What form you need and where to get it

California's learner's permit form is called the DL 44, officially the "process for Driver License or Identification Card." This is the same form you would use to get a full driver's license later — you fill it out once, and it covers both the permit stage and the license stage. You do not need a separate form when you upgrade from permit to license.

You can get the DL 44 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 fill it out on a computer at the DMV office itself before you submit it. Most people read it at home, print it, fill it out by hand or on a computer, and bring it with them to their appointment.

The form is four pages long. You will fill out pages 1 through 3 yourself. Page 4 is for DMV staff only — do not write on it.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is a four-page form; you fill out pages 1 through 3 and bring it to your DMV appointment along with your documents.
  • You must print the form and bring a physical copy — the DMV does not accept digital submissions of the DL 44.
  • Section 1 asks for your name, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on your ID documents.
  • Section 2 requires you to list any traffic violations, accidents, or suspensions from the past three years, even minor ones.
  • You will need to sign and date the form in person at the DMV office, not before you arrive.

Section 1: Personal information and residency

Start with your full legal name as it appears on your birth certificate or passport. Use the exact spelling and middle name if you have one. If you have changed your name, you will need to bring a court order or marriage certificate to the DMV, but write your current legal name on the form.

Enter your date of birth in the format shown on the form (usually MM/DD/YYYY). Your current address goes in the next field — this must be your California residence address, not a mailing address or a relative's address in another state. If you moved recently, use your current address. The DMV will mail your permit to this address, so make sure it is correct.

For the "mailing address" field, leave it blank unless your mailing address is different from where you live. If you use a P.O. box or live with someone else, put that in the mailing address field only. Most applicants leave this blank.

Section 2: Driving history and violations

This section asks whether you have ever been convicted of certain crimes, suspended or revoked, or had accidents or violations. You must answer honestly. The DMV will check your record anyway, and lying on the form can result in denial or later cancellation of your permit.

List any traffic violations, accidents, or suspensions from the past three years, even if they were minor or you paid a fine. Include speeding tickets, parking violations that went to court, at-fault accidents, and any license suspension or revocation. If you have nothing to report, write "None" or leave the space blank — the form will have a checkbox or line for this.

If you have been convicted of a felony, a DUI, or certain other crimes, you may not be able to get a learner's permit. The DMV will tell you at your appointment if your record disqualifies you. Do not skip this section or guess — write down what actually happened.

Section 3: Medical and vision information

You will declare whether you have any medical conditions that might affect your driving, such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or loss of consciousness. You will also state whether you take medications that could impair driving. Answer these questions truthfully. Having a condition does not automatically disqualify you — the DMV wants to know so they can assess whether you need restrictions on your permit (such as "daylight driving only" or "corrective lenses required").

You will also confirm that you have correctable vision of at least 20/40 in each eye. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during your vision test at the DMV. If your vision does not meet the standard even with correction, you cannot get a permit.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring your completed DL 44 form, but do not sign it yet — you will sign it in front of a DMV employee. You will also need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your California residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

For identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a state ID from another state. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past three months and showing your name and California address. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the DMV. Bring that adult with you to your appointment.

Common mistakes to avoid on the DL 44

The most common error is writing your address differently than it appears on your ID documents. If your driver's license says "123 Main Street" but you write "123 Main St." on the DL 44, the DMV may ask you to correct it. Match the spelling and abbreviations exactly.

Another frequent mistake is leaving the driving history section blank when you should have listed something. Even a single parking ticket you forgot about can cause a delay if the DMV finds it in their records and your form does not mention it. If you are unsure whether something counts, list it — it is easier to clarify at your appointment than to have your process rejected.

Do not sign the form before you arrive at the DMV. The DMV requires you to sign in front of a staff member, and a form signed at home may not be accepted. Bring a pen to your appointment so you can sign it there.

What happens after you submit the form

A DMV employee will review your completed DL 44 at your appointment. They will check that all required fields are filled out, verify your documents, and ask you to sign the form in front of them. You will then take a vision test and a written knowledge test about California traffic laws. If you pass both, you will receive your learner's permit the same day, usually as a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days while your official card is printed and mailed.

Your official learner's permit card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary permit and the official card are both valid — you can start driving with a licensed adult as soon as you have the temporary permit in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. California requires you to submit a printed, signed copy of the DL 44 form. You can fill it out on your computer and then print it, but you cannot submit it digitally or fill it out entirely at the DMV office before your appointment — though the DMV will provide a form if you arrive without one.

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

If you make a small error, you can cross it out neatly, write the correction above it, and initial the change. The DMV staff will accept minor corrections. If you make multiple mistakes or want a clean copy, print a new form and start over — it takes just a few minutes.

Do I need to bring the DL 44 if I fill it out at the DMV office?

No. If you arrive without the form, DMV staff will give you one to fill out at the office. However, filling it out at home and bringing it with you usually moves your appointment along faster, since the staff will not have to wait for you to complete it by hand.

What if my address on the form does not match my ID?

Tell the DMV staff before they process your form. Bring proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or lease) and they will update your information. Do not try to hide a mismatch — the DMV will catch it during their review.

Can someone else sign the DL 44 for me?

No. You must sign the form yourself in front of a DMV employee. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign a separate consent form, but you still sign the DL 44 yourself.