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ID Card California

How to get your ID: California



ID Card California

How do I obtain a California ID Card?

In California, anyone of any age can obtain an ID card. If you are over 62, you can use this card as either a regular ID or a senior citizen ID.

You must visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location and complete an application form, provide your thumbprint, and have your picture taken in order to obtain one.

Additionally, you'll need to bring along a few documents. You must have your Social Security number, though if you are lawfully present in the country and are unable to obtain one, you may still apply.

Whether you want a REAL ID or another type of ID card, you must provide proof of your birthdate or legal status, and the kinds of documents you can use depend on your preference.

You should also bring an original or certified copy of any documents that prove you've ever changed your name, such as those obtained through marriage or adoption.

You'll need to provide proof that you reside in California at the end. When applying for a REAL ID, you must present two different forms of identification. You still need two documents even if you're getting a different kind of ID card, but they can be of a different kind. You can use the DMV's guides to determine which documents to bring.


In California, how much does it cost to obtain an ID card?

You must pay $35 to obtain an original California ID card, renew your current one, replace a lost or stolen card, or change your name on your card. This ID card is valid for six years after it is issued.

Some services, however, are gratuitous. A senior citizen card, which is free to obtain and is good for 8 years if you are 62 or older, is available to you. If you need to change your address, there are no additional fees. Additionally, you can convert your driver's license to a California ID card for free if you are no longer able to drive due to a physical or mental condition. You should get in touch with your neighborhood CA DMV office for more details on this.


If I Have Low Income, Can I Get a California Discounted ID Card?

Yes, if you meet the income requirements and are enrolled in a government or public assistance program, you may be able to obtain a California ID card for a reduced fee of $10.

You must obtain a Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card form (Form DL 937) from the government or the nonprofit organization helping you in order to do this. When you visit the California DMV to apply for your ID card, fill out this form and bring it with you.


How do I renew my ID card for California?

If it's a regular ID, your California ID card is only good for 6 years; if it's a senior citizen ID card, it's only good for 8 years. It can be renewed in person at a CA DMV office, by mail, or online. However, after completing the initial application procedures, you will need to renew in person if you're switching from a non-compliant card to a REAL ID.

You must have your Social Security Number (SSN) verified on DMV records, use a valid credit card or bank account for payment, and maintain your current address and name without changing them in order to renew your license online. You must also receive a Renewal By Mail Notice from the California DMV. You can renew your ID card online by going to the California DMV website. However, the DMV will mail you a fake ID card if you renew online. It is best to renew in person if you want to maintain your REAL ID status.

Your ID card must not have been expired for more than a year in order to renew it by mail, and you cannot be changing your name. Additionally, you ought to have renewed your senior ID card and previous ID card in person. Send the CA DMV address on the form along with a filled-out California Identification Card Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information form (Form DL 410 FO) and a check or money order made out to the DMV.

Visit a CA DMV office and fill out a Driver License or Identification Card Application for in-person renewal. If you are under 62, you must also provide your thumbprint, have your picture taken, and pay a $35 renewal fee.

Within 60 days, your new ID card will be mailed to you. Call the California DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check on the status of your application if it hasn't arrived after 60 days. Have your receipt number or a previous CA ID card on hand.


How Should I Proceed If I Lose My California Identification Card?

You can get a new California ID card by visiting a DMV office in California if you misplace or have yours stolen. Unfortunately, you cannot order a replacement over the phone, through the mail, or online.

You must complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application, give your thumbprint, and have your picture taken at the DMV office. A $35 replacement fee will also be charged if you're under 62 years old.

You won't be required to provide a birth date or proof of legal presence in this situation. Check the DMV's online resources for more information about replacing your ID card in California.


How Can I Update My California ID Card's Information?

Here's how to update your name or address on your California identification card.

You must first update your name with the Social Security Administration before you can change it elsewhere. The DMV will send you a Request for Verification of Information letter if the names in your request at the CA DMV and the SSA's records don't match.

Visit a California DMV office in person and complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application if you want to have your ID card's name changed. If you are under 62, you must also submit your thumbprint, have your picture taken, and pay a $35 fee.

Additionally, you must provide evidence of name changes. You can do this by presenting an original or certified copy of either a document that reveals your full legal name, such as adoption papers or a marriage certificate, or a document that reveals your birth date or legal status.

You have 10 days after moving to notify the CA DMV if you want to change your address. This can be done in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online.

If you're doing it online, you must have a Social Security number, a valid California driver's license, and an American address that isn't an Army or Fleet Post Office address. On the website of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, you can update your address online.

Download and complete the Notice of Change of Address form (Form DMV 14) before mailing it to the address specified on the form if you're sending it by mail. You can request a mailing of the form by contacting the DMV at (800) 777-0133. Carry a small piece of paper with your new address with your license after you mail the form.

Fill out the Notice of Change of Address form (Form DMV 14) and bring it to a California DMV office if you're changing your address in person.


What Documents Do I Need to Complete Different California ID Card Processes?

You might need to complete different forms for your California ID card depending on what you need to do.

A "Driver License or Identification Card Application" must be completed in order to apply for, renew, replace, or change your card's name or address.

You must complete the "Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card" form (Form DL 937) if you are eligible for a reduced fee for your ID card due to participation in a government or public assistance program. This form is available from your local public assistance program office or the non-profit organization helping you.

You must complete the "California Identification Card Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information" form (Form DL 410 FO) in order to renew your ID card by mail.

If you want to change your address, you must fill out the "Notice of Change of Address" (Form DMV 14), whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.




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David Armento

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Forms download icon California's official forms for get your ID


PDF Icon

DL 410 FO - California Driver License Renewal by Mail Eligibility Information

Use this form to find out if you can renew your California driver's license by mail and, if you can, to do so.

PDF Icon

DMV 14 - Notice of Change of Address

Notifies the California DMV of your new location and can be used to update your driver's license, registration, tags, and handicapped parking badges.


DMV Appointment in California

Appointment information

Most DMV services can be completed without an appointment.

You can, however, schedule a Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test

Appointments for select driverā€™s license transactions are only available after an application has been submitted. Use the ā€œGet in Lineā€ service when available for same day visits:

Schedule your DMV appointment in California

Depends on the service: Appointment is needed for some services.

Most DMV services can be completed without an appointment.

You can, however, schedule a Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test

Appointments for select driverā€™s license transactions are only available after an application has been submitted. Use the ā€œGet in Lineā€ service when available for same day visits:

Schedule your DMV appointment in California

Depends on the service: Appointment is needed for some services.

Most DMV services can be completed without an appointment.

You can, however, schedule a Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test

Appointments for select driverā€™s license transactions are only available after an application has been submitted. Use the ā€œGet in Lineā€ service when available for same day visits:

Schedule your DMV appointment in California


DMV Hours in California

Today, being Friday, California DMV offices open at different hours, starting from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Opening hours:

  • 4 offices at California open today at 7 a.m.
  • 170 offices at California open today at 8 a.m.
  • 1 office at California open today at 9 a.m.

We recommend selecting your county from the list below to find your closest office hours.

Today, being Friday, California DMV offices close at different hours, starting from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Closing hours:

  • 5 offices at California close today at 4 p.m.
  • 170 offices at California close today at 5 p.m.

We recommend selecting your county from the list below to find your closest office hours.

Tomorrow, being Saturday, all DMV offices in California will remain close.

No, the California DMV doesn't open on weekends.

No, the California DMV doesn't open on Saturday.

No, the California DMV doesn't open on Sunday.


Search DMV offices in California by county

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