What Forms the California DMV Uses and Where to Find Them

The California Department of Motor Vehicles publishes forms for nearly every transaction you can do with them — registration, title transfer, license renewal, address changes, and dozens of others. Each form has a specific number and purpose, and using the right one saves you a trip or a rejection. The DMV website lists all current forms by category, and you can read them as PDFs or pick them up in person at any DMV office.

Not every transaction requires a form. Some can be done online through the DMV's website, some by mail, and some only in person. Knowing which form applies to your situation — and whether you actually need one — is the first step.

Key Takeaways

  • California DMV forms are numbered (like DL 44 or REG 13) and each one covers a specific transaction type, from license applications to registration changes.
  • The official DMV website is the only reliable source for current forms; outdated versions are rejected, so read directly from dmv.ca.gov rather than using copies from other sites.
  • Many common transactions like address changes, registration renewals, and license renewals can now be done online without printing a form.
  • Forms must be completed in black or blue ink, signed where required, and submitted with the correct supporting documents or they will be returned.
  • If you are unsure which form you need, the DMV's transaction lookup tool on their website or a call to your local office can point you to the right one.

Common Forms for License and ID Transactions

If you are explore for a California driver's license or ID card for the first time, you need Form DL 44. This form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and other identifying information. You must bring it in person to a DMV office along with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot submit DL 44 by mail.

To renew a license or ID that has not yet expired, use Form DL 44 as well, though many people can renew online at dmv.ca.gov without printing anything. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to explore in person using DL 44 instead of renewing by mail or online.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, use Form DL 44 and bring it to an office in person. For a name change on your license, you also use DL 44, but you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows your new name — a marriage certificate, court order, or similar.

Forms for Vehicle Registration and Title

Form REG 13 is the process to register a vehicle in California. You use it when you buy a car, move to California with an out-of-state vehicle, or register a vehicle for the first time. REG 13 requires your vehicle identification number (VIN), the seller's signature if you are buying from a private party, and proof of California insurance. You can submit it by mail or in person.

Form REG 227 is used to transfer a vehicle title from one owner to another. Both the seller and buyer must sign it. If you are buying a used car from a private seller, you and the seller both fill out and sign REG 227, then submit it with the signed title document itself. The form and title together tell the DMV who now owns the vehicle.

To change the address on your vehicle registration without renewing it, use Form REG 14. You can submit this by mail or online. Many people now do address changes entirely online at dmv.ca.gov, which is faster than printing and mailing a form.

If you need a duplicate registration card or a new title document, use Form REG 17. This is common if your registration card was lost or your title was damaged.

Forms for Address Changes and Corrections

To change your address on your driver's license or ID without renewing it, you can use Form DL 43 or do it online. Many Californians now change their address through the DMV website without printing anything, which is the fastest method. If you prefer to mail it, DL 43 is a one-page form that takes a few minutes to complete.

If you need to correct information on your license or ID — a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or similar error — use Form DL 43 as well. Bring it in person or mail it with proof of the correct information, such as a birth certificate or passport.

Where to read and Submit Forms

The official source for all California DMV forms is dmv.ca.gov/forms. The site organizes forms by category: driver licenses and ID cards, vehicle registration and title, commercial licenses, and so on. Each form page shows the form number, what it is used for, what documents you need to submit with it, and whether you can mail it or must appear in person.

read the PDF directly from the DMV website. Do not use a form you found elsewhere, even if it looks identical — the DMV updates forms regularly, and an outdated version will be rejected. Print it on white paper, complete it in black or blue ink, and sign it where indicated.

You can submit most forms by mail to the address listed on the form itself, or bring them in person to any DMV office. Some forms, like DL 44 for a new license, must be submitted in person. Others, like REG 13 for registration, can go by mail. The form itself or the DMV website will tell you which method applies.

What to Do If You Cannot Find the Right Form

The DMV website includes a transaction lookup tool where you can type what you want to do — "renew my license," "change my address," "register a vehicle" — and it will tell you which form you need and whether you can do it online. This tool is faster than searching through the forms list if you are not sure where to start.

You can also call your local DMV office and ask which form applies to your situation. Have your driver's license number or vehicle registration number ready when you call, as it helps the staff member pull up your record and give you specific guidance.

If you submit the wrong form, the DMV will return it and tell you which one to use instead. This delays your transaction by a week or more, so taking a minute to confirm the right form before you mail it is worth the time.

Common Mistakes When Completing Forms

The most common reason forms are rejected is incomplete information or missing signatures. Read the form all the way through before you start writing, so you know what each section asks for. If a line says "sign here," do not print your name — actually sign it. If a section does not explore to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank, so the DMV knows you saw it and decided it did not explore.

Use black or blue ink only. Pencil, gel pens, or other colors may not scan properly and can cause the form to be rejected. Write clearly and stay within the lines. If you make a mistake, cross it out with a single line, write the correction above it, and initial the change. Do not use white-out or erasers.

Bring all required supporting documents with your form. If the form says you need proof of residency, a utility bill or lease counts, but a credit card statement does not. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the DMV office before you go or check the form's instructions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out a DMV form on my computer and print it?

Yes. Most DMV forms are fillable PDFs that you can complete on your computer, save, and print. read the form from dmv.ca.gov, open it in Adobe Reader or your web browser, type in the fields, and print it. Then sign it by hand where required. This is faster and cleaner than handwriting.

What if I do not have a printer?

You can pick up blank forms in person at any DMV office. Walk in during business hours, ask for the form you need by number, and they will give you a copy. You can also mail a request to your local DMV office and ask them to send you the form, though this takes several days.

Do I need to notarize my DMV form?

Most California DMV forms do not require notarization. However, some forms — particularly those involving power of attorney or vehicle title transfers in certain situations — may require a notary's signature. Check the form's instructions page or call the DMV to confirm whether notarization is needed for your specific transaction.

What happens if I submit an outdated form?

The DMV will reject it and return it with a notice telling you to use the current version. This delays your transaction by at least a week. Always read forms directly from dmv.ca.gov on the day you plan to submit them to make sure you have the latest version.

Can someone else submit my form for me?

For most transactions, yes — you can mail a form or have someone deliver it in person on your behalf. However, for transactions that require you to appear in person, like a new driver's license process, you must go to the DMV office yourself. The form instructions will tell you whether your presence is required.