The CA9948 is California's form for adding an endorsement to your driver's license or ID card

The CA9948 Endorsement Form is the official document you fill out when you want to add or change an endorsement on your California driver's license or identification card. An endorsement is a special notation that shows you have met specific requirements — for example, that you can legally drive a motorcycle, or that you have corrective lenses restrictions. The form itself is just the paperwork; the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reviews it and decides whether to add the endorsement to your license.

You do not always need this form. If you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one, the DMV process process includes endorsement questions. You only need the CA9948 if you want to add or change an endorsement between renewals, or if you are correcting an endorsement that was recorded incorrectly.

Key Takeaways

  • The CA9948 is used to add, change, or correct an endorsement on your California driver's license or ID card without renewing the entire license.
  • Common endorsements include motorcycle (M), air brake (H), and corrective lenses (B), each with its own testing or documentation requirements.
  • You can submit the form in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third party, depending on the type of endorsement.
  • The DMV may ask for proof that you meet the endorsement requirements, such as a passing test score or a medical certification.

What endorsements are and which ones exist

An endorsement is a code on your license that shows you are authorized to do something beyond basic driving. Each endorsement has a letter: M for motorcycle, H for air brakes, N for tank vehicles, O for hazardous materials, and so on. Some endorsements require you to pass a written test, a skills test, or both. Others require medical certification or a background check.

The most common endorsement people add is the motorcycle (M) endorsement, which requires passing a written test and a riding skills test. The air brake (H) endorsement is common for people who drive large trucks and requires a written test. The corrective lenses (B) endorsement is not something you request — the DMV adds it automatically if your vision test shows you need glasses or contacts to drive safely.

When you need to submit the CA9948

You submit the CA9948 when you want to add a new endorsement to a license you already hold, or when you want to correct an endorsement that is wrong. For example, if you passed your motorcycle test but the DMV did not add the M endorsement to your license, you would use this form to request the correction. If you want to add an air brake endorsement to your current license without waiting for your renewal, you would also use this form.

You do not use the CA9948 if you are renewing your license or getting a new one — those applications include endorsement questions built in. You also do not use it if you want to remove an endorsement; that is handled through a different process or during renewal.

How to get and fill out the form

The CA9948 is available on the California DMV website as a PDF you can read and print. You can also pick up a physical copy at any DMV office. The form is short and asks for your name, driver's license number, the endorsement you want to add or correct, and your signature. Some sections may ask you to describe why you are submitting the form — for example, "I passed the motorcycle test" or "The endorsement was recorded incorrectly."

Fill out the form in black or blue ink, print clearly, and sign it. If you are submitting it by mail, keep a copy for your records. If you are submitting it in person, bring the original and be ready to show your current driver's license.

Where to submit the CA9948

You have three main options for submitting the form. You can bring it in person to any DMV office during business hours, along with your current license and any supporting documents the DMV requires for that endorsement. You can mail it to the DMV address listed on the form, which varies by region. You can also have an authorized third party, such as a traffic school or a driving school, submit it on your behalf if they are registered with the DMV to do so.

In-person submission is usually the fastest because a DMV staff member can review the form on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. Mailed submissions typically take longer — usually two to four weeks — because the form has to travel and be processed in order. Check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm the correct mailing address for your region.

What documents you may need to bring or send

The documents required depend on which endorsement you are adding. If you are adding a motorcycle endorsement, you will need proof that you passed the motorcycle written test and the riding skills test — usually a test score sheet or a certificate from an approved motorcycle training course. If you are adding an air brake endorsement, you need proof of a passing written test score. If you are correcting an endorsement that was recorded wrong, you may need the original test results or a letter from the DMV explaining the error.

Always check the DMV website or call your local office before submitting to confirm exactly what documents are required for the specific endorsement you want. Submitting incomplete paperwork will delay the process because the DMV will have to contact you to ask for the missing items.

How long the process takes

If you submit the CA9948 in person at a DMV office, you may receive a temporary endorsement on the spot or within a few days, depending on the endorsement type and whether all your documents are in order. Your permanent updated license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. If you mail the form, expect the entire process to take three to six weeks from the date the DMV receives it.

The timeline can vary if the DMV needs to verify test scores with another agency or if there is a backlog at your local office. If you need the endorsement urgently, submitting in person is your best option because you can resolve any missing documents when ready rather than waiting for the DMV to mail you a request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a test to add an endorsement?

It depends on the endorsement. Motorcycle (M), air brake (H), and hazmat (O) endorsements all require passing a written test, and motorcycle also requires a riding skills test. Other endorsements like corrective lenses (B) are added automatically based on your vision test results. Check the DMV website for the specific requirements of the endorsement you want.

Can I add an endorsement if my license is expired?

No. You must have a valid, current driver's license to add an endorsement using the CA9948. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it first. You can renew and add an endorsement at the same time by submitting a renewal process instead of the CA9948.

What if I submit the form and the DMV says I do not meet the requirements?

The DMV will contact you to explain why the endorsement was denied. Common reasons include not having a passing test score on file, failing to provide required medical documentation, or not meeting age requirements for certain endorsements. You can reapply once you have met the requirement — for example, by retaking and passing the written test.

Can someone else submit the CA9948 for me?

Yes, an authorized third party such as a licensed driving school or traffic school can submit it on your behalf if they are registered with the DMV. You will need to sign the form and provide them with any required documents. Not all third parties offer this service, so call ahead to confirm.