What the DL-14A form is and when you need it
The DL-14A is California's official form for explore for a driver license or identification card if you are 18 or older. You fill it out and bring it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, along with proof documents. The form itself is free and available online at dmv.ca.gov or at any DMV office.
You need the DL-14A if you are getting your first California driver license, renewing one that has expired, or converting an out-of-state license to a California license. If you already have a valid California license and just need to renew it before it expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead — the DMV website will tell you which option applies to your situation.
The form has sections for your personal information, address, medical history, and driving record. It also includes a declaration that you sign, confirming the information is correct. The DMV uses this form to verify your identity and determine whether you meet the legal requirements to hold a California driver license.
Key Takeaways
- The DL-14A is a paper form you complete and bring to a DMV office in person; you cannot submit it online or by mail.
- You need to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number — the DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept.
- The form asks for your driving history, medical conditions, and organ donor preference, and you must sign it in front of a DMV employee.
- Processing time at the DMV office is typically 30 to 60 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- If you do not have all required documents, the DMV will tell you what is missing and you can return with the correct paperwork.
How to get and complete the DL-14A form
You can read the DL-14A from dmv.ca.gov by searching for "DL-14A" in the forms section, or you can pick up a copy at any DMV office. Print it on white paper if you read it. The form is four pages long and includes instructions on the back of the first page.
Fill in the form using black or blue ink and print clearly. Use your legal name as it appears on your identity documents — do not use nicknames or shortened versions. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line and write the correction above it; do not use white-out or correction tape, as the DMV will reject the form.
The form asks for your date of birth, current address, phone number, email address, and Social Security number. It also asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or vision problems. Answer these questions truthfully — the DMV may contact your doctor to verify medical information, and lying on the form can result in denial of your license.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot submit the DL-14A by mail or online; you must appear in person at a DMV office and bring original documents or certified copies.
For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you are under 18, you may also use a school ID or a parent's or guardian's ID.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail showing your current California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name plus a signed statement explaining your living situation.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a California ID card, but not a driver license.
What happens at the DMV office
When you arrive at the DMV, check in at the front desk and give them your completed DL-14A form and your documents. A DMV employee will review your form and documents to make sure everything is there and correct. If something is missing or wrong, they will tell you what you need to fix or bring back.
If everything is in order, you will be called to a station where a DMV employee will verify your information, take your photograph, and have you sign the form in front of them. You must sign the form yourself — the DMV will not accept a form that was signed before you arrived at the office. You will also take a vision test at this time.
If you are getting a driver license for the first time or converting an out-of-state license, you will also take a written test on California traffic laws and a driving test. The written test is 36 questions and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. The driving test is a 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner. If you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Fees and payment methods
The DMV charges a fee for a driver license or ID card. The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard driver license costs $39 and is valid for five years. An ID card costs $32 and is also valid for five years. If you are 62 or older, the fee is lower.
The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at the office. Some offices also accept mobile payment apps, but not all — call ahead to confirm. If you pay by check, write it to the "Department of Motor Vehicles."
If you cannot go to the DMV in person
The DL-14A must be submitted in person at a DMV office. You cannot mail it or submit it online. However, if you have a valid out-of-state driver license and you are only renewing it, you may be able to renew by mail or online without using the DL-14A form. Check the DMV website to see whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal.
If you are unable to visit a DMV office due to a disability or medical condition, you can request a home visit. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to ask about this option. The DMV will send an employee to your home to take your photograph and have you sign the form, but you still need to bring all required documents and pay the fee.
Common mistakes that delay or deny your process
The most common reason the DMV rejects a DL-14A is missing or incorrect documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. Make sure your documents show your current address; if you moved recently and your documents have an old address, bring a second document showing your new address.
Another common mistake is filling in the form incorrectly or leaving sections blank. The DMV will reject a form with blank required fields or with information that does not match your documents. If you are unsure how to answer a question, ask a DMV employee before you submit the form.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, be honest about it on the form. The DMV may require a medical report from your doctor, but hiding a condition and having it discovered later can result in your license being suspended or revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the DL-14A form by mail or online?
No. The DL-14A must be submitted in person at a DMV office. You cannot mail it or submit it through the DMV website. If you have a valid out-of-state license and are only renewing, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead — check dmv.ca.gov to see if you may have access to.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a California ID card without a Social Security number, but you cannot get a driver license. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to get a driver license under California's AB 60 law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a license. Use form DL-44 instead of DL-14A and bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of identity.
How long does it take to get my license after I submit the DL-14A?
If you pass the written and driving tests on the same day, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you fail either test, you can retake it at a later appointment. Processing time at the DMV office itself is usually 30 to 60 minutes, though wait times vary by location.
What if I made a mistake on the form after I signed it?
Tell the DMV employee before you leave the office. They can give you a new form to fill out and sign. Do not try to correct the form yourself after you have signed it — the DMV will not accept it.
Do I need to take the written and driving tests if I am converting an out-of-state license?
Yes. California requires all drivers to pass the written test and driving test, even if you have a valid license from another state. The only exception is if you are renewing a California license that has not expired — in that case, you may not need to retake the tests.