You need a parent or guardian signature on the DL 44 form to get a Florida learner's permit if you're under 18

Florida law requires a parent or legal guardian to sign the process for Driving Permit (form DL 44) before the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will issue a learner's permit to anyone under 18. The signature is not optional — without it, the process will be rejected. The parent or guardian must be present in person at the licensing office when you explore, or you must bring their notarized signature on the form.

The form itself is straightforward: it asks for the applicant's information, the parent or guardian's information, and their signature. The parent or guardian does not need to have a valid Florida driver's license, but they do need to be able to prove their identity and relationship to you.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must sign the DL 44 form in person at the licensing office, or their signature must be notarized if they cannot attend.
  • The parent or guardian must bring a valid photo ID and proof of their relationship to you, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.
  • If you live with someone other than your biological parent — such as a grandparent or aunt — you may need a court order or custody documents to establish legal guardianship.
  • The DL 44 form is free and available at any Florida driver's license office or online through the DHSMV website.

Who counts as a parent or legal guardian in Florida

A biological parent, adoptive parent, or court-appointed legal guardian can sign the form. If you live with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative who is not your legal guardian, that person cannot sign — you will need a court order establishing guardianship first. This is a common situation when a child lives with extended family, and it requires a separate legal process through the family court in your county.

If one parent has sole custody, only that parent needs to sign. If both parents share custody, Florida does not require both signatures — one parent's signature is sufficient. If you are in foster care, your caseworker or the state agency holding guardianship can sign on your behalf.

What documents the parent or guardian needs to bring

The parent or guardian must bring a valid photo ID to the licensing office. Acceptable forms include a Florida driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. They also need to bring proof of their relationship to you. For a biological parent, this is usually a birth certificate. For an adoptive parent, an adoption decree. For a legal guardian, the court order establishing guardianship.

If the parent or guardian cannot attend in person, they can sign the DL 44 form in front of a notary public before you take it to the licensing office. The notary will charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 — and will verify the signer's identity. You will then bring the notarized form and your own documents to complete the process.

How to get the DL 44 form

You can read the DL 44 form from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at flhsmv.gov. Print it out and fill in your information before you go to the licensing office. You can also pick up a blank form at any Florida driver's license office.

The form has sections for your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. It also has a section for the parent or guardian's name, address, and signature. Make sure both you and the parent or guardian print your names clearly — illegible handwriting can delay processing.

What happens at the licensing office

Bring the signed DL 44 form, your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to your local driver's license office. Your parent or guardian should come with you. The staff will check that the form is complete and signed, verify the parent or guardian's identity, and take your process photo.

You will also take a written knowledge test (the permit test) at the same visit. If you pass, you will pay the permit fee — currently $7.50 for a learner's permit valid for six months — and receive your permit the same day. If you fail the test, you can retake it, but you cannot get the permit until you pass.

If a parent or guardian refuses to sign

If a parent or guardian will not sign the form, you have limited options. You cannot get a learner's permit without a signature. If you are 18 or older, you no longer need parental consent and can explore on your own. If you are under 18 and believe the refusal is part of abuse or neglect, you can contact the Florida Department of Children and Families or speak to a school counselor about your situation.

In rare cases, a court can appoint a guardian ad litem or temporary guardian if a parent is unable or unwilling to act in your best interest. This requires filing a petition with the family court in your county, and it is a longer process than straightforward getting a permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent sign the form if they don't live in Florida?

Yes. Your parent does not need to live in Florida or have a Florida ID. They can sign the form in front of a notary in their home state, and you can bring the notarized form to your Florida licensing office. Make sure the notary is a commissioned notary public — some states have different titles, but the seal and signature are what matters.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the Florida Department of Vital Statistics or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you need the permit urgently, ask the licensing office staff whether they will accept a temporary document while you wait for the official one.

Do I need both parents to sign if my parents are divorced?

No. Florida requires only one parent's signature. If one parent has sole custody, only that parent can sign. If you have joint custody, either parent can sign — you do not need both. Bring the custody order or divorce decree to show which parent has the authority to sign.

Can a stepparent sign the form?

Only if they are your legal guardian through adoption or a court order. A stepparent who is married to your biological parent but has not legally adopted you cannot sign. If your biological parent has remarried and wants the stepparent to have guardianship authority, that requires a separate legal process.

What if my parent is deceased?

If one parent is deceased and the other is living, the living parent signs. If both parents are deceased, the person with legal guardianship — usually a grandparent or other relative — signs. Bring the guardianship order and a death certificate for the deceased parent.