What form you need and where to get it

California uses the DL 44 form for a first-time driver license and the DL 43 form for a renewal or replacement. You can get both forms from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website at dmv.ca.gov, at any DMV office in person, or by mail if you call the DMV. The form itself is free — there is no charge to read or request it.

The DL 44 is the main form you will fill out if you do not yet have a California driver license. It asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and driving history. The DMV also provides a separate Vision Screening Form (DL 62) that you may need if you wear corrective lenses or have a vision condition. You do not fill this out yourself — the DMV vision screener completes it during your appointment.

If you already have a California license and need to renew it or get a replacement, use the DL 43 instead. The DL 43 is shorter and does not require you to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV has reason to ask you to.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time applicants use the DL 44 form; people renewing or replacing an existing license use the DL 43 form.
  • Both forms are free and available on the DMV website, at any DMV office, or by mail request.
  • You will also need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • The DMV requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test before issuing a first-time license.
  • Bring original documents to your appointment — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a foreign passport with a visa, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. A school ID or library card is not enough on its own.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current California address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization that serves you.

Bring the original documents, not photocopies. The DMV staff will examine them in person and return them to you. If you do not have your Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which is issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number.

How to fill out the DL 44 form correctly

The DL 44 has sections for personal information, medical history, and driving history. Print clearly in black or blue ink, or fill it out on a computer before you print it. The DMV website has a fillable PDF version of the DL 44 that you can complete on your computer and then print.

Section 1 asks for your name, date of birth, and sex. Section 2 asks for your current address and mailing address if different. Section 3 covers your Social Security number or ITIN. Section 4 asks about medical conditions — be honest here, because the DMV uses this to determine whether you need a vision screening or other evaluation. Section 5 asks about your driving history in other states or countries.

Do not leave fields blank unless the form says they are optional. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" or "None." Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. The DMV will not accept an unsigned form, and you must sign it in front of a DMV staff member — you cannot sign it at home and bring it in.

Steps to submit your form and schedule a test

Bring your completed DL 44 form, your documents, and your payment to a DMV office. You can find the nearest office and check wait times on the DMV website. Some DMV offices allow you to make an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Making an appointment usually means a shorter wait.

When you arrive, a DMV staff member will review your form and documents. They will take a photo for your license and conduct a vision screening. If you pass the vision screening, you will take the written test on a computer or on paper, depending on the office. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 15 of 20 questions correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test appointment. The driving test usually happens within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how busy your local DMV is. You will drive with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians.

Fees and payment methods

The DMV charges a fee for a first-time driver license. The exact amount varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid — typically 5 or 10 years. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DMV offices. Some offices accept payment online if you make an appointment in advance.

If you are under 18, you will get a provisional license first, which has restrictions on when and where you can drive. The fee for a provisional license is lower than for a full license. When you turn 18, you can exchange your provisional license for a full license, usually without paying an additional fee.

What happens if you fail the written or driving test

If you do not pass the written test, you can take it again the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the written test. Most people who fail study the DMV handbook and try again within a week or two.

If you do not pass the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can take it again. You will need to pay the test fee again. The DMV examiner will tell you what you did wrong — common reasons include not checking mirrors, not signaling turns, or not stopping completely at stop signs. You can practice with a licensed driver and return when you feel ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 form online and submit it without going to the DMV?

No. You must appear in person at a DMV office to sign the form in front of staff, take a photo, pass a vision screening, and take the written test. The form itself can be filled out at home, but the DMV will not accept it by mail or email.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have my number memorized?

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. You can also bring a tax return, W-2, or other document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead.

Do I need to bring the original DL 44 form or can I print a copy?

You can print a copy. The DMV does not require you to use a specific copy — any printed version of the form from the DMV website is acceptable. You can also fill it out by hand at the DMV office if you prefer, though arriving with it completed saves time.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?

The DMV usually issues a temporary license on the spot after you pass the driving test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive with the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What if my address changes after I submit the DL 44 form but before my appointment?

Contact the DMV before your appointment to update your address. You can call, visit the website, or go to an office in person. Bring proof of your new address if you go in person. If you do not update it before your appointment, tell the DMV staff when you arrive, and they can update it for you.