What form you need and where to get it

California uses the DL 44 form for most driver license renewals, though some people use the shorter DL 43 if they may have access to. The DL 44 is the standard process for license renewal and is the form you will use unless you are renewing by mail or online, which use different processes entirely.

You can get the DL 44 in three ways: read it from the California Department of Motor Vehicles website (dmv.ca.gov), pick up a printed copy at any DMV office, or request one by mail. If you read it, print it on white paper and use black or blue ink only — the DMV scanners reject other colors. Do not fill it out on your computer and print it; the form must be handwritten.

The DL 43 is a shorter form used only if you are renewing a license that has not expired more than five years ago and you have not had any address changes. If you do not meet both conditions, use the DL 44 instead.

Key Takeaways

  • read the DL 44 from dmv.ca.gov or get a printed copy at any DMV office, and fill it out by hand in black or blue ink only.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or an ITIN.
  • Section 1 asks for your name, address, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your current license unless you are changing them.
  • Bring the completed form to your DMV appointment along with your documents; you cannot submit it by mail for a standard renewal.
  • If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not use the DL 44 — the DMV will send you different instructions based on your may be able to access.

Sections 1 through 3: Personal information and address

Start with your full legal name in Section 1, exactly as it appears on your current driver license. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, write your new name here and bring a court order or marriage certificate to your appointment. The DMV will not process a name change without legal documentation.

Write your current mailing address in Section 1 as well. If you have moved, this is where you enter your new address. You will need to bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on the proof does not have to match your name exactly, but the address must match what you write on the form.

Section 2 asks for your date of birth and place of birth. Write these exactly as they appear on your current license. Section 3 asks for your height, eye color, and distinguishing marks. These should also match your current license unless you have had a significant physical change — the DMV may ask you to explain.

Section 4: License class and driving history

Section 4 asks what class of license you hold — Class C is the standard passenger vehicle license. Write the same class that appears on your current license unless you are changing it. If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) or a commercial license (Class A or B), you cannot do that on a renewal form; you must take a separate test at the DMV.

This section also asks whether you have had any traffic violations, accidents, or suspensions since your last renewal. Answer honestly. The DMV has access to your driving record and will know if you lie. If you have had violations or accidents, write them down with the date and location. Do not leave this blank if something happened — the DMV uses this to decide whether to renew you or require an in-person test.

Section 5: Medical and vision information

Section 5 asks about your health and whether you take medications that might affect your driving. Answer all questions truthfully. If you have a condition like diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease, or if you take medications that cause drowsiness, write "yes" and describe the condition. The DMV may require a medical evaluation form from your doctor before renewing your license.

You will also declare whether you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). If you do, check the box. If you have had vision correction surgery, you still check this box because you are corrected to the required vision standard. The DMV does not require you to bring a vision test result for a renewal unless you have a medical condition that affects your sight.

Section 6: Organ donation and voter registration

Section 6 asks whether you want to register as an organ donor. This is optional and does not affect your license renewal. Check "yes" or "no" based on your choice. If you check "yes," the DMV will register you with the California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.

This section also asks whether you want to register to vote or update your voter registration. If you check "yes," the DMV will send your information to the Secretary of State. You can also decline and register separately through your county elections office.

Section 7: Signature and certification

Sign and date the form in Section 7. You must sign it in person at the DMV — you cannot sign it at home and mail it in. If you cannot write, you can make a mark and have a witness sign next to it, but you must still appear in person at your appointment.

Read the certification statement before you sign. By signing, you are confirming that the information on the form is true and that you are physically and mentally able to drive safely. If any information is false, you can be charged with perjury.

What to bring to your DMV appointment

Bring the completed DL 44 form, your current driver license, and proof of residency. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — either your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) documentation instead.

If you have changed your name, bring the legal document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, bring the utility bill or lease that matches the address on your form. Bring all originals; the DMV does not accept copies for these documents.

You do not need to bring a new photo — the DMV will take one at your appointment. You do not need to bring a vision test result unless you have a medical condition that affects your eyesight. If you do have such a condition, your doctor can fill out the Medical Evaluation Form (DL 44-D) and send it directly to the DMV, or you can bring it to your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail in the DL 44 form instead of going to the DMV?

No. The DL 44 must be signed in person at a DMV office. However, if you meet certain conditions — your license has not expired more than five years ago, you have no address changes, and you are not adding restrictions — you may be able to renew by mail or online. The DMV will tell you which option you may have access to for when you check your renewal status on dmv.ca.gov.

What if I make a mistake on the form?

If you make a small error, cross it out neatly, write the correction above it, and initial the change. Do not use white-out. If the form becomes too messy, get a new one and start over. The DMV scans these forms, and illegible corrections can cause delays.

Do I need to fill out the form before I go to the DMV?

Yes. Bringing a completed form speeds up your appointment. If you arrive without one filled out, the DMV staff can give you a blank form to complete in the waiting area, but this adds time to your visit. Filling it out at home is faster.

What if my current license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license on the DL 44. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DMV. Contact the DMV directly to find out what you need to do to clear the hold before you can renew.

Can I change my address on the form without bringing proof?

No. The DMV requires proof of residency dated within the last 60 days that matches the address you write on the form. Without it, the DMV will not process your renewal. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your new address.