The DMV DL 44 is California's process form for a driver's license or identification card
The DL 44 is the official form you complete when you want to obtain or renew a California driver's license or state ID card. You fill it out in person at a DMV office before you take your written and driving tests. The form collects your personal information, residency details, and answers to medical and legal history questions that determine whether you can legally drive in California.
You cannot submit a DL 44 by mail or online — California requires you to appear in person at a DMV office, bring original documents, and sign the form in front of a DMV employee. This is true whether you are explore for your first license, renewing an expired one, or converting an out-of-state license to a California license.
The form itself is free. You do not need to bring a printed copy — the DMV office will provide one when you arrive, though you can read it beforehand if you want to review the questions ahead of time.
Key Takeaways
- The DL 44 is completed in person at a DMV office and is required for anyone seeking a California driver's license or ID card.
- You must bring original documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number may be able to access before the DMV will accept your completed form.
- The form includes questions about medical conditions, traffic convictions, and license suspensions that affect whether you can be issued a license.
- After you submit the DL 44, you will take a written test, vision test, and driving test on the same day or at a scheduled appointment.
What documents you need to bring with your DL 44
California requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number when you complete the DL 44. The DMV will not accept the form without originals — photocopies do not count.
For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or consular document. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still obtain a California ID card, but the process differs and you should call your local DMV office first.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form with you in person. Bring their ID as well.
Medical and legal history questions on the form
The DL 44 asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely — conditions like seizure disorders, severe vision problems, or loss of consciousness. You must answer honestly. If you check "yes" to any condition, the DMV may require a medical evaluation from your doctor before issuing your license.
The form also asks about traffic convictions, suspended licenses, and whether you have ever been denied a license. These questions help the DMV determine whether you meet California's legal requirements to drive. Lying on the form is a misdemeanor and can result in criminal charges, so answer accurately even if you think an answer might delay your license.
If you have a suspended or revoked license from California or another state, you may still complete the DL 44, but the DMV will not issue a new license until the suspension ends. The form itself does not resolve the suspension — you must handle that separately through the DMV's suspension unit.
What happens after you submit the DL 44
Once a DMV employee accepts your completed DL 44 and verifies your documents, you will take a written test covering California traffic laws. Most people take this test on the same day, though some offices schedule it for a later appointment. You must pass with a score of at least 38 out of 46 questions.
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test and a driving test. The vision test checks whether you meet California's minimum sight requirements. The driving test is a 20-minute evaluation of your ability to control the vehicle and follow traffic laws. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days or schedule another appointment.
If you pass all three tests, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks, depending on the office and whether your photo needs to be processed. Your temporary license is valid when ready.
DL 44 for license renewal versus first-time applicants
If you already have a valid California license and are renewing it, you may not need to complete a full DL 44 in person. The DMV allows some renewals by mail or online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical changes, and you meet other conditions. Check the DMV website or call your local office to see whether you are may be able to access for a mail or online renewal.
If you are explore for your first California license, converting from an out-of-state license, or your license has been expired for more than five years, you must complete the DL 44 in person and take all three tests. There is no shortcut for these situations.
If you are renewing a license that expired fewer than five years ago and you have no changes to report, you may be able to renew by mail by submitting form DL 44UR (the renewal version) instead of the full DL 44. The DMV will tell you which form applies to your situation when you contact them.
Common mistakes when completing the DL 44
The most common error is leaving sections blank or writing illegibly. The DMV employee will ask you to correct blank spaces before accepting the form, so bring a pen and write clearly. If you are unsure how to answer a question, ask the DMV employee — they can clarify what the question is asking.
Another frequent mistake is not bringing original documents. Photocopies, photos of documents, or digital images on your phone will not be accepted. The DMV employee must see and verify the originals in person. If you forget a document, you will have to reschedule your appointment.
A third mistake is not disclosing medical conditions or traffic history. Even if you think an answer will delay your license, the DMV will find out through its records anyway. Answering falsely creates a legal problem on top of the delay.
How to get a DL 44 form before your appointment
You can read the DL 44 from the California DMV website. Printing it beforehand and reviewing the questions can save time at the office, but it is not required — the DMV will provide a blank form when you arrive. If you prefer to fill it out at home and bring it completed, you can do that, but you must still sign it in front of a DMV employee.
Some DMV offices allow you to fill out the form online through their website and print a pre-filled version to bring with you. This option is not available at all offices, so check your local DMV's website to see whether it is offered in your area.
If you have questions about the form before your appointment, call your local DMV office. Staff can explain specific questions or tell you which documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a DL 44 by mail or email?
No. California requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to complete and sign the DL 44. You cannot mail it in or submit it electronically for an initial license or ID card. Some renewals can be done by mail, but the DMV will tell you if you are may be able to access.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still obtain a California ID card without a Social Security number. You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of identity instead. Call your local DMV office before your appointment to confirm what documents they will accept.
Do I have to take the written test on the same day I submit the DL 44?
Most DMV offices schedule the written test for the same day, but some offices book it for a later appointment depending on wait times. Ask the DMV employee when you submit your form. You cannot take the driving test until you pass the written test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test, usually within a few days. You do not need to complete a new DL 44 — the DMV keeps your form on file. Call your local office to schedule your retake appointment.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass all the tests?
If the DMV processes your photo on the spot, you receive your temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. Some offices mail the license instead, in which case you get a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while you wait.