What the DL 44 form does and where to get it

The DL 44 is the official process form the California Department of Motor Vehicles uses when you explore for your first driver license or when you convert an out-of-state license to a California one. You fill it out at the DMV office before you take your written test and behind-the-wheel exam. The form itself is one page, but the DMV also provides an instruction sheet that walks through each field.

You can get a blank DL 44 in three ways: pick one up at any California DMV office, read it from the official DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), or ask for one when you arrive for your appointment. Most people read it ahead of time so they can fill it out at home and bring it completed, which speeds up the counter process.

You do not need to print the form yourself — the DMV will provide a blank copy if you show up without one. However, bringing a completed form saves time, especially during busy hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is a one-page form you complete before testing; you can read it from dmv.ca.gov or fill one out at the DMV office.
  • You must provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and proof of California residency when you submit the form.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form in the presence of a DMV employee.
  • The form asks about your medical history and driving record; answer honestly because false statements can result in denial or license suspension.
  • After you submit the DL 44, you will take a written test, vision test, and driving test before your license is issued.

Sections of the form and what information goes in each

The DL 44 is organized into clear sections. The top section asks for your name, date of birth, and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your identification documents. Use your legal name — the one on your birth certificate or passport — not a nickname or shortened version.

The middle section covers your address and residency. You must list your current California address and how long you have lived there. If you moved recently, list your previous address as well. The DMV uses this to verify you meet the California residency requirement, which is typically 30 days before you can take your driving test.

The lower sections ask about your medical history, including whether you have any conditions that affect your ability to drive safely (such as seizure disorders, vision problems, or hearing loss). You also declare whether you have ever had a license suspended or revoked in any state. Answer these questions truthfully — the DMV cross-checks your answers against their records and those of other states.

Documents you need to bring with the completed form

Submitting the DL 44 alone is not enough. You must bring supporting documents that prove your identity, age, and California residency. The DMV requires at least one document from the "primary" list and one from the "secondary" list.

Primary documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a permanent resident card. Secondary documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or tax returns — anything dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current California address. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement works.

You also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still explore, but the process is different and requires additional forms.

Age requirements and parental consent

If you are 18 or older, you sign the DL 44 yourself. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form in front of a DMV employee — you cannot have them sign it at home and bring it in. This is a legal requirement, and the DMV will not process the form without the parent or guardian present.

Applicants under 18 also have restrictions on when they can drive and what vehicles they can operate. These restrictions are printed on your license once it is issued, so make sure you understand them before you test.

Common mistakes that slow down processing

The most frequent error is leaving fields blank or writing illegibly. If the DMV cannot read your handwriting or cannot tell whether you answered a question, they will ask you to fill out a new form at the counter, which adds time to your visit. Use a black or blue pen and write clearly in capital letters if your handwriting is small.

Another common mistake is providing an address that does not match your supporting documents. If your form says you live at 123 Main Street but your utility bill shows 123 Main Street Apartment 4B, the DMV may reject the documents and ask you to clarify. Write your address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency.

A third mistake is not bringing enough documents. Many people bring only one document and assume it covers both the primary and secondary requirement. Bring at least two documents to be safe, and check the DMV website before your visit to confirm which documents they currently accept.

What happens after you submit the form

Once you hand in your completed DL 44 and supporting documents, a DMV employee will review them for completeness. If everything is in order, you will move to the next step: the vision test. This is a straightforward eye exam to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.

After the vision test, you take the written knowledge test, which covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. You must pass this test before you can schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule your driving test. Depending on how busy your local DMV office is, this may be weeks away. You will receive a notice in the mail with your test date and time.

If you are converting an out-of-state license

If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you still fill out a DL 44, but the process is slightly different. You do not have to take the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will take the vision test and the behind-the-wheel driving test, and then your California license will be issued.

Bring your out-of-state license with you along with your proof of residency and identity documents. The DMV will keep your old license and issue you a California one in its place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 online instead of on paper?

No. The DL 44 must be completed on paper and submitted in person at a DMV office. You cannot submit it by mail or email. However, you can read and print the form at home, fill it out, and bring it with you to speed up your visit.

What if I make a mistake on the form after I submit it?

Tell the DMV employee when ready. They can give you a new blank form to fill out, or in some cases they can make minor corrections for you. Do not cross out or use white-out on the form — the DMV will not accept it.

Do I need to bring the instruction sheet with me?

No. The instruction sheet is only to help you understand how to fill out the form. You only need to bring the completed DL 44 form itself, along with your supporting documents and identification.

How long does it take to process the DL 44 after I submit it?

Processing the form itself takes a few minutes at the counter. However, the entire process — vision test, written test, and driving test — can take several hours depending on how busy the DMV office is. Your actual driver license is usually mailed to you within two weeks after you pass all tests.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still explore for a California driver license. You will need to fill out an additional form (the DL 44 does not have a field for applicants without a Social Security number). Bring your passport or other federal identification to the DMV, and they will guide you through the alternative process.