What the DL 44 Form Is and Who Needs It

The DL 44 is California's official process form for a first-time driver's license or identification card. You fill it out at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you're ready to get your license for the first time, whether you're a teenager, a new resident to California, or an adult who hasn't driven before. The form collects your personal information, driving history (if any), and medical details that the DMV uses to process your request.

You do not need the DL 44 if you already have a valid California driver's license and are renewing it, or if you're replacing a lost or damaged license. Those transactions use different forms. The DL 44 is specifically for people obtaining a license for the first time in California.

Key Takeaways

  • The DL 44 form is California's first-time driver's license process, filled out in person at a DMV office.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to complete the process.
  • The form asks for personal information, medical history, and driving experience, and you sign it under penalty of perjury.
  • After submitting the DL 44, you will take a written test, vision test, and driving test before receiving your license.
  • Processing time varies, but you typically receive your license by mail within two to three weeks after passing all tests.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

California requires specific documents before the DMV will let you complete a DL 44. You need one document proving your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), one document proving you live in California (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN issued by the IRS.

If you're under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign the form in person at the DMV. Bring their ID as well. Some documents work for both identity and residency — for example, a California state ID card counts as identity proof, and a California vehicle registration counts as residency proof. Check the DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents before you go, because showing up without the right paperwork means a wasted trip.

How to Fill Out Each Section of the Form

The DL 44 is organized into numbered sections. Start with your name, date of birth, and current address exactly as they appear on your proof of residency. Section 3 asks for your Social Security number or ITIN. Sections 4 through 6 cover your physical description, including height, weight, and eye color — answer these as they are now, not as you hope they'll be.

Section 7 asks about your driving history. If you've never had a license in any state, write "none" or leave it blank as instructed. If you have held a license elsewhere, list the state, license number, and dates you held it. Section 8 covers medical conditions that might affect your driving, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or vision problems. Answer honestly — the DMV uses this information to determine whether you need restrictions on your license, not to deny you one.

Section 9 asks whether you've been convicted of certain traffic or criminal offenses. Again, answer truthfully. The DMV will check your record anyway, and lying on the form is signing under penalty of perjury. At the bottom, you sign and date the form in front of a DMV employee. Do not sign it before you arrive at the DMV.

What Happens After You Submit the DL 44

Once you hand in your completed form and documents, a DMV employee will verify your information and take your photograph. You'll then take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs — you can study using the DMV's free online practice tests or the written test study guide available at any DMV office. Most people take this test on the same day they submit the DL 44.

After passing the written test, you'll take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be referred to an eye doctor before you can proceed. Once you pass both tests, you'll schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. This test typically happens within a few weeks of your written test, depending on how busy your local DMV is.

Timeline and When You'll Receive Your License

The entire process from submitting your DL 44 to receiving your physical license in the mail takes roughly four to six weeks, though this varies by location and how quickly you schedule and pass your driving test. After you pass your driving test, the DMV issues you a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives by mail at the address you listed on the form.

If you need your license sooner — for work or school — you can request an expedited replacement at the DMV office, though this costs extra and may not be available for first-time licenses. Check with your local DMV about their specific timelines and options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the DL 44

The most common mistake is writing your address differently than it appears on your proof of residency. If your utility bill says "123 Main Street, Apt 4B" but you write "123 Main St, Apartment 4B" on the form, the DMV may reject it. Copy the address exactly as it appears on your document.

Another frequent error is leaving medical or driving history sections blank when you should write "none." Blank sections can be interpreted as incomplete, which delays processing. If a question doesn't explore to you, write "none" or "N/A" clearly. Also, do not sign the form before you arrive at the DMV — the signature must be witnessed by a DMV employee, and a pre-signed form will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the DL 44 online or at home before going to the DMV?

No. The DL 44 must be completed in person at a DMV office. You can read and review the form beforehand to prepare, but you must sign it in front of a DMV employee. Some DMV offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce wait times.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS instead. Bring the document that shows your ITIN when you go to the DMV. If you have neither, contact your local DMV office to learn about other options.

Do I have to take the written test the same day I submit the DL 44?

Most DMV offices schedule the written test on the same day you submit your process, but you can ask to take it another day if you need more time to study. Scheduling varies by location, so call ahead or check the DMV website for your office's procedures.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no limit to how many times you can try, though each attempt costs a fee. You must wait at least two weeks between attempts, and you can schedule your next test through the DMV website or by calling your local office.

Can someone else pick up my license if I can't get to the DMV?

No. Your license is mailed to the address you provided on the DL 44. If you need to change that address before your license arrives, contact the DMV as soon as possible. You cannot have someone else collect it in person.