Background & aims: Youth with developmental language disorder (DLD) are at risk of experiencing challenges during their job search. It is thus crucial to promote efficient job search behaviors in terms of effort, intensity, and self-regulation. Based on self-determination theory (SDT), we verified the role of autonomous and controlled motivations in enhancing these behaviors. Methods: Study 1 included 37 young adults with DLD who have finished school, and Study 2 included 52 youth with DLD transitioning from school to work. They completed a questionnaire examining their job search behaviors and their motivation toward their job search. Results: Autonomous motivation positively predicted job search effort, intensity, and self-regulation. Small to moderate relations were observed in Study 1, and moderate to strong ones in Study 2. Controlled motivation was unrelated to the three behaviors. Conclusions: In line with SDT, autonomous motivation is an important foundation for positive job search behaviors among youth with DLD. Implications: Supporting the development of autonomous motivation is thus encouraged in transition services for this population.