What is the DL 44 form? California driver's license application explained
TL;DR: The DL 44 is the California DMV's official application form for a new driver's license, a renewal done in person, a duplicate card, or a name change. Most applicants do not need to find or fill out a paper copy anymore: a DMV clerk pulls it up on their terminal and you sign electronically at the counter or kiosk. This page explains what the form covers, what to bring so the appointment goes smoothly, and links to the government PDF if you need to see the form itself.
What is the DL 44 form?
DL 44 is the form number the California DMV uses for its Driver License or Identification Card Application. It is the paperwork behind almost every counter transaction: a first-time license, an in-person renewal, a replacement for a lost or damaged card, or updating your name on file. The form collects your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and a few eligibility questions about your driving and residency history.
You do not need to track down a copy before your visit. Field offices fill it out on a terminal while you are there, and you sign with a digital pad instead of a pen. The version linked below is the same government PDF, kept here for reference if you want to see the questions ahead of time or if an employer, school, or agency has asked you for a copy of the form itself.
Preparing for your DMV test?
Download our free iOS app — 1,164+ practice questions in 11 languages, flashcards, and offline study!
California requires an in-person visit for a new license, most renewals, and any transaction that changes your photo or signature. Mail-in renewal is only available if the DMV sends you a renewal notice that specifically qualifies for it. If you are not sure which category you fall into, the DMV appointment guide covers how to check.
When you will fill out a DL 44
| Situation | What changes on the form |
|---|---|
| First California license or ID card | Full application, plus a vision test and knowledge test sign-off |
| In-person renewal | Confirms your current information is still correct |
| Lost, stolen, or damaged card | Duplicate request, no new tests required |
| Legal name change | New name plus proof: marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree |
| Address update only | Usually handled online instead; see the address update guide |
What to bring so the visit goes faster
The form itself takes a few minutes. Most of the wait at a DMV office comes from applicants who show up without the right paperwork and have to start over. Before you go, confirm you have proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two documents proving California residency. If you are also upgrading to REAL ID, bring the extra documents listed in the REAL ID checklist, since the DL 44 process and the REAL ID document check happen at the same counter visit.
Do
- Bring your Social Security card or a W-2 if you do not have the card
- Bring two residency documents with your current address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement
- Double check your legal name matches your ID exactly before you sign
- Schedule an appointment online instead of walking in, if you can
Don't
- Pay a third-party website for a "DL 44 template" or "certified copy": the form is free and only valid when issued by the DMV itself
- Sign before reading the eligibility questions about suspensions or out-of-state licenses
- Assume a renewal notice qualifies for mail-in processing without checking it first
- Leave the Social Security number section blank if you have one: it can delay your card
Where to find the actual form
You can view the current DL 44 as a PDF here: DL 44 Driver License or Identification Card Application (PDF). Treat it as a reference copy. The version a clerk generates for you at the counter is the one that becomes your official application, since it captures your signature and any photo taken that day.
For the fees tied to whichever transaction you are filing, see the California DMV fees guide. If you still need your issue date or expiration date explained once your new card arrives, the driver's license issue date guide decodes every label on the front and back of the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DL 44 form used for?
The DL 44 is the California DMV's Driver License or Identification Card Application. It is used for a first-time license or ID card, an in-person renewal, a duplicate for a lost or damaged card, and legal name changes.
Can I download and fill out a DL 44 form at home?
You can view the government PDF for reference, but most field offices complete the form on their own terminal while you are there and have you sign electronically. A printed copy filled out at home is not what becomes your official application.
Is there a fee for the DL 44 form itself?
No. The form is free. You still pay the standard DMV fee for whichever transaction you are filing, such as a renewal or duplicate card. See the California DMV fees guide for current amounts.
Do I need a DL 44 form to renew my license by mail?
Only some renewals qualify for mail-in processing, and the DMV tells you this on your renewal notice. Most renewals, and anything that updates your photo or signature, require an in-person visit instead.
