What a DL 44 Is and Who Needs One

A DL 44 is California's official process form for an identification card — not a driver's license, but a state ID that works for age verification, banking, travel within the US, and other situations where you need government-issued photo ID. You fill out one DL 44 form, bring it with required documents to a DMV office, and walk out with a temporary ID the same day if approved.

You need a DL 44 if you don't drive or don't want a driver's license but still need official ID. California residents of any age can get one, though minors need a parent or guardian to sign the process. The card is valid for six years (or until age 18 if you're under 12 when you explore).

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring the completed DL 44 form, proof of California residency, proof of identity, and your Social Security number to a DMV office in person.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days; proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or consulate document.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form and bring ID to the appointment.
  • You'll pay a fee (currently $38 for a six-year card) and receive a temporary paper ID on the spot; the plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

Getting the DL 44 Form and Filling It Out

You can read the DL 44 form from the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The form is two pages and asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and basic physical description. Print it clearly in black or blue ink, or fill it out by hand — either is acceptable.

Fill in every field that applies to you. If a section doesn't explore (for example, if you've never had a California license before), write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank. Sign and date the form in the spaces marked — if you're under 18, leave the signature line blank for your parent or guardian to sign at the DMV office.

Do not submit the form online. You must bring the original signed form to the DMV office along with your documents. The DMV will not process an unsigned form or one submitted by mail for an ID card process.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number (you can bring your Social Security card, or the DMV can verify it electronically).

Proof of identity can be a US passport, birth certificate, consulate ID, tribal ID, or military discharge papers. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring an official certified translation along with the original. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (tax notice, court document, etc.). A cell phone bill does not count.

If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must also bring their own ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and sign the form at the DMV office. They do not need to bring proof of residency unless they're also explore for an ID.

Making a DMV Appointment and What to Expect

You can schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices but may have long waits, so an appointment is faster. Choose a location near you and pick a date and time that works. You'll receive a confirmation number — save it.

Arrive 10 minutes early with all documents and the signed DL 44 form. A DMV representative will review your paperwork, take your photo, and collect your fee. If everything is in order, you'll receive a temporary paper ID on the spot that's valid for 60 days. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks — if it doesn't arrive after three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

If the DMV finds a problem with your documents (for example, your residency proof is too old), they'll tell you what's missing and you can reschedule. Bring the corrected documents to your next appointment.

Fees and Payment Methods

The current fee for a six-year ID card is $38. If you're 62 or older, the fee is $12. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the office. Some locations may accept checks, but card or cash is more reliable.

If you cannot afford the fee, ask the DMV representative about fee waivers — California offers them in certain situations, though you'll need to show proof of financial hardship. The DMV will tell you what documents they need to consider a waiver request.

What Happens If You're Under 18

If you're a minor, your parent or legal guardian must sign the DL 44 form and be present at your DMV appointment. They cannot sign the form ahead of time and send you alone — both of you must be there together. Your parent or guardian will need to bring their own ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID).

If you're between 12 and 18, the ID card is valid for six years. If you're under 12, it's valid only until your 18th birthday. When your card expires, you can renew it in person at the DMV or by mail if you're 18 or older.

Renewing or Replacing Your ID Card Later

When your ID card is about to expire, you can renew it by mail if you're 18 or older and your address hasn't changed. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to explore for a replacement in person at the DMV office with the same documents as a new process.

If you move to a new address, you should update your ID within 10 days. You can do this by mail or in person at the DMV — bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a DL 44 ID card to fly within the United States?

Yes. A California ID card is acceptable for domestic air travel. You'll need to bring it to the airport and present it at security. It's not valid for international travel — you'll need a passport for that.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get an ID card. Tell the DMV representative that you don't have a Social Security number, and they'll issue an ID without one. You'll need to bring an additional form of identity to make up for it — ask the DMV which documents they accept in your situation.

How long does it take to get the plastic card in the mail?

Usually one to two weeks after your DMV appointment. If you don't receive it after three weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number and they can check the status or reissue it.

Can someone else pick up my ID card from the DMV?

No. You must pick it up yourself at the DMV office on the day of your appointment. The temporary paper ID you receive that day is what you use until the plastic card arrives by mail.

What if my documents are from another country?

If your birth certificate or identity document is not in English, bring an official certified translation along with the original. The DMV will accept both together. Consulate IDs and passports from other countries are acceptable as proof of identity.