How to Apply for a California DL 44 Driver License

What the DL 44 is and who needs it

The DL 44 is California's process form for a first-time driver license. You fill it out and bring it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you want to get your license for the first time, whether you are 16, 25, or 65. It is not a license itself — it is the paperwork that starts the process.

You need a DL 44 if you have never held a California driver license before. If you are renewing an existing license, transferring one from another state, or replacing a lost or damaged license, you use different forms. The DMV website has a tool that asks you a few questions and tells you which form you actually need.

California also issues a DL 44 instruction permit to people who pass the written test but have not yet passed the driving test. This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You still use the DL 44 form to start; the permit is what you get if you are not ready for the full license yet.

Key Takeaways

The DL 44 is the form you complete and bring to a DMV office to begin the driver license process in California.
You will need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before you go.
You must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test to receive a full license; passing only the written test gives you an instruction permit.
The DMV charges a fee for the DL 44 process, and fees vary depending on whether you are getting a permit, a license, or both.
You can read the DL 44 form from the California DMV website before you go, or fill it out at the office.

Documents you need to bring

The DMV requires specific documents to process your DL 44. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work. You will need one document that proves your identity, such as a valid passport, a birth certificate, a consulate ID, or a military ID card. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of identity for this purpose.

You also need proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus your ID.

Bring your Social Security number or your ITIN. If you do not have either, the DMV has a process for that, but you will need to contact your local office ahead of time to find out what documents they need instead. Bring your current out-of-state driver license if you have one, though it is not required.

How to fill out the DL 44 form

You can get the DL 44 form from the California DMV website, or you can fill it out when you arrive at the office. Many people print it at home and bring it completed, which saves time. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number or ITIN, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. It also asks whether you want to register to vote or become an organ donor — both are optional.

The form includes a section where you declare that the information is true and sign your name. Do not sign it before you go to the DMV; a DMV employee must watch you sign it. If you sign it early, they may reject it and make you fill out a new one.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the form. Bring that adult with you to the DMV office, because they will need to sign in front of a DMV employee as well.

Fees and payment methods

The DMV charges different fees depending on what you are getting. An instruction permit costs one amount; a driver license costs another. If you want both — meaning you will take the written test first, get the permit, practice, and then come back for the driving test — you may pay for both at once or pay separately. The DMV website lists the current fees, which change occasionally.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. Some offices also take money orders. Call your local DMV office ahead of time if you want to know exactly which payment methods they accept, because policies can vary slightly by location.

What happens after you submit the DL 44

After you turn in your completed DL 44 and documents, a DMV employee will check that everything is there and correct. They will take your photograph and your fingerprints. You will then take a vision test — they will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely, and whether you need corrective lenses.

Next, you take the written test on California traffic laws and road signs. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can take it on a computer at the DMV office, or on paper if you request it. If you pass, you get an instruction permit that day, valid for 12 months. If you do not pass, you can take it again, but there is usually a waiting period — ask the DMV employee how long.

With your instruction permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and sitting next to you. You cannot drive alone. When you feel ready, you schedule a driving test appointment. During the driving test, a DMV examiner rides with you and watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. If you pass, you get your full driver license that day or within a few days by mail.

Scheduling your DMV appointment

You can walk into many DMV offices without an appointment, but wait times are often long — sometimes two to four hours. The faster route is to schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website. You choose your local office, the service you need (DL 44 process), and an available date and time. Appointments usually fill up weeks in advance, especially in busy areas.

If you cannot find an appointment online, call your local DMV office directly. Some offices hold a small number of same-day appointments or can tell you when the next batch of appointments will open. If you are over 70 or have a disability, you may be able to get priority scheduling — ask when you call.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are under 18, California has additional rules. You must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test, and you must complete a driver education course. The course can be online or in person. You also cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months after you get your license, with some exceptions for school, work, or medical reasons.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the DMV can provide an interpreter at no cost. Call ahead to request one. If you have a disability that affects your ability to take the written test or pass the driving test, talk to the DMV about what accommodations are available — they may be able to modify the test or provide extra time.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a California driver license. You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you have a visa or other immigration document, bring that too. Undocumented immigrants can get a driver license under California law, but the process and documents needed are different — contact your local DMV office for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home instead of at the DMV?

No. You must take the written test at a DMV office in person. The DMV needs to verify your identity and take your photograph before you test. However, you can take the test on a computer at the office, or on paper if you prefer.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again, usually after waiting a certain number of days. The DMV employee will tell you when you can return. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you will pay a fee each time. Many people study the California Driver Handbook (available free on the DMV website) between attempts.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You need to know your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring the card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN, or contact the DMV ahead of time to find out what you need instead.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?

You may get a temporary license document the same day you pass the driving test. Your official plastic license card arrives by mail within a few weeks. The DMV will tell you the expected timeline when you pass.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

If your license is mailed to you, you do not need to pick it up. If you want to pick it up in person at the DMV office, you generally have to do it yourself, though policies can vary. Call your local office to ask whether they allow someone else to collect it on your behalf.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.