What the DL 44 form is and when you need it
The DL 44 is California's official driver license process form. You fill it out when you explore for your first California driver license, when you renew after your license expires, or when you need to replace a lost or damaged license. The form collects your personal information, driving history, and medical details that the Department of Motor Vehicles uses to process your request.
You can get a DL 44 in person at any DMV office, or you can read and print it from the California DMV website before you go. Bringing it filled out ahead of time can speed up your visit, though DMV staff can also help you complete it on-site if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- The DL 44 asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and medical information in specific sections.
- You must bring original documents to prove your identity, California residency, and Social Security number — the form itself is not enough.
- Your signature on the form must match the signature you provide at the DMV counter, so sign it the same way both times.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form in the designated section, and you will have different restrictions on your license.
How to complete each section of the DL 44
Start with your legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport — first name, middle name, and last name. If you have changed your name, use your current legal name. The DMV will ask you to prove the name change with a court order or marriage certificate, so have that document ready when you visit.
Fill in your date of birth, current mailing address, and the address where you actually live if they are different. Use your residential address — the place where you sleep most nights — not a work address or a friend's address. The DMV uses this to assign you to the correct local office for renewals and to verify you live in California.
Enter your Social Security number in the space provided. This is required even if you are not a U.S. citizen; California issues licenses to some non-citizens, and the DMV uses the Social Security number to check your driving record. If you do not have a Social Security number, write "none" and bring documentation of your immigration status.
In the medical section, answer honestly about any conditions that affect your ability to drive — vision problems, hearing loss, seizures, or medications that cause drowsiness. You are not required to disclose every health condition, only those that could impact driving safety. If you check "yes" to any medical question, the DMV may ask you to have a doctor fill out a separate medical evaluation form.
Documents you must bring to match the form
The DL 44 form alone does not prove who you are. California law requires you to bring original documents — not copies — that show your identity, prove you live in California, and verify your Social Security number. The DMV will not accept a filled-out form without these documents.
For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a foreign national ID. For proof of California residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form from your employer.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. They will sign the form in front of a DMV employee, and you will receive a provisional license with restrictions — you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months, and you cannot carry passengers under 20 years old without an adult present.
Signing the form correctly
Your signature on the DL 44 must be in pen, not pencil, and it must match the signature you provide at the DMV counter. Sign your name the same way both times — if you sign "John Smith" on the form, sign "John Smith" at the counter, not "J. Smith" or "Jonathan Smith." The DMV compares the two signatures to prevent fraud.
Do not sign the form until you are at the DMV office in front of a staff member. Some people sign it at home and then change their mind about how they want to sign, which creates a mismatch. If you make a mistake, ask the DMV employee for a new blank form rather than crossing out and initialing the error.
What happens after you submit the form
Once you hand in your completed DL 44 and documents, a DMV employee will review everything for completeness. They will take your photograph, have you read a vision test, and administer a written knowledge test about California traffic laws. If you pass the written test, you will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 60 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address.
Your permanent plastic license usually arrives within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within a month, contact the DMV to report it. You can use the temporary paper license to drive during this time, but keep it with you — it is your proof of licensure until the plastic card arrives.
Common mistakes to avoid on the DL 44
Do not leave any required field blank. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" or "none" rather than leaving it empty. The DMV may reject an incomplete form and ask you to fill it out again, which delays your appointment.
Do not use a nickname or shortened version of your name. Use your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate. If you go by a different name in daily life, you can change your legal name through the court system, but the DMV will not accept an unofficial nickname on the form.
Do not assume your old address is still on file if you have moved. Write your current address clearly. If the DMV has your old address and you move again before your license arrives, the card will go to the wrong place and you will have to request a replacement.
If you need a form in a language other than English
The California DMV provides the DL 44 in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. You can request a form in your preferred language when you visit a DMV office, or you can read a translated version from the California DMV website before you go.
A DMV employee can also help you complete the form in person if you need language support. Bring someone who speaks both English and your language if you want extra help understanding the questions, though this is not required — DMV staff in many locations speak multiple languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out the DL 44 online instead of printing it?
No, you must bring a printed form or fill one out in person at the DMV. California does not have an online form for first-time driver licenses. You can read and print the form from the DMV website to save time, or ask for a blank form when you arrive at the office.
What if I make a mistake while filling out the DL 44?
If you make a small error in pen, you can cross it out neatly and initial the change. If the form becomes too messy or you make multiple mistakes, ask the DMV for a fresh blank form. Do not use white-out or tape — the DMV will reject it.
Do I need to bring the DL 44 if I renew my license by mail?
No, mail-in renewals use a different form. If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired and you have not changed your address or medical information, you can renew by mail without visiting the DMV. The DMV will send you renewal forms in the mail before your license expires.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen — can I still use the DL 44?
Yes, California issues driver licenses to some non-citizens, including people with valid visas and work permits. Fill out the DL 44 normally and bring your passport and visa or work permit as proof of identity. If you do not have a Social Security number, write "none" in that field and bring immigration documents instead.
Can someone else submit my DL 44 form for me?
No, you must appear in person at the DMV to submit the form, take the vision test, and pass the written knowledge test. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also be present. You cannot have someone else turn in the form on your behalf.