not submit the form without this signature in place.

Submitting the wrong form for your state or for your situation — for example, using a renewal form instead of an initial process form — will cause a rejection. Always confirm the form number and type before you fill it out.

What to do if you cannot find your state's form online

If the form is not on your state DMV website, call the DMV directly. The phone number is on the website, usually under "Contact Us." Ask for the form by name and number, and ask whether you can have it mailed to you or whether you must pick it up in person.

Some states still do not offer forms online and require you to visit a DMV office to get one. If that is the case in your state, you can call ahead to confirm the office has the form in stock before you make the trip.

If you are moving to a new state or explore in a state where you do not live, contact that state's DMV directly. Rules for out-of-state applicants vary, and some states have different forms or requirements for people who do not yet have a state ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form in pencil or type it myself?

No. Most states require black or blue pen on the official form. Typed forms are not accepted unless your state DMV specifically says the form can be completed online. If you have difficulty writing by hand, contact your DMV office — some states can provide information or alternative formats.

What if my parent or guardian lives in a different state?

Your parent or guardian can still sign the form even if they live out of state. They do not need to be present at the DMV office. If notarization is required, they can have the form notarized in their state, and you can bring the notarized form to your DMV office.

Do I need to print the form if my state offers online submission?

No. If your state DMV allows you to fill out and submit the form online, you do not need to print anything. You will upload documents as image files (usually PDF or JPG). Check your state's website to see whether online submission is available.

What if I make a mistake after I submit the form?

If you submitted online, contact your DMV office right away and ask whether you can resubmit a corrected form. If you submitted in person, the DMV will contact you if there is a problem. Do not submit a second form unless the DMV asks you to.

How long does it take to get my permit after I submit the form?

Timeline varies by state. Some states issue the permit the same day if you pass the written test. Others mail it within two to four weeks. Your submission receipt will include an estimated timeline for your state.