Bring Your Valid ID and Proof of Residency

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires two documents at your permit test appointment: a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of California residency. Your photo ID can be a passport, a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a foreign national ID with an English translation. The ID must not be expired.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, or a bank statement. A bank statement or utility bill is usually the fastest to obtain if you don't have the others on hand.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must also bring a valid ID and sign your process in front of the DMV examiner. The guardian's ID will be checked at the same time as yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID) that is not expired.
  • Bring one proof of California residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must attend and bring their own valid ID.
  • Bring your completed DL 44 form (or DL 44 with DL 44R if you are under 18) signed in blue or black ink.
  • Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number written down, since you will need to provide it during the test.

Complete and Sign Your DL 44 Form Before You Arrive

The DMV requires you to bring the completed DL 44 form (process for a Driver License or Identification Card) to your appointment. You can read and print it from the California DMV website, or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Fill it out completely in blue or black ink before you arrive — the DMV will not accept pencil.

If you are under 18, you also need the DL 44R form (Parental Consent for Applicant Under 18 Years of Age). Your parent or guardian must sign this form in front of the DMV examiner, so bring it unsigned. Do not sign it yourself beforehand.

Double-check that all information on both forms matches your ID exactly: your full legal name, date of birth, and address. Mismatches will delay your test or require you to reschedule.

Bring Your Social Security Number or ITIN

You will need to provide your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) during the test. Write it down on a piece of paper and bring it with you, or memorize it. The DMV will not issue a permit without this number on file.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot take the permit test. You must first obtain one from the Social Security Administration (for an SSN) or the Internal Revenue Service (for an ITIN). The DMV cannot issue a permit without one of these numbers, even if you pass the written test.

Bring Your Appointment Confirmation and Payment Method

Bring your appointment confirmation email or letter showing the date, time, and location of your test. The DMV uses this to verify you have a scheduled slot. If you do not have a confirmation, contact the DMV office where you booked the appointment to confirm your spot.

Bring a payment method for the permit test fee. As of 2024, the California permit test fee is $35. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. Call your local DMV office to confirm which payment methods they accept, since this can vary by location.

What You Do Not Need to Bring

Do not bring your current driver license if you have one — the DMV will not accept it as proof of residency, and you do not need it for a permit test. If you are renewing a permit or license, bring the old one only if the DMV specifically asked you to in your appointment confirmation.

Do not bring original birth certificates, marriage licenses, or divorce decrees unless the DMV specifically requested them in writing. These are rarely needed for a first permit test. Do not bring study materials, notes, or phones into the testing room — the DMV prohibits these during the exam.

Do not bring a translator unless you requested one in advance when you scheduled your appointment. The DMV offers tests in multiple languages, but you must request this when booking. If you did not request a translator and need one, call your local DMV office before your appointment to reschedule with a translator present.

What Happens If You Forget Something

If you arrive without a required document, the DMV will not let you take the test. You will have to reschedule your appointment. The DMV may charge you a rescheduling fee or require you to book a new appointment through their online system, which can add days or weeks to your wait time depending on how busy your local office is.

If you forget your ID or proof of residency, call the DMV office when ready before your appointment time. Some offices can hold your slot for a few hours while you go home and retrieve the document. Others will cancel your appointment on the spot. Calling ahead gives you the best chance of keeping your test date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as my photo ID for the permit test?

Yes. A valid passport is one of the accepted forms of government-issued photo ID. It must not be expired. If your passport is in a foreign language other than English, bring an English translation certified by a translator or the issuing country's consulate.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

The DMV will not accept it. You will need to bring a different document dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, contact your utility company, bank, or landlord to request a recent statement before your appointment.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the permit test?

No. You only need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. Writing it down on paper or memorizing it is sufficient. The DMV does not require you to show the actual card.

Can my parent sign the DL 44R form before the appointment?

No. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the DL 44R form in front of the DMV examiner during your appointment. Bring the form unsigned. A pre-signed form will not be accepted.

What if I do not have a printer to print the DL 44 form?

You can pick up a blank DL 44 form at any California DMV office. Arrive early to fill it out before your appointment, or fill it out at home and bring it completed. Some DMV offices also have forms available at the front desk if you arrive without one.