California Drivers License

What is the procedure for obtaining a California driver's license?

If you want to get a driver's license in California, here's a step-by-step guide:

• Visit your local California DMV office.
• Fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application.
• Bring identification, your Social Security number, and proof of residency.
• Pay the $41 driver's license fee.
• Complete a written exam successfully.
• Pass a road test (driver's license).

Remember to read the specific details below for more information on the licensing requirements in California.

Have you recently moved to California and need a driver's license?

If you have recently moved to California, you must apply for a California driver's license within 10 days.

How do you determine if you are a resident? If you participate in activities that are normally reserved for residents, such as:

• Voter registration.
• Paying in-state college tuition.
• Obtaining a property tax exemption as a homeowner.
• Follow the steps outlined under "Apply for Your CA License" to obtain a new California driver's license (which includes taking a written test).

The good news is that if you already have a driver's license (unless it's from another country - see the non-citizens section below), the California DMV may waive the driving test. However, keep in mind that the DMV has the final say and may require you to take it anyway.

Never had a driver's license before? After passing your written permit test, you will be issued a permit to practice driving before the actual driving test.

If you already have a license, you can skip the learner's permit portion.

What are the various types of California driver's licenses?

California issues the following noncommercial driver's licenses:

Class C

You can drive regular passenger cars and trucks that aren't used for commercial purposes with this license.

Noncommercial Class A

This license is required to drive noncommercial travel trailers weighing more than 10,000 pounds, fifth-wheel travel trailers weighing more than 15,000 pounds, and livestock trailers weighing between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds.

Noncommercial Class B

You can drive a recreational vehicle (RV) or motor home up to 45 feet long with this license.

Do you need a new California driver's license?

Before you go to the DMV, you should determine whether you even need a new license.

You will require a new California driver's license if you:

• You've been in California for a while but don't have a driver's license.
• You've recently moved to California and want to get a California driver's license or transfer your out-of-state license.
• You intend to drive any of the above-mentioned Noncommercial Class A or B vehicles.
• You have legal status in both the state and the country.
• If you have a diplomatic driver license issued by the United States Department of State, you do not need to obtain a new California driver's license.

You do not need a California driver's license if you meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 18 years old, visiting California, and have a valid out-of-state driver's license.
• If you have a valid out-of-state license and have not declared California residency, you are a member of the military or a military dependent stationed in California.
• Farm vehicles are only driven off public roads.
• You only drive off-road vehicles and snowmobiles that do not cross public roads.

Apply for a new driver's license

To apply for a new California driver's license, you must first ensure that you do not have any legal issues that would prevent you from holding a valid driver's license, such as suspensions, revocations, or cancellations. (You can confirm this by checking your driving record).

Here's how to apply for a California Class C driver's license:

• Schedule a vision and written test appointment with your local DMV.
• Fill out the application for a driver's license or identification card. Please keep in mind that this form is not available online. You can get it from the DMV or have it mailed to you by calling the DMV's Automated Telephone Service at (800) 777-0133.
• Display proof of your Social Security number*, such as your Social Security card or military identification card.
• Provide proof of your full and correct name. The CA DMV has a list of documents that can prove this, such as marriage certificates, domestic partnership formation certificates, divorce certificates, or name changes.
• Display an original or certified document confirming your birth date and legal status. A US birth certificate or a US passport are among the acceptable documents.
• Show proof of residency in California. Two documents are required for a non-compliant driver's license and two documents for a REAL ID-compliant license (the DMV provides a list of acceptable documents).
• Take your thumbprint.
• Have your picture taken.
• Pass the vision examination.
• Pay the $41 processing fee.
• Pass the written permit test, which includes traffic laws and signs questions. You'll have three chances to pass.

*You do not need to meet this requirement if you are a legal non-citizen in the country but do not have a Social Security number or are not eligible for one. See "Getting a California Driver's License as a Non-Citizen" below for more information.

If you pass the written exam, the California DMV will issue you a learner's permit (if one is required). Use this permit to practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old and has the same class of license as you.

There is no time limit on how long you must keep your learner's permit. If you believe you are ready, you can schedule your driving test as soon as the next day.

How can you take your driving test?

Here's how to prepare for your driving test:

• Make an appointment with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Appointments are required for this test.
• Bring proof of registration and insurance for your vehicle.

Keep in mind that you have three chances to pass the driving test. There is no set time between tests, but you must make an appointment for each one. The first test is included in the application fee; additional tests are $8 each.

After passing the driving test, you will be issued a temporary driver's license good for 60 days. If your permanent license does not arrive within 60 days, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to inquire about its status.

Follow the same steps as for a Class C license for a Noncommercial Class A or B license, with a few exceptions:

• Fill out the Commercial Driver's License Application form.
• Fill out and return the Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5876).
• Pay the $41 processing fee.

The California DMV will issue your Noncommercial Class A or B permit once you have met these requirements. The same restrictions apply to practice as with a Class C license, but the person accompanying you must have a full Noncommercial Class A or B license.

To convert your Noncommercial Class A or B permit to a full license, follow these steps:

• Make an appointment at a CDL office.
• Bring your Noncommercial Class A or B vehicle.
• Pre-trip and safety inspections must be passed.
• Pass the driving and skills tests.

Following your passing, the DMV will issue you a temporary license until your permanent one arrives in the mail. If it hasn't arrived within 60 days, call the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to inquire about its status.

How can non-citizens apply for a California driver's license?

If you are a non-citizen, you will go through the same application process as everyone else for a new California driver's license. You must, however, pay special attention to the following requirements:

• Your Social Security number: If you meet both of the following criteria, the DMV may waive this requirement: you are not authorized to work in the country or are otherwise ineligible, and you can provide a valid birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document. On the Social Security Administration's website, you can learn more about applying for a Social Security number.
• Your BD/LP record: This shows your birth date as well as your legal status in the country. The DMV will check this document with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Documents such as an Employment Authorization Card, a valid I-94, or a Temporary Resident Identification Card are acceptable.

The expiration date of your BD/LP has an impact on your application. If it runs out:

• If you apply for a license more than 30 days ago, your application will be processed as usual.
• You can take all of your tests within 60 days of applying, but you won't get a photo driver's license card until you present another BD/LP document valid for 60 or more days from the application date.

You will receive your driver's license after fulfilling all requirements and receiving USCIS verification of your legal presence. If your BD/LP expires within 5 years of when you applied for it, you will be issued a Limited Term (LT) driver's license.

If your BD/LP expires more than 5 years after the date of application, it will be replaced with a full driver's license.

Do I need a new California driver's license if I have a valid diplomatic license?

No, you do not need to obtain a new California driver's license if you already have a valid diplomatic driver's license issued by the United States Department of State.

Reader's comments

Marcia

March 04, 2024

Where can I schedule a vision and written test appointment with your local DMV?

John

March 04, 2024

What is the procedure for obtaining a California driver's license?

Leave your comments

Send Your Comment