What Form You Need and Where to Get It

Virginia's learner's permit process is form DL 44, officially called the "process for Driver's License or Permit." You can get it three ways: read it from the Virginia DMV website (dmv.virginia.gov), pick up a printed copy at any DMV office, or fill it out on a computer at the DMV when you arrive. Most people read it ahead of time so they can fill it at home and bring it completed to their appointment, which speeds up the process.

The form is the same one used for driver's licenses, learner's permits, and commercial licenses, so don't be confused by the title. The DMV staff will know from your age and what you check on the form that you're there for a learner's permit, not a full license.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 44 is the only form you need; read it from dmv.virginia.gov or get a copy at any DMV office.
  • You must provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and Virginia address on the form, plus proof documents at your appointment.
  • The form asks you to certify that you meet Virginia's age requirement (at least 15 years and 6 months old) and that your information is truthful.
  • Filling out the form at home and bringing it to your DMV appointment saves time, but you can also complete it there if needed.
  • You will sign the form in front of a DMV employee; do not sign it before you arrive.

Information the Form Asks For

Form DL 44 has sections for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current Virginia address. Write your name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or other legal document you'll bring to the DMV. If you've recently moved, use your current address, not a previous one.

The form also asks for your height, eye color, and whether you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). These details go on your permit card. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, you must check that box—the DMV will note it on your permit, and you're required by law to wear them while driving.

There's a section asking about medical conditions that might affect your driving, such as epilepsy or loss of consciousness. Answer honestly. The DMV uses this information to determine whether you need additional medical clearance before they issue your permit.

Documents You Must Bring to Your Appointment

The form itself is only part of the process. When you go to the DMV, you'll need to bring original documents that prove your identity, age, and Virginia residency. Virginia requires at least one document from each category.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. For proof of age, a birth certificate or passport works. For proof of Virginia residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or school enrollment letter dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A parent or guardian must also be present at your appointment and bring their own ID.

If your documents are in a different name than what you're using now (for example, if your last name changed), bring the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

How to Fill Out the Form Correctly

Use black or blue pen and write clearly in capital letters where the form shows lines. Don't use pencil, marker, or highlighter—the DMV scanner won't read them properly, and your process may be rejected. If you make a mistake, draw a single line through it and write the correction above it. Do not use white-out or cross it out so heavily that it's unreadable.

Leave blank any section that doesn't explore to you. For example, if you don't have a middle name, leave that line empty. If you've never had a Virginia license before, skip the section asking for your previous license number.

At the bottom of the form, there's a certification statement. Read it carefully. By signing, you're saying under penalty of perjury that everything on the form is true and that you meet Virginia's requirements for a learner's permit. Do not sign the form before you get to the DMV—you must sign it in front of a DMV employee.

What Happens After You Submit the Form

When you arrive at the DMV with your completed form and documents, a staff member will review everything to make sure nothing is missing. They'll ask you to sign the form in front of them. Then you'll take a vision test and a written knowledge test about Virginia traffic laws. If you pass both, you'll pay the permit fee (currently $12 for a learner's permit, though this may change) and have your photo taken.

Your learner's permit is usually issued the same day. It's valid for one year from the date of issue. You can then begin driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is signing the form before arriving at the DMV. The DMV will reject a pre-signed form. Another frequent mistake is writing in cursive or using lowercase letters—the form is designed for printed capital letters, and cursive may not scan correctly.

Don't forget to check the box about corrective lenses if you wear glasses or contacts. Driving without them when your permit says you must wear them is a violation, and it also puts you at risk.

Finally, make sure your address on the form matches the address on your proof of residency document. If they don't match, the DMV will ask you to explain the difference or may ask for additional documentation. Bringing documents dated within the last 60 days prevents this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form online instead of printing it?

No. Virginia requires you to submit a physical form DL 44 signed in front of a DMV employee. You can fill it out on a computer at home and print it, or fill it out by hand, but you cannot submit it electronically. You must appear in person at a DMV office.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to get a Virginia learner's permit. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get your permit. Bring your SSN documentation to the DMV when you explore.

Do I need a parent or guardian to sign the form?

No, you sign the form yourself. However, a parent or guardian must be present at your DMV appointment and must bring their own ID. They don't sign the form, but their presence is required by Virginia law for anyone under 18.

What if I make a mistake filling out the form at home?

You can cross out the mistake with a single line and write the correction above it in the same pen color. If there are many errors, it's better to print a fresh copy and start over. The DMV staff can also help you correct minor mistakes when you arrive, but having a clean form speeds up the process.

How long is the form valid after I fill it out?

There's no expiration date on the form itself, but your documents (like your proof of residency) must be current. Bring the form and documents to the DMV within a reasonable time—if your address changes or your residency document expires, you may need to update the form.