New Driver License California

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Applying for a California Driver's License

California is preparing to make changes to driver's licenses and identity cards for millions of residents in order to comply with federal requirements at airports across the country.

How to get a driver's license with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

  • Visit your local CA DMV office.
  • Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application.
  • Provide proof of your identity, Social Security Number, and residency.
  • Pay the $36 driver's license fee.
  • Pass the written test.
  • Pass the road test.
  • For more details on the California licensing requirements, please see below.
AB-60 Driver's License Update:

California residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. are now able to get a CA driver's license. Please visit our CA AB-60 Law page for regulations and required documents for an AB-60 license.

New to California?

Just Moved?

Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

You must apply for a California driver license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state.

Residency is generally established when you take part in situations or benefits generally not extended to nonresidents, such as:

    “Apply for Your CA License' below (including taking the written exam).

    Note, however, that the California DMV will most likely waive your driving exam if you already hold a license* UNLESS your license is from another country (see our section on non-citizens below).

    If you've never been licensed before, you will be given a permit once you pass your written permit test so you can practice driving before your driving test.

    If you've been licensed before, skip the learner's permit section.

    * Waived driving exams are at the discretion of the California DMV, so be prepared to take one if they ask you to.

    Types of California Driver's Licenses

    California has the following full, noncommercial driver's licenses:

    License
    • Class C:
      • The Class C license allows you to drive regular, noncommercial passenger cars and trucks.
    • Noncommercial Class A:
      • The Noncommercial Class A license covers not-for-hire travel trailers weighing more than 10,000 lbs, fifth-wheel travel trailers weighing more than 15,000 lbs, and livestock trailers weighing more than 10,000 lbs but no more than 15,000 lbs.
    • Noncommercial Class B:
      • You can drive a house car (RV or motor home) up to 45 feet (no longer).

    If you need another type of license, check out the following pages:

    • Teen Drivers
      • Covers CA's GDL process, including Driver's Ed requirements, provisional permits, and provisional licenses.
    • Motorcycles
      • CA offers M1 and M2 licenses for motorcyclists.
    • Commercial Vehicles
      • Find out how to get your Class A, B, and C commercial driver license (CDL), as well as how to add endorsements.

    California Driver's License Requirements

    CA REAL ID License Update

    The California DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to standard non-compliant driver’s licenses. The REAL ID allows you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings after October 1, 2020. You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or a standard driver's license—details are outlined below.

    Before heading to the DMV, find out whether you need to apply for a new license.

    You DO need a new California driver license if:

    How To Get New Driver License California

    • You're a long-time CA resident who's never been licensed.
    • You're new to California and want to:
      • Apply for a California driver's license.
      • Transfer an out-of-state license.
    • You plan to operate any of the Noncommercial Class A and B vehicles described above (“Types of CA Driver Licenses').
    • You have legal presence in the state and country.
      • You do not need a new California driver license if you possess a diplomatic driver license issued by the U.S. Department of State.

    You do NOTneed a California driver license if:

    • You're 18 years old or older and visiting CA with a valid out-of-state driver's license.
    • You're an active military member or dependent stationed in California, as long as you have a valid out-of-state license and you haven't established CA residency.
    • You operate farm vehicles off public highways.
    • You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing them.)
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    Obtain a California Learner's Permit

    “Apply for Your CA Driver's License' below will explain at what point during the application process you 'll receive your learner's permit.You must obtain a learner's permit before getting a full Class C or Noncommercial Class A or B license IF you've never held one of these licenses before.

    Apply for Your CA Driver's License

    To apply for a new California driver's license, you must not have any discrepancies such as suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or other legal matters preventing you from possessing a valid driver's license. (Learn how to check your driving record.)

    Class C License

    To apply for your Class C driver's license in California:

    Ace Your Exam on the First Try!

    Don't leave your permit test to chance—take our free permit practice test with questions directly from the CA driver handbook. It's the fastest, easiest way to set yourself up for success!

    • Make an appointment with your local DMV for the vision and written exams.
      • NOTE: No tests are administered after 30 minutes before closing.
    • Complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application.
      • This form isn't available online. You can pick one up at the DMV or call the DMV's Automated Telephone Service at (800) 777-0133 to have one mailed to you.
    • Provide proof of your Social Security number*, such as your:
      • Social Security card.
      • Military ID card.
    • Provide proof of your full and true name. The CA DMV provides a list of documents, including documents that show:
      • Marriage or verification of domestic partnership formation.
      • Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership.
      • Name change. (Must include original and new names.)
    • Provide 1 document (original or certified) that proves your birth date and legal presence from the state's list of documents, which includes:
      • U.S. birth certificate.
      • U.S. passport.
    • Present proof of California residency; either:
      • 1 document for a non-compliant driver's license.
      • 2 documents for a REAL ID-compliant license (the DMV provides a list to choose from).
    • Have your thumbprint taken.
    • Have your photo taken.
    • Pass the vision exam.
    • Pay the $36 fee.
    • Pass the written permit test.
      • The written exam consists of questions on traffic laws and signs. You have 3 chances to pass.

    * If you're a non-citizen who's legally present but doesn't have an SSN, or you're not eligible for an SSN, you're exempt from this requirement. Learn more at “Getting a California Driver's License as a Non-Citizen' below.

    At this point—and once you pass your written test— the California DMV will issue you a learner's permit (if applicable). Use this permit to practice for your driving test. You must practice with a licensed driver who holds the same class of license and is at least 18 years old.

    There is no minimum time you must hold the learner's permit. If you think you're ready, you can schedule a driving test as early as the next day.

