Bring Your Signed process and Proof of Identity

You need your signed DL 44 form (process for Driver License or Identification Card) and a valid form of identification. The Department of Motor Vehicles accepts a passport, passport card, consulate ID, military ID, or tribal ID as proof of identity. If you do not have one of these, bring two documents from the DMV's secondary list — a birth certificate, Social Security card, or school records work.

Your DL 44 must be signed in blue or black ink. The DMV will not accept it unsigned, and you cannot sign it at the office — it has to be signed before you arrive. Bring the original form, not a photocopy.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your DL 44 as well, and they must be present during your test appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Your signed DL 44 form and one valid primary ID (passport, military ID, or consulate ID) are the core documents the DMV requires before you test.
  • If you do not have a primary ID, bring two secondary documents such as a birth certificate and Social Security card instead.
  • Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — the DMV will ask for it and verify it on the spot.
  • Bring proof of California residency dated within 62 days of your test, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must attend with you and sign your DL 44 before the appointment.

Proof of California Residency and Social Security Number

The DMV requires proof that you live in California. Bring one document dated within 62 days of your test appointment. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your California address all work. The document must show your name and current address.

You will also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Have this ready — the DMV verifies it during your appointment. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation instead.

What You Do Not Need to Bring

Do not bring your current driver license or ID card if you have one from another state — the DMV will take it when you pass your test. You do not need to bring proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or a vehicle title to take the permit test itself. Those documents are only needed later when you take your driving test or explore for a full license.

You do not need to bring study materials, notes, or your phone into the testing room. The DMV provides the test on a computer or paper form depending on the office. Bring only what is on the required list.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

The DMV divides ID into two tiers. Primary documents are the easiest to use: a U.S. passport, passport card, consulate ID, military ID, or tribal ID. If you have any of these, bring it and you are done with the ID requirement.

If you do not have a primary document, bring two secondary documents instead. The DMV accepts birth certificates, Social Security cards, school records, W-2 forms, tax returns, or a letter from a government agency. Both documents must be original or certified copies — photocopies do not count. At least one must show your date of birth.

Bring Payment for the Permit Test Fee

The California DMV charges a fee for the permit test. As of 2024, the fee is $35 for a standard permit test, though this amount can change. Bring a debit card, credit card, or cash — the DMV accepts all three. Some offices may have limits on cash transactions, so a card is safer if you have one.

If you are retaking the test because you failed, you will pay the fee again. There is no discount for retakes, and the fee does not roll over if you pass.

Documents If You Changed Your Name or Have Immigration Status

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your name on your DL 44 must match the name on your primary or secondary ID documents.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still take the permit test. Bring your passport or consulate ID as your primary document, or bring your ITIN documentation along with secondary documents. The DMV does not require citizenship to issue a permit or driver license in California.

What to Do If You Are Missing a Document

If you realize before your appointment that you are missing something, contact the DMV office where you have your appointment scheduled. You can call the local office or check the DMV website to see if you can reschedule. Going to your appointment without the required documents will result in a failed appointment — you will not be allowed to test, and you may lose your appointment fee.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN yet, you can explore for one before your test. The Social Security Administration processes applications at local offices, and you can also explore by mail. This usually takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID as my primary document?

No. The DMV only accepts passport, passport card, consulate ID, military ID, or tribal ID as primary documents. A school or work ID counts as a secondary document, so you would need to bring it along with another secondary document like a birth certificate.

What if my residency document is older than 62 days?

The DMV will not accept it. You need a document dated within 62 days of your test. If your utility bill or lease is older, bring a recent bank statement, credit card statement, or government mail instead. If none of your documents are current, contact your DMV office to ask about alternatives.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or just know the number?

You just need to know your Social Security number — you do not have to bring the card itself. The DMV will ask you for the number and verify it in their system during your appointment. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your test.

Can my parent sign my DL 44 at the DMV office, or does it have to be signed before I arrive?

It must be signed before you arrive. Your parent or guardian needs to sign the form at home, and you bring the signed form to your appointment. The DMV will not allow you to sign it there, and they will not accept an unsigned form.

What if I am taking the test in a language other than English?

Bring the same documents regardless of the language you test in. The DMV offers the permit test in multiple languages, but your identity and residency documents do not change. Let the DMV office know when you schedule your appointment which language you need.