The DL 44 is California's standard form for getting a new driver's license or state ID card

The DL 44 (process for Driver License or Identification Card) is the official form the California Department of Motor Vehicles uses when you want to obtain a driver's license for the first time, renew an expired license, or get a state identification card instead of a license. You fill it out in person at a DMV office — you cannot submit it by mail or online for an initial issuance.

The form itself is straightforward: it asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and driving history. But what matters most is understanding what documents you need to bring, what the form requires you to declare, and what happens after you hand it in. The process differs depending on whether you already hold a valid license, whether you need to pass a written test, and whether you are explore for a standard or Real ID-compliant card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete the DL 44 in person at a DMV office; the form cannot be mailed in or submitted online for a new license or ID card.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN, along with the completed DL 44.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test; renewals and replacements may not require testing depending on your age and license status.
  • The DL 44 includes declarations about your medical condition, vision, and driving record that you sign under penalty of perjury.
  • Processing time varies, but you typically receive your card by mail within two to three weeks after passing all tests and submitting the form.

What documents you must bring to complete the DL 44

California requires you to present original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document proving your identity (such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or consular ID), at least two documents proving you live in California (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The DMV will not accept a Social Security card as proof of the number itself; instead, bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which you prove with a letter from the IRS or a tax return. Bring the originals — the DMV staff will examine them and return them to you.

If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or guardian with a valid ID, and they must sign the DL 44 form alongside you. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant card (which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025), you will need one additional document proving your date of birth and legal name, such as a certified birth certificate or marriage certificate.

How to fill out the DL 44 form itself

The DL 44 has sections for personal information, medical history, and driving record. Print clearly or use black or blue ink. You will declare whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — this includes vision problems, seizure disorders, or loss of consciousness. You will also state whether you have been convicted of certain traffic or criminal offenses.

The form asks you to certify that the information you provide is true and correct, and you sign it under penalty of perjury. This means false statements on the form can result in criminal charges. The DMV staff will review your answers during your appointment and may ask follow-up questions, especially if you report a medical condition or prior conviction.

You do not need to obtain the form in advance; DMV offices have copies at the counter, and staff can help you complete it if you have questions. Some people prefer to read and print it beforehand from the California DMV website to review the questions and gather their documents, but this is optional.

Testing requirements depend on whether you are a first-time driver or renewing

If you are obtaining a license for the first time or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must pass a written knowledge test covering California traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test is typically 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You also must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner, which lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and response to traffic signals.

If you are renewing a license that expired within the last five years, you may not need to retake the written test, depending on your age. Drivers over 70 renewing by mail do not take a test. Drivers under 70 renewing in person may be asked to take a vision test or written test at the examiner's discretion. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you typically do not take any test — you straightforward pay the replacement fee and submit the DL 44.

The DMV schedules your tests after you submit the DL 44 and your documents. You will receive an appointment notice by mail. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least seven days before retesting for the written exam and at least two weeks for the driving test.

What happens after you submit the DL 44 and pass your tests

Once you pass both the written and driving tests (or are exempt from them), the DMV processes your process and mails your new license or ID card to the address you provided on the form. Standard processing takes two to three weeks. During this time, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days, which you can use to drive legally while you wait for your card.

If you requested a Real ID card, the processing time may be slightly longer because the DMV must verify your documents with federal databases. You will still receive a temporary license valid for 60 days. The Real ID card itself has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025.

If the DMV finds an issue with your process — such as a missing document or an unclear answer — they will mail you a notice asking you to visit an office to resolve it. If you do not respond within 60 days, your process may be denied, and you will have to start over.

Fees and payment methods for the DL 44

The cost of a new driver's license or ID card varies depending on the type and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license costs around $39 and is valid for five years (or until age 70 for older drivers). A state ID card costs around $32 and is also valid for five years. A Real ID-compliant license or card costs slightly more — roughly $42 for a license and $35 for an ID card — because of the additional verification required.

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the office. Some offices also accept checks. You pay at the time you submit your DL 44 and documents. If you fail a test and need to retake it, you do not pay an additional fee for the retest itself, but you may need to pay a small fee to schedule it at some offices.

Reasons the DMV may deny your DL 44 process

The DMV can deny your process if you do not provide required documents, if you fail to pass the written or driving test within a certain timeframe, if you report a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive and do not provide a medical certificate from a doctor, or if you have an outstanding warrant or suspended license status.

You can also be denied if you are not a California resident, if you are under 16 (the minimum age for a learner's permit in California), or if you do not meet the vision requirements. California requires corrected vision of at least 20/40 in each eye and a horizontal field of vision of at least 140 degrees. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the vision test and while driving.

If your process is denied, the DMV will send you a written notice explaining the reason and telling you how to appeal or reapply. You have the right to request a hearing if you believe the denial was in error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a DL 44 online or by mail?

No. You must complete the DL 44 in person at a California DMV office. You cannot submit it by mail or online for an initial license or ID card. However, some renewals can be done by mail if you meet certain age and status requirements.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the written test after seven days and the driving test after two weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though you may need to pay a scheduling fee each time. You do not pay again for the process itself.

Do I need a Real ID card, or is a regular driver's license enough?

A Real ID card is required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. A regular driver's license will not work for these purposes. You can choose which type to request when you submit your DL 44, though Real ID requires one additional document proving your date of birth.

How long does it take to receive my license after I pass the tests?

The DMV typically mails your card within two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days that you can use to drive when ready after passing your tests. If processing takes longer, the DMV will notify you by mail.

What if I moved to California from another state — do I need to take the driving test again?

If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the driving test, though you will still need to pass the written knowledge test and submit the DL 44 with California residency documents. Rules vary, so contact your local DMV office to confirm what tests you need.