What the DL 44 form is and when you need it
The DL 44 is California's official process form for a driver license or identification card. You fill it out in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office when you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or switching from an out-of-state license to a California license. The form itself is one page, but the DMV requires you to bring specific documents along with it — the form alone won't get you a license.
You can read the DL 44 from the California DMV website before you go, or pick one up at the DMV office. Either way, you'll complete it there, usually at a kiosk or counter, and submit it with your documents and payment. The form collects your name, address, date of birth, physical description, and signature — information the DMV uses to create your license record and check it against their database.
Key Takeaways
- The DL 44 is a one-page form you complete in person at a California DMV office; you cannot submit it by mail or online.
- You must bring a completed DL 44 along with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an exemption letter.
- The DMV charges a fee for a driver license or ID card, and the amount depends on the type of license and how long it's valid.
- If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form in addition to you, and you may need to pass a written test and driving test.
- Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted for most documents.
Documents you must bring with the DL 44
The DL 44 form is just the start. The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents vary, and the DMV is strict about originals versus copies.
For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a consular report of birth abroad. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name and current address — documents must be dated within the last 62 days. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access.
The DMV does not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents for most of these items. Bring originals or certified copies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.
How to fill out the DL 44 form itself
The form has sections for personal information, driving history, medical conditions, and declarations. Print or write clearly in black or blue ink. Do not use pencil or correction fluid — if you make a mistake, ask the DMV staff for a new form.
Fill in your full legal name as it appears on your proof of identity document. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the change. Enter your date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. For the physical description section, the DMV may measure your height and ask about eye color and distinguishing marks — you don't fill this in yourself; the DMV staff do it.
The form asks whether you have any medical conditions that might affect your driving, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or hearing loss. Answer honestly. The DMV may require a medical evaluation from your doctor if you report certain conditions, but reporting a condition does not automatically disqualify you. The form also asks about traffic violations and accidents — answer based on your driving record in California and any other states where you've held a license.
Signature requirements and age-specific rules
You must sign the DL 44 form in person at the DMV. A staff member will watch you sign. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must also sign the form and be present when you submit it. The parent or guardian must bring their own proof of identity.
If you're under 18, you'll also need to pass a written test on California traffic laws and road signs before you can get a learner's permit. After holding the permit for at least six months, you can take a behind-the-wheel driving test. If you're 18 or older and getting your first California license, you still need to pass the written test, but the driving test requirement depends on whether you hold a valid license from another state or country.
Fees and processing time
The DMV charges different fees depending on what you're getting. A standard driver license costs one amount; a Real ID-compliant driver license costs more. An identification card (for people who don't drive) has its own fee. Fees also vary based on how long the license is valid — typically four or ten years. The DMV website lists current fees by license type.
Processing time at the DMV office varies by location and time of day. Some offices are busier than others. You can make an appointment online through the California DMV website, which usually reduces your wait time. Without an appointment, expect to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the office and the time you arrive. Your temporary license is usually issued the same day; your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Real ID compliance and what it means
California offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or another acceptable form of federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
The DL 44 form is the same for both types. The difference is in the documents you bring. For a Real ID license, your proof of identity and proof of residency documents must meet stricter requirements — for example, your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy. If you're not sure whether your documents may have access to, ask the DMV staff before you submit the form. You can always get a standard license now and upgrade to Real ID later.
What happens if information on your DL 44 is wrong or changes
If you make a mistake on the form before you submit it, ask the DMV for a new one. Once the DMV processes your form and issues your license, you can update your information by submitting a new DL 44 form or by using the DMV's online change-of-address service if you're only changing your address. If you need to change your name, you'll need to bring a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate along with a new DL 44 form.
If the DMV issues your license with incorrect information, contact the DMV office where you applied and bring your license and proof of the correct information. They can issue a corrected license, usually at no additional charge if the error was the DMV's fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out the DL 44 online or by mail?
No. You must complete the DL 44 in person at a DMV office. You cannot submit it by mail or online. You can read it ahead of time to review it, but you'll sign it and submit it at the office.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can still get a California driver license or ID card. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access for a Social Security number, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation. The DMV will issue you a license with an identification number instead of your Social Security number.
Do I need to take a test if I'm renewing my license?
If you're renewing a valid California license, you do not need to take a written or driving test. You only need to submit the DL 44 form, your current license, and proof of residency. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the tests.
What if my documents are in another language?
Bring the original document in its original language plus an official English translation. The translation must be certified by a translator or the issuing agency. A translation done by a friend or family member is not accepted.
How do I know if my documents meet the Real ID requirements?
The DMV website lists which documents may have access to for Real ID. If you're unsure, bring your documents to the DMV office and ask the staff before you submit the form. They can tell you whether your documents meet the standard or whether you'll get a regular license instead.