What the DL 44 form is and who needs 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 explore for your first license, renew an expired one, or switch from an ID card to a driver license. The form itself is one page, but the DMV will also ask you to bring supporting documents — you cannot submit DL 44 by mail or online.
You need the DL 44 if you are a California resident explore for a driver license for the first time, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (rules vary), or if you want to upgrade an ID card to a driver license. If you are renewing a license that is still valid or only recently expired, you may be able to use a shorter form or renew online instead.
Key Takeaways
- The DL 44 is filled out at a DMV office in person; you cannot submit it by mail or online.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number when you go.
- The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driving history, and you sign it in front of a DMV employee.
- After you submit the DL 44, you will take a vision test, written test, and driving test (if explore for a driver license) at the same visit or a scheduled later date.
- Bring your completed form and all required documents to avoid delays or being turned away.
What documents you need to bring with the DL 44
The DMV requires three types of documents when you submit your DL 44: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. These are not optional — if you show up without them, the DMV will not process your process that day.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an ID card but not a driver license.
If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. The DMV website lists all acceptable documents in detail, so check before you go if you are unsure whether what you have will work.
How to fill out the DL 44 form itself
The DL 44 has sections for your personal information, your address, your driving history, and your medical history. Print clearly in black or blue ink, or ask a DMV employee for help if you need it — they can information you in filling it out before you submit it.
You will enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. The form asks whether you have ever held a driver license in California or another state, and if so, when it expired or was suspended. You will also answer questions about your vision, medical conditions, and medications that might affect your ability to drive safely. Answer these honestly — the DMV uses this information to decide whether you need restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or hand controls).
At the bottom of the form, you sign and date it in front of a DMV employee. You cannot sign it ahead of time. If you make a mistake while filling it out, ask for a new blank form rather than crossing things out.
What happens after you submit the DL 44
Once you hand in your completed DL 44 and documents, a DMV employee will review them to make sure everything is there. If something is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to fix or bring back. If everything is in order, you will move to the next step.
Next, you take a vision test. If you fail or need correction, you may be required to wear glasses or contacts while driving, and this will be noted on your license. After the vision test, you take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. If you are explore for a driver license (not just an ID card), you will also schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test, which may happen the same day or weeks later depending on how busy your local DMV office is.
Once you pass all required tests, the DMV issues your license or ID card. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.
Where to get a blank DL 44 form before you go
You can read and print the DL 44 from the California DMV website before your appointment, or you can pick up a blank form at any DMV office. Printing it ahead of time and filling it out at home saves time at the office, though you can also fill it out there if you prefer. Either way, remember that you must sign it in front of a DMV employee — do not sign it before you arrive.
If you want to schedule an appointment instead of walking in, you can do that through the DMV website. Having an appointment reduces wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted at most offices.
Differences between the DL 44 and other DMV forms
California has different forms for different situations. The DL 44 is for a new driver license or ID card, or for renewing one that has been expired for a long time. If your license is still valid or only recently expired, you may use the DL 44a form instead, which is shorter and can sometimes be renewed by mail or online.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you use the DL 44 but note that on the form. If you are changing your name or address, you can do that when you renew your license using the DL 44. The DMV website has a tool that asks you a few questions and tells you which form you need.
Common mistakes to avoid when submitting the DL 44
The most common reason people have to come back to the DMV is forgetting one of the three required document types. Bring all three — identity, residency, and Social Security proof — or you will waste a trip. The second most common mistake is bringing documents that are expired or do not match your current address, so double-check dates and addresses before you go.
Another frequent problem is signing the form before you arrive at the DMV. The DMV employee must watch you sign it, so if you sign it at home, you will have to sign it again in front of them or fill out a new form. Finally, if you are explore for a driver license and not just an ID card, remember that you will need to take a driving test, so do not show up in clothes or shoes that make it hard to operate a vehicle safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out the DL 44 online or by mail?
No. You must fill it out and submit it in person at a DMV office. You can read and print it ahead of time to save time, but you have to sign it in front of a DMV employee, and you have to bring your documents with you.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a California ID card, but you cannot get a driver license. The DMV will issue you an ID number instead. Bring whatever proof of identity and residency you have, and ask the DMV what documents they will accept in place of a Social Security card.
How long does it take to process the DL 44 after I submit it?
Your temporary paper license is issued the same day you pass your tests. Your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you are also taking a driving test, that may be scheduled for a later date, which can add weeks to the overall process.
Do I need to make an appointment to submit the DL 44?
You can walk in without an appointment at most DMV offices, but making an appointment through the DMV website usually means a shorter wait. Check your local office's hours and whether appointments are available before you go.
What if I make a mistake on the DL 44 after I submit it?
Tell the DMV employee before they process it, and they will give you a new blank form to fill out. If you notice a mistake after you have already left, you can contact the DMV to request a correction, though this may take longer than fixing it on the spot.