Bring Your Valid ID and Proof of Residency First

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires two specific documents before you sit for the written permit test: a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of California residency. Your photo ID can be a passport, a valid out-of-state driver's license, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. The ID must not be expired.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. A piece of mail from a government agency with your name and address also works. The document must show your full name and your current street address in California.

If you do not have a current utility bill or lease, bring two documents from the DMV's approved list instead of one. The DMV website lists all acceptable residency documents by category, so check before you go if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, out-of-state license, military ID, or tribal ID) that is not expired.
  • Bring one proof of California residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address.
  • If you do not have a recent residency document, bring two documents from the DMV's approved list instead.
  • Bring your completed process for a Permit to Drive (Form DL 44) or bring the information to fill it out at the DMV office.
  • Do not bring personal items like phones, cameras, or notes into the test room; the DMV prohibits these during the exam.

Your Completed DL 44 Form or Information to Complete It

You must submit the process for a Permit to Drive (Form DL 44) before or when you take the written test. You can fill this out at home and bring it completed, or you can arrive early and fill it out at the DMV office. If you choose to complete it at home, print it from the DMV website, fill it out in black or blue ink, and bring it with you.

The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. It also asks whether you have ever held a driver's license in California or another state, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Answer all questions truthfully. If you bring the form incomplete or with blank sections, the DMV will ask you to finish it before you test.

If you prefer to fill out the form at the DMV office, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so you have time to complete it without rushing. Bring a pen. The DMV staff can answer questions about how to fill it out, but you must provide the information yourself.

Your Social Security Number and Date of Birth

You will need to provide your Social Security number and date of birth as part of the permit test process. These go on the DL 44 form and are also used to verify your identity at the DMV office. Have these memorized or written down before you arrive so you do not delay the line.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still take the test. Tell the DMV staff when you arrive, and they will note this on your process. You will receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which the DMV will use to process your permit.

What You Cannot Bring Into the Test Room

The DMV prohibits phones, cameras, smartwatches, headphones, and any recording devices in the test room. You also cannot bring notes, study materials, calculators, or any reference materials. These items must stay in your car or at home. If you bring a phone or camera and the test proctor sees it, you will be asked to leave and your test will be cancelled.

You can bring a pen or pencil, but the DMV provides these if you need one. You can also bring glasses or contacts if you wear them for vision correction. If you need a translator or accommodations for a disability, notify the DMV when you schedule your test or when you arrive at the office.

Bring Glasses or Contacts If You Need Them for Vision

If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), bring them with you and wear them during the test. The DMV will note on your permit whether you must wear corrective lenses while driving. If you do not wear them during the test but normally do while driving, the DMV may restrict your permit to require them, or you may have to retake the test.

If you have had recent changes to your vision prescription, bring your most current glasses or contacts. The test includes a vision screening, and the DMV wants to see how you perform with the correction you actually use while driving.

Proof of Social Security Number (If You Do Not Have It Memorized)

You do not have to bring a Social Security card, but if you do not have your number memorized, bring a document that shows it. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card itself, a tax return, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a bank statement showing your Social Security number. This saves time if you are unsure of the number and prevents errors on your process.

If you cannot provide a Social Security number at all, the DMV will issue you an ITIN instead. This process takes longer, so plan for extra time at the office if this applies to you.

Arrive Early and Know Your DMV Office Location

Arrive at your DMV office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. If you scheduled an appointment online, bring your confirmation number or the email confirmation. If you did not schedule an appointment, expect to wait longer, especially during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

Check the DMV website for your local office's hours and whether it offers written permit tests. Not all DMV offices administer the permit test; some handle only renewals and other services. Confirm your office location and hours before you go. If your office is temporarily closed or has limited hours, the DMV website will show alternative locations nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test if I forgot my proof of residency?

No. The DMV requires proof of residency dated within the last 60 days before you test. If you forgot it, you will have to reschedule. Bring the document with you when you return. If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, bring two documents from the DMV's approved list instead.

What if my ID is expired?

An expired ID is not acceptable for the permit test. You need a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID. If your out-of-state driver's license is expired, bring a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead. If none of these are available, you will need to reschedule after obtaining a valid ID.

Do I have to fill out the DL 44 form before I arrive?

No. You can fill it out at the DMV office before your test. However, filling it out at home and bringing it completed saves time and reduces errors. If you fill it out at the office, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to allow time to complete it without rushing.

Can I bring my phone into the test room to use as a calculator?

No. Phones are not permitted in the test room under any circumstances. The written permit test does not require a calculator, so you will not need one. Leave your phone in your car or at home.

What if I wear contacts and I lose one during the test?

Tell the test proctor when ready. They can pause the test while you address the issue. If you cannot continue with contacts, you may be able to finish the test without them, but the DMV will note any vision correction requirement on your permit based on how you performed. If you are concerned about this, bring glasses as a backup in case your contacts fail.