You need Form DL 44 to renew in person at a DMV office

The form you bring to the DMV counter is called Form DL 44, officially the "process for California Driver License or Identification Card." This is the same form you would fill out if you were getting your first license — the DMV uses it for renewals too. You can pick one up at any DMV office when you arrive, or you can read and print it before you go, which saves time in the waiting area.

You do not have to fill it out completely before you arrive. Many people bring it blank and complete it at the DMV, especially if they are unsure about certain sections. The staff at the counter will help you if you have questions about what goes in each box. However, if you fill it out at home, double-check that your handwriting is legible — the DMV scans these forms, and unclear answers can slow down your transaction.

Form DL 44 asks for your current address, any name changes since your last license, your Social Security number, and basic health information like height and eye color. It also includes a section where you declare whether you want to register to vote or update your voter registration at the same time. None of this information is new — it should match what the DMV already has on file for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Form DL 44 is the official process form for all California driver license renewals, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
  • You can obtain the form at the DMV office itself or read it from the California DMV website before your visit.
  • You must bring a valid proof of residency document (such as a utility bill or lease) along with Form DL 44 to complete your renewal.
  • The form takes five to ten minutes to complete and the DMV staff can answer questions about any section while you are there.

Where to get Form DL 44 before your visit

The California DMV website has a downloadable PDF version of Form DL 44 under their forms section. Search for "DL 44" on dmv.ca.gov and you will find the current version. Print it on standard white paper — do not print it on colored paper or cardstock, as the DMV scanners work best with regular sheets. If you print it, use black or dark blue ink and avoid using a pencil, which can smudge or fade during scanning.

If you do not have a printer at home, you can print the form at a public library, a FedEx Office location, or an internet café. Some DMV offices also have computers where you can access and print forms, though this defeats the purpose of bringing it with you. The fastest option is to print it the night before your appointment so you have time to fill it out carefully at home.

What information you need to fill in on the form

Form DL 44 has several sections. The first asks for your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. If you have moved since your last renewal, write your new address. If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — write your current legal name and note the change on the form. The DMV will ask for a court order or marriage certificate to verify the change, so bring that document with you.

The middle section asks for your Social Security number, height, weight, eye color, and hair color. These details help the DMV verify your identity and update their records. You will also declare whether you wear corrective lenses and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Answer these honestly — the DMV uses this information to determine whether you need any restrictions on your license, such as "corrective lenses required."

Near the bottom, the form asks whether you want to register to vote or update your voter registration. This is optional. If you check the box, the DMV will send your information to your county registrar of voters. If you do not want to register or update, you can leave this section blank.

Documents you must bring along with the form

Form DL 44 alone is not enough. You must also bring proof of your identity and proof of your current address. For identity, bring your current California driver license or identification card — this is the document you are renewing, so the DMV already knows what it looks like. If your current license is expired, bring it anyway; an expired California license still counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes.

For proof of residency, bring one document that shows your current address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you have moved recently and your utility bill has not caught up, a lease or rental agreement is usually faster to obtain. Do not bring a credit card statement or a piece of mail from a government agency — the DMV has specific rules about which documents count, and these do not.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy usually will not work. If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you do not need this document.

How to fill out the form neatly so it scans correctly

The DMV scans Form DL 44 into their computer system, so the quality of your handwriting matters. Use a black or dark blue pen and write in capital letters if possible — this makes the form easier for the scanner to read. Leave the boxes empty that do not explore to you; do not write "N/A" or cross out sections. If you make a mistake, draw a single line through the error and write the correction next to it. Do not use white-out or erasers, as these can confuse the scanner.

Pay special attention to the sections asking for numbers: your date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Write these clearly and make sure each digit is inside its own box if the form has boxes. If the scanner misreads a number, your renewal could be delayed while the DMV contacts you to verify.

What happens after you hand in the form at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV office, take a number from the dispenser and wait to be called. When it is your turn, hand your completed Form DL 44 and your documents to the staff member at the counter. They will review the form to make sure all required sections are filled in and that your documents match the information on the form. If something is missing or unclear, they will ask you to correct it before they process your renewal.

The staff member will scan your form and take a new photo for your renewed license. They will also run a background check to make sure there are no holds or issues on your record. If everything clears, they will print your new license on the spot or tell you when it will arrive by mail. Most people receive their renewed license within one to two weeks if they renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out Form DL 44 online and bring it to the DMV?

No, the DMV does not have an online form-filling tool for DL 44. You must print the PDF version from their website or pick up a blank form at the office. You can fill it out at home and bring the printed version, or fill it out in the waiting area before your turn.

What if I make a mistake on the form after I print it?

If you make a small error, draw a single line through it and write the correction next to it. Do not use white-out. If the form becomes too messy, print a fresh copy. The DMV staff can also help you correct minor mistakes when you hand in the form.

Do I need to sign Form DL 44 before I bring it to the DMV?

No, you sign the form at the DMV counter in front of the staff member. This is a legal requirement — your signature must be witnessed by a DMV employee. Do not sign the form at home.

Is Form DL 44 the same for a license renewal as it is for a new license?

Yes, the form is the same. The DMV uses Form DL 44 for all driver license and identification card applications, including renewals. The staff member will mark it as a renewal based on your current license information in their system.

What if I lost my current license and cannot bring it to prove my identity?

Bring another form of government-issued photo identification instead, such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have any photo ID, contact your local DMV office before your visit to ask what alternative documents they will accept.