The form you need is the DL 44

When you renew your California driver license in person at a DMV office, you will fill out the DL 44 form. This is the same process form you would use if you were getting a license for the first time. You can pick one up at any DMV office, or you can read and print it from the California DMV website before you go.

The DL 44 asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and information about your vision and medical history. It also asks whether you want to register to vote or donate organs. You do not need to fill it out perfectly at home — DMV staff can help you complete it at the office if you bring it blank, or they can hand you a fresh copy when you arrive.

Bringing the form with you ahead of time can speed up your visit slightly, since you will not have to wait for a blank one or spend time filling it out in the waiting area. But it is not required.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is the official California driver license process form, and it is the one you will use for an in-person renewal.
  • You can read the DL 44 from the California DMV website, print it at home, and bring it filled out, or pick one up blank at the DMV office.
  • The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and health and vision information.
  • DMV staff will help you complete the form if you have questions or need corrections while you are at the office.

Where to find and read the DL 44

The California DMV website has a forms page where you can search for and read the DL 44. Go to dmv.ca.gov, look for the "Forms" section, and search for "DL 44" or "process for Driver License." You can print it on regular paper at home.

If you do not have a printer or prefer not to print ahead of time, every DMV office keeps stacks of blank DL 44 forms at the front desk. You can fill it out in the waiting area or ask a staff member for help if you are unsure about any section.

What information to bring with you

Even though the DL 44 asks for a lot of information, you will also need to bring physical documents to the DMV office. The form itself is just the process — it does not replace your proof of identity, proof of residence, or Social Security number verification.

For an in-person renewal, you will typically need to bring your current California driver license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease). Requirements can vary slightly depending on your situation, so check the California DMV website or call your local office before you go to make sure you have everything.

Sections of the DL 44 you will fill out

The DL 44 has several sections. The first asks for your name, date of birth, and current address. The second section asks about your physical characteristics — height, eye color, hair color — and whether you wear corrective lenses. The third section asks medical and health questions, including whether you have any conditions that might affect your driving.

There is also a section asking whether you want to register to vote or become an organ donor. These are optional — you can say no to both, or yes to one or both. At the bottom, you will sign and date the form. Do not sign it before you arrive at the DMV; staff may ask you to sign it in front of them.

If you are not sure how to answer a question, leave it blank and ask a DMV staff member when you arrive. They handle these forms every day and can clarify what information they need.

What happens after you turn in the DL 44

Once you hand in your completed DL 44 and your documents, a DMV staff member will review everything to make sure nothing is missing. They will take a new photo and run a vision test. If everything checks out, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Your new plastic license card will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. In the meantime, the temporary paper license is valid for driving. Keep it with you until your new card arrives.

If you make a mistake on the form

If you fill out the DL 44 at home and make a small mistake — like crossing something out or writing in the wrong box — you can bring it anyway. DMV staff will either correct it for you or give you a fresh form to fill out. It is not worth reprinting the whole form over a single error.

If you are worried about making mistakes, you can also just bring a blank form or let the DMV provide one. Many people find it easier to fill it out at the office with staff nearby in case they have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 online instead of printing it?

No. The DL 44 is a paper form that you must bring to the DMV office in person. You cannot submit it online for an in-person renewal. However, California does offer some online renewal options for certain drivers — check the DMV website to see if you are may be able to access to renew by mail or online instead.

What if I lose the DL 44 before I get to the DMV?

You do not need to worry. The DMV office will have blank copies available. Just arrive at your appointment and ask for a DL 44 form at the front desk. You can fill it out there with help from staff if you need it.

Do I need to bring the original DL 44 or can I use a photocopy?

Either is fine. The DMV will accept a photocopy of the form you printed at home, or you can bring the original. Some people make a copy to keep for their records. What matters is that the information is clear and legible.

Is the DL 44 the same form for a first-time license and a renewal?

Yes, the DL 44 is used for both first-time applications and renewals. The form is the same; the documents you bring and the process at the office are slightly different depending on whether you are renewing or explore new.