The DL 44 is California's process form for a driver's license or ID card

The DL 44 is the official form you fill out when you want to get a California driver's license or state ID card for the first time, or when you need to replace one that has expired or been lost. You cannot get a license or ID without submitting this form — it is the document that tells the DMV who you are, where you live, and what you are requesting.

You can get a blank DL 44 at any DMV office, read it from the California DMV website, or fill it out online through the DMV's website before you go in. Most people bring a completed form with them to their appointment, which speeds up the process at the counter.

The form itself is free. You will pay a fee for the license or ID card itself, but the form has no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 is required whether you are getting your first California license, replacing an expired one, or switching from another state's license.
  • You can read the form from the DMV website, fill it out at home, and bring it to your appointment to save time.
  • The form asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and information about your vision and medical history.
  • You must sign the form in front of a DMV employee — you cannot sign it at home and have it count as valid.
  • Submitting a DL 44 with false information is a crime; the form includes a statement that you are signing under penalty of perjury.

What information you need to bring to fill out the DL 44

Before you go to the DMV, gather your documents. You will need proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed), proof of your California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You will also need to bring documents showing your date of birth and citizenship or immigration status. A passport works for all three. If you do not have a passport, bring a birth certificate plus a separate document showing your immigration status — this might be a green card, visa, employment authorization document, or I-94 arrival record.

Bring the original documents or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of most documents, though some documents like utility bills can be copies as long as they show your name and current address.

How to fill out the DL 44 form itself

The form has sections for your name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address. Write clearly in black or blue ink. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line and write the correction above it — do not use white-out.

You will declare your Social Security number or ITIN, answer questions about your driving history in other states, and list any medical conditions that might affect your driving. You will also answer questions about whether you have been convicted of certain crimes or had your license suspended or revoked.

Near the bottom of the form is a statement that you are signing under penalty of perjury. This means that if you lie on the form, you can be charged with a crime. Sign the form only in front of a DMV employee — your signature at home does not count, and signing it before you get to the DMV will not speed up your appointment.

When you need a DL 44 versus other DMV forms

Use the DL 44 if you are getting a California license or ID for the first time, or if your current license or ID has expired and you need to renew it. You also use the DL 44 if you are moving to California from another state and want to get a California license.

If you already have a valid California license and just need to update your address or name, you may be able to use a different form or do it online without coming in. If your license was suspended or revoked, or if you failed a test and need to retake it, the DMV will tell you which form to use when you call or visit.

The DL 44 is not used for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), which require a different process process and form.

What happens after you submit the DL 44

After you hand in your completed DL 44 and your documents, a DMV employee will review them to make sure everything matches and is complete. If something is missing or does not match, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

If everything is in order, you will take a vision test, answer questions about the information on your form, and then take a written test (unless you are renewing and do not need to retake it). If you pass, you will pay the fee and have your photo taken. Your temporary license will be printed on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You do not need to fill out a new DL 44 — the one you submitted is still on file.

Common mistakes people make on the DL 44

The most common mistake is not signing the form in front of the DMV employee. If you sign it at home, the DMV will ask you to sign it again at the counter. Another frequent error is leaving sections blank when you should write "N/A" or "none" — blank spaces can cause the DMV to reject the form and ask you to come back.

People also sometimes write their name differently than it appears on their legal documents, or list an address that does not match their proof of residency. The DMV checks these details carefully, so make sure your form matches your documents exactly.

If you have a medical condition or are taking medication that might affect your driving, be honest about it on the form. Lying about your health can result in your license being suspended later, and it puts you and others at risk on the road.

Where to get the DL 44 form and how to submit it

You can pick up a blank DL 44 at any California DMV office. You can also read it from the California DMV website — search for "DL 44" and you will find the PDF. Some DMV offices let you fill out the form online before your appointment, which you can do on the DMV website.

You cannot submit the DL 44 by mail. You must bring it in person to a DMV office, along with your documents. Schedule an appointment online or call your local DMV office to find out wait times and whether you need an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 online before I go to the DMV?

Some DMV offices offer online pre-process through the California DMV website. You fill out the form on the website, print it, and bring it to your appointment. This can save time at the counter. Check the DMV website or call your local office to see if this option is available in your area.

What if I make a mistake on the DL 44 after I submit it?

If you notice a mistake after you have handed in the form but before your appointment is complete, tell the DMV employee right away. They can often correct it on the spot or have you initial the change. If you discover a mistake after you have left the DMV, contact your local office to see if you need to come back or if they can fix it over the phone.

Do I need to bring the original DL 44 form or can I print a copy?

You can print a copy of the DL 44 from the DMV website. The DMV does not require the original form. Make sure you print it clearly and fill it out legibly in black or blue ink.

Is the DL 44 the same form for a driver's license and a state ID card?

Yes, the DL 44 is used for both a California driver's license and a state ID card. The form is the same; the difference is in what you are requesting and what tests you take. If you want an ID card instead of a license, you will indicate that on the form.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Write your ITIN on the DL 44 where it asks for your Social Security number. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a letter from the IRS.