DL 396A Form – The DL 396A Form, officially known as the Driver Education Supply Request Form, is a critical document issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It allows approved driver education schools to request official certificates for both classroom Driver Education and Behind-the-Wheel Training programs.
This free form ensures that public secondary schools, private secondary schools, and home school/private school satellite programs can obtain the exact number of completion certificates needed for their students. Each certificate is issued on a one-per-student basis, helping schools maintain compliance with California driver education regulations.
As of 2026, the current version remains DL 396A (REV. 3/2021), and the official PDF is available directly from the DMV website.
Who Needs the DL 396A Driver Education Supply Request Form PDF?
The DL 396A is designed exclusively for authorized driver education providers in California. Eligible users include:
- Public secondary schools
- Private secondary schools
- Home school/private school satellite programs
Only the owner, officer, administrator, or principal of the school may sign the form. Instructors, secretaries, or other representatives are not authorized to sign.
Schools use this form to replenish their supply of official DMV certificates (DL 387 and DL 388 series) when they run low. It is not for individual drivers or students—only for licensed educational institutions that meet DMV standards for driver training programs.
How to Download the Official DL 396A PDF?
Downloading the DL 396A Form is quick and free. Here is the direct, official link to the most current PDF:
Download DL 396A Driver Education Supply Request Form PDF:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/02/DL-396-A-R3-2021-ASB-WWW.pdf
This file is hosted on the California DMV’s secure portal and is the only recommended source. Always verify you are on the official dmv.ca.gov domain before downloading any DMV form.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DL 396A Form
Filling out the Driver Education Supply Request Form is straightforward. Follow these steps exactly:
- Print or type clearly in ink—do not use pencil.
- Enter your School Name and School ID Number at the top.
- In Section 1 (Forms On Hand and Amount Requested), locate each certificate you need.
- For each item, record:
- Current Amount on Hand
- Additional Requested (based on your upcoming student enrollment)
- Move to Section 2 (Certification).
- The authorized signer (owner, officer, administrator, or principal) must:
- Sign and date the form
- Print their name
- Indicate their title
- Retain a copy for your school records.
- Mail the original form to the address listed below.
The form includes a certification statement under penalty of perjury, confirming the information is true and correct.
Complete List of Driver Education Supplies on the DL 396A Form
The DL 396A allows schools to request the following official certificates (1 per student):
Driver Education Certificates:
- DL 387 – Certificate of Completion of Driver Education (Public Secondary School)
- DL 387 A – Certificate of Completion of Non-Classroom Driver Education (Public Secondary School)
- DL 387 B – Certificate of Completion of Classroom Driver Education (Private Secondary School)
- DL 387 C – Certificate of Completion of Non-Classroom Driver Education (Private Secondary School)
- DL 387 D – Certificate of Completion of Classroom Driver Education (Home School/Private School Satellite Program)
- DL 387 E – Certificate of Completion of Non-Classroom Driver Education (Home School/Private School Satellite Program)
Behind-the-Wheel Training Certificates:
- DL 388 A – Certificate of Completion of Behind the Wheel Training (Public Secondary School)
- DL 388 B – Certificate of Completion of Behind the Wheel Training (Private Secondary School)
- DL 388 C – Certificate of Completion of Behind the Wheel Training (Home School/Private School Satellite Program)
These certificates are essential for students to receive proof of completion for their driver’s license application.
How to Submit the DL 396A Form to the California DMV?
Submission is done by mail only. Send the original completed form to:
Occupational Licensing Section
PO Box 932342, MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
Processing times are not specified on the form, so schools should submit requests well in advance of student enrollment periods. Keep a copy for your files as proof of submission.
Important Requirements and Notes for Using the DL 396A
- The form is for driver education schools only—not for commercial driving schools (which use DL 396 instead).
- Certificates must be requested based on actual student needs to avoid waste.
- The DMV may audit requests, so accurate record-keeping of certificates on hand is required.
- No fees are charged for these supplies when requested through the proper channel.
This process helps the DMV maintain control over official driver education documentation while supporting California’s teen driver safety programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DL 396A Form
Is the DL 396A Form still current in 2026?
Yes. The official version (REV. 3/2021) uploaded in February 2025 remains the active form on the DMV website.
Can I submit the form electronically?
No. The instructions require mailing the original signed form.
Who is authorized to sign the DL 396A?
Only the school’s owner, officer, administrator, or principal. Instructors and staff cannot sign.
Where can I find related forms?
The full list of driver education forms is available on the California DMV’s Vehicle Industry Services Resources & Links page, including DL 396 (Authorization/Requisition) and DL 396B (Private Secondary Non-Classroom Curriculum Certification).
What if my school needs more than one type of certificate?
You can request multiple certificate types on the same DL 396A form by filling out the quantities for each.
Why Schools Should Use the Official DL 396A Driver Education Supply Request Form?
Using the correct DL 396A PDF ensures your students receive genuine, DMV-issued certificates that are accepted for driver’s license applications. Downloading from the official source eliminates the risk of using outdated or fraudulent forms.
For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the California DMV website. Schools that stay compliant with these supply request procedures help support safer drivers across California.
Official Download Link (again for convenience):
DL 396A Driver Education Supply Request Form PDF