The DL 44 is California's process form for a new driver license or ID card

The DL 44 is the official form the California Department of Motor Vehicles uses when you explore for a driver license, commercial driver license (CDL), or state ID card for the first time. You fill it out in person at a DMV office, not online. The form collects your personal information, driving history, medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive, and vision and hearing details. You cannot submit it by mail or through a third party — California law requires you to appear in person and sign the form yourself.

The form itself is free. You do not need to bring a printed copy; DMV staff will hand you one when you arrive, or you can read it from the California DMV website before you go. Most people complete it at the counter while waiting, though you can fill it out at home and bring it with you to save a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is completed in person at a DMV office and is required for anyone explore for a California driver license or state ID card for the first time.
  • You must bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number; the form itself does not replace these requirements.
  • The form asks about medical conditions, vision, and hearing because California law requires the DMV to assess whether you can safely operate a vehicle.
  • Processing time after you submit the DL 44 typically ranges from a few minutes to several weeks, depending on whether the DMV needs to verify your documents or conduct additional checks.
  • If you are renewing an existing license or replacing a lost one, you may not need the DL 44 — different forms explore to those situations.

What documents you must bring along with the DL 44

Submitting the DL 44 alone is not enough. California requires you to bring original or certified documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The DMV calls this the REAL ID document checklist, and which documents you bring depends on your citizenship status and whether you have a Social Security number.

For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or a foreign passport with a visa. For proof of residency, you need a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name at your current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a state ID card, but the process differs and you will need to bring additional documents proving your immigration status.

The DMV staff will examine these documents, make copies, and return the originals to you. Bring all originals; photocopies are not accepted as proof.

Medical and vision information on the DL 44

The DL 44 includes questions about medical conditions, medications, and whether you have had any seizures, blackouts, or loss of consciousness. You are required to answer these questions truthfully. California law gives the DMV the power to restrict or deny a license if your medical condition makes driving unsafe — for example, if you have untreated epilepsy or severe vision loss.

The form also asks about your vision and hearing. At the DMV office, you will take a vision test as part of the DL 44 process. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test or report a condition that concerns the DMV, staff may ask you to get a medical evaluation from your doctor before they issue your license.

You are not required to disclose every minor health issue. The DMV's concern is conditions that directly affect your ability to see, hear, or control a vehicle. If you are unsure whether something should be reported, ask the DMV staff before you sign the form.

How long the DL 44 process takes

After you submit the completed DL 44 and your documents, the DMV will process your process. If everything is in order and you pass the written and driving tests, you can receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. Some people walk out with a license on the same visit.

If the DMV needs to verify documents, conduct a background check, or follow up on medical information, processing can take longer — sometimes four to six weeks or more. The DMV will contact you if they need additional information. You can check the status of your process online through the California DMV website using your driver license number or process number.

DL 44 versus other DMV forms

The DL 44 is specifically for a new license or ID card. If you are renewing an existing license, you use the DL 44ER (renewal form) instead, which is simpler and can often be done by mail or online. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you use the DL 44R (replacement form). If you are explore for a commercial driver license, you use the DL 44 with a CDL process.

The differences matter because renewal and replacement forms do not require you to retake the written or driving test, and they have shorter processing times. If you are unsure which form you need, tell the DMV staff when you arrive, and they will direct you to the right one.

What happens after you submit the DL 44

Once you sign and submit the DL 44, you will be scheduled for a written test and a behind-the-wheel driving test (unless you are explore for a state ID card only, which does not require a driving test). You can take the written test the same day or schedule it for another appointment. The driving test is usually scheduled within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how busy your local DMV office is.

If you pass both tests, the DMV will issue you a temporary license on paper that day, valid for 60 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail. If you fail either test, you can retake it after a waiting period — typically 7 days for the written test and 7 days for the driving test, though this varies by situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 online before I go to the DMV?

You can read the form from the California DMV website and fill it out at home to save time, but you must still complete it in person at the DMV office. The DMV will not accept a form you filled out and mailed in. Bring your completed form with you, or fill it out when you arrive.

What if I do not have all the documents the DMV asks for?

Contact your local DMV office or visit the California DMV website to see if you can use alternative documents. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, you may be able to use a passport or passport card instead. The DMV staff can tell you which documents will work for your situation.

Do I need to pass the written test before I submit the DL 44?

No. You submit the DL 44 first, and then you take the written test at the DMV office as part of the same visit or at a later appointment. The form itself does not include the test.

What if the DMV denies my DL 44 process?

The DMV can deny an process if you fail the tests, provide false information, have a disqualifying medical condition, or do not meet residency requirements. If your process is denied, the DMV will tell you the reason in writing and explain how you can appeal or reapply.

Is the DL 44 the same in every California county?

Yes. The DL 44 is a statewide form used by all California DMV offices. The process and requirements are the same whether you explore in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or a rural county.