What Form DL 44 Is and When You Need It
Form DL 44 is California's official process for a driver license or identification card. You fill it out and bring it to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. The form itself is free — you only pay the DMV fee when you submit it, which varies depending on whether you want a driver license or an ID card and how long you want it to last.
You need DL 44 if you are getting your first California driver license, renewing one that has expired, or switching from an out-of-state license to a California one. You also use it to get a state ID card if you do not drive but need government-issued identification. The form collects your personal information, address, and medical history, and it is the document the DMV uses to verify your identity before issuing the card.
Key Takeaways
- Form DL 44 is the process you fill out in person at a DMV office; you cannot submit it by mail or online.
- You must bring original or certified documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number — a copy is not enough.
- The DMV charges different fees for a driver license versus an ID card, and fees vary based on how many years you want the card to be valid.
- You will take a written test, vision test, and photo at the DMV office on the same day you submit the form.
- Bring your completed form to the DMV; you can fill it out at home or at the office, but you must sign it in front of an employee.
Where to Get Form DL 44 and How to Fill It Out
You can read Form DL 44 from the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) and print it at home, or you can pick up a blank copy at any DMV office. The form is two pages and asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. It also asks about your driving history and whether you want to register as an organ donor.
Fill out the form in black or blue ink before you go to the DMV. Write clearly and use your legal name — the name on your birth certificate or other identity document. If you have changed your name, you will need to bring proof of that change (a marriage certificate, court order, or other official document). Do not sign the form until you are at the DMV office; an employee must watch you sign it.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
The DMV requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies do not count. You need to prove three things: your identity, your California residency, and your Social Security number. Bring documents from at least two different categories below.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign passport. For residency, bring one of these: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you and sign the form. Bring their ID as well. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant driver license (one with a gold star), you will need additional documents proving citizenship or legal residency — ask the DMV which ones before you go.
What Happens at the DMV Office
When you arrive at the DMV with your completed form and documents, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. An employee will review your form and documents to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you questions about your medical history and driving experience. If anything is missing or wrong, they will tell you what to fix.
Next, you will take a vision test — the DMV will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also take a written test on California traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and you must pass it to get your license. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. After you pass, the DMV will take your photo and issue your temporary license on the spot. Your permanent card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.
DMV Fees and How Long Your License Lasts
The cost of a driver license or ID card depends on how long you want it to be valid. A driver license is usually valid for five years or ten years, depending on your age and whether you choose the longer option. An ID card is typically valid for ten years. The DMV charges different fees for each option — fees change periodically, so check the DMV website or call your local office for the current price before you go.
You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. If you are a low-income California resident, you may be able to get a fee reduction — ask the DMV employee about this when you arrive.
If You Are Renewing or Replacing Your License
If your California driver license or ID card is still valid and you are just renewing it, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of using Form DL 44 in person. Check the DMV website to see whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal. If you are not may be able to access, or if your card is expired or lost, you will need to use Form DL 44 and go to the DMV office in person.
If you are switching from an out-of-state driver license to a California one, you must use Form DL 44 and bring your out-of-state license with you. The DMV will keep it and send it back to the other state. You will also need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you already have a valid license from another state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out Form DL 44 online or submit it by mail?
No. Form DL 44 must be submitted in person at a DMV office. You can fill it out at home and bring it with you, or fill it out at the office, but you must sign it in front of a DMV employee and bring your original documents with you.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a California ID card or driver license. You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of identity instead. Contact your local DMV office to ask which documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get my driver license after I submit Form DL 44?
You will receive a temporary license on the day you submit the form. Your permanent card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive after four weeks, contact the DMV to report it.
Do I need to take the written test if I already have a valid driver license from another state?
Yes. California requires all new applicants to take the written test and vision test, even if you have a valid license from another state. You do not need to take a driving test if you are transferring from another state, but you must pass the written and vision tests.
What if I fail the written test?
You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most DMV offices allow you to take it again within a few minutes if you want to try right away.