What a DL 44 is and who can get one

A DL 44 is California's official state identification card for people who do not have a driver's license. It is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and works as a government-issued photo ID for everyday purposes—opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or proving your age. The card is valid for up to 10 years depending on your age and citizenship status.

You can get a DL 44 if you are a California resident and at least 13 years old. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must provide proof of identity and California residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.

The DL 44 is different from a driver's license—it does not give you permission to drive. If you want to drive, you need a driver's license instead. Some people carry both; others use the DL 44 as their only ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.
  • The DMV charges a fee that varies by age and citizenship status, ranging from roughly $25 to $40 for most applicants.
  • You can get a DL 44 in person at any DMV office; you cannot mail in the process or complete it online.
  • The card is ready to pick up the same day in most cases, though some applications take longer if documents need verification.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and sign the process form.

Documents you need to bring

The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone are not accepted for most documents.

Proof of identity: A passport (U.S. or foreign), a birth certificate, a consulate ID, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a previous California driver's license or ID card. If your document is in another language, bring a certified English translation as well.

Proof of California residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document) dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.

Proof of Social Security number: A Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement saying so, and the DMV will issue a DL 44 without one—though some uses of the card may be limited.

The process process at the DMV

Go to any California DMV office during business hours. Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus your completed process form. You can fill out the form at home or at the DMV—the form is called the process for California Identification Card (Form DL 44). You can read it from the DMV website or ask for it at the office.

At the DMV, you will be called to a counter where staff will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will be asked to sign the process in front of the staff member.

If all your documents are in order and your identity can be verified on the spot, your DL 44 will be ready to pick up the same day. The DMV will give you a temporary paper ID you can use when ready while your plastic card is being made. If the DMV needs to verify any of your documents—for example, if your residency proof is unclear—they may keep your process and contact you within a few weeks.

Fees and how to pay

The cost of a DL 44 depends on your age and citizenship status. California residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents typically pay between $25 and $40. Non-citizens without permanent residency pay a higher fee. Applicants under 18 may pay a reduced fee. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the DMV website or call your local office before you go.

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may accept checks. Ask ahead if you have questions about payment methods at your specific location.

Special situations: under 18, non-citizens, and name changes

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV and sign the process. You both need to bring your documents. If your parents are divorced or one parent has sole custody, bring court papers showing custody arrangements.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a DL 44. Bring your passport or consulate ID as proof of identity. The fee is higher than for citizens, and the card may have a shorter expiration date. Some non-citizens may be issued a card valid for only 4 years instead of 10.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will use your current legal name on the card.

What happens if documents are missing or unclear

If you arrive at the DMV without all required documents, staff will tell you what is missing and send you home to get it. You will need to return on another day. This is why it is worth double-checking the DMV website or calling ahead to confirm you have everything.

If a document is unclear—for example, a residency proof is hard to read or the date is faded—the DMV may ask you to bring a second document in that category. They may also put your process on hold while they contact the issuing agency to verify it. This can add one to three weeks to the process, but you will still receive your temporary paper ID the same day.

If the DMV suspects a document is fraudulent, they will not issue a card and may report it. This is rare, but it is why bringing genuine, original documents matters.

Renewing or replacing your DL 44

When your DL 44 is about to expire, the DMV will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew by mail if you are a U.S. citizen, your address has not changed, and your card is not damaged. Mail the renewal notice, your fee, and your old card to the address on the notice.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must go to the DMV in person to get a replacement. Bring your documents again and pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the original fee. The replacement card is typically ready the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a DL 44 if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can sign a statement at the DMV saying you do not have a Social Security number, and they will issue the card. However, some organizations—such as banks or employers—may not accept it for certain purposes because they need a Social Security number for their own records.

How long does it take to get my DL 44?

If your documents are complete and verified on the spot, you receive a temporary paper ID the same day and your plastic card within one to two weeks. If the DMV needs to verify documents, the process can take two to four weeks. You can use the temporary ID when ready.

Can I use a DL 44 to fly on an airplane?

Yes, a DL 44 is acceptable identification for domestic flights within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it at airport security checkpoints. It is not valid for international travel.

What if I move to another state?

Your California DL 44 remains valid until it expires, even if you move. If you become a resident of another state and want an ID card there, you will need to explore through that state's DMV.

Do I need an appointment to get a DL 44?

Many California DMV offices now use an online appointment system. You can book a time slot on the DMV website, which usually reduces wait times. Walk-ins are still accepted at most offices, but you may wait longer.