    Take Your Driving Test

    Now it's time to move on to your driving test:

    • Make an appointment with the California DMV.
      • Appointments are mandatory for this test.
    • Show up with a vehicle and:
      • Proof of registration.
      • Proof of insurance.

    Note that:

    • You have 3 chances to pass the driving test.
    • There is no minimum waiting period between driving tests, but you must make an appointment for each one.
    • The first test is included in your application fee; each test after that costs $7.

    Once you pass your driving exam, you'll receive a temporary driver's license that's good for 90 days. The DMV mails your permanent license; if you don't receive it within 60 days, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check the status.

    Noncommercial Class A or B License

    You'll apply for a Noncommercial Class A or B license the same way you would apply for a Class C license (see above), with just a few exceptions.

    • You'll complete the Commercial Driver's License Application.
      • A completed Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5876)
    • Your fee is $36.

    Once you meet those requirements, the California DMV will issue your Noncommercial Class A or B permit. The same practicing restrictions apply, only your accompanying driver must have a full Noncommercial Class A or B license.

    To upgrade your Noncommercial Class A or B permit to a full license:

    • Make an appointment with a CDL office.
    • Bring either the Noncommercial Class A or Class B vehicle with you.
    • Pass the pre-trip and safety inspections.
    • Pass the skills and driving exams.

    After you pass, the DMV will give you an interim license until you receive your permanent driver's license in the mail. If you don't receive your permanent license in 60 days, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check the status.

    Non-Citizens and California Driver's Licenses

    You will follow the same new California driver's license application process as described above, paying close attention to:

    • Your Social Security number*. The DMV might waive this if BOTH of the following apply to you:
      • You are not authorized to work in the country or are otherwise ineligible.
      • You can provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document.
    • Your birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document.
      • This document shows your birth date and legal presence in the country.
      • The DMV verifies this document with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
      • The state provides a full list of documents, but examples include:
        • Employment Authorization Card.
        • Valid I-94.
        • Temporary Resident Identification Card.

    * Learn more about applying for a SSN at the Social Security Administration's Social Security number website.

    Timing is a factor, too. If your BD/LP expires:

    • More than 30 days from the day you apply for a driver's license, your application process will move forward normally.
    • Fewer than 60 days from the day you apply for a driver's license, you can take all your tests but you won't receive a photo driver's license card until you present another BD/LP document that's valid for 60 days or more from the date of your application.

    After you've met all requirements and the USCIS has verified your legal presence, you'll receive your driver's license. Your driver's license is considered a:

    • Limited Term (LT) driver's license if your BD/LP expires fewer than 5 years from the date you applied for your license.
    • Full driver's license if your BD/LP expires more than 5 years from the date you applied for your license.

    NOTE: Again, you do not need a new California driver's license if you possess a valid diplomatic driver license from the U.S. Department of State.

    Forms

    MCSA-5876
    Medical Examination Report
    You must submit this medical form when applying for a CDL OR other special vehicle classes (e.g. school buses or farm vehicles) in CA.

    This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

    Please select one of the below to continue:

    Email the link to this form
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    The U.S. has introduced a couple new government-approved documents to help us travel easier:

    • Passport card—Basically a limited-use passport.
    • Enhanced driver's license—Acts both as a driver license AND a travel document, but also with limits.

    We'll walk you through the basic differences of each of these documents, and help you determine which one is right for you.

    Passport Cards

    The U.S. Passport Card (also known as a PASS Card) is a less expensive, wallet-sized version of a traditional passport—with a few travel-use conditions.

    PASS Cards come equipped with a microchip that assigns a distinct number to its owner. This number, through vicinity-read radio frequency technology, matches up with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) database to promote more secure crossings with faster queuing.

    Thus, your passport card acts as approved identification at border communities—for example, when you travel by land or sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean)—however, it isNOT approved for air travel and CANNOT be used as an international travel document recognized worldwide.

    Differences: Passport Card vs. Passport

    Perhaps the biggest difference between a passport card and a traditional passport is that:

    • Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land;
      WHEREAS
    • Passport cards are valid only for re-entering the U.S. at land borders or sea ports-of-entry from:
      • Canada.
      • Mexico.
      • Bermuda.
      • The Caribbean.

    Aside from traveling abilities/restrictions, other differences include:

    • Size: Traditional passports are larger than wallet-sized passport cards.
    • Cost: Both first-time applicants and renewing applicants pay more for passports than they do for passport cards.

    However, both traditional passports and U.S. passport cards are valid for the same length of time.

    Applying for a Passport Card

    View New Driver License California

    All U.S. citizens can apply for a passport card; however, if you already have a valid traditional passport, you don't need a passport card to travel internationally.

    The application process depends on whether you need to apply as a:

    • In-person applicant.
    • Mail-in application.
      OR
    • Expedited passport.

    In-Person Applicants

    Anyone who has never before applied for a passport or passport card must apply in person.

    Additionally, you must apply in person if you:

    • Are younger than 16 years old.
    • Had a previous passport that was:
      • Issued when you were under 16 years old.
      • Damaged, lost or stolen.
      • Issued more than 15 years ago.
    • Have changed your name since your last passport issuance AND are unable to legally document the name change.

    Refer to the U.S. State Department's page on first-time applicants for additional information regarding special requirements for minors of various ages, applying outside of the U.S., applying for a Diplomatic passport, and more.

    When you're ready, apply at your nearest passport acceptance facility using the Application For a U.S. Passport (Form DS-11). This form provides all information about all application requirements including how to prove U.S. citizenship, ways to prove your identity, acceptable color photographs, and more.

    Your passport card is valid for:

    • Under 16 years old: 5 years.
    • 16 years old and up: 10 years.

    Currently, passport card fees for first-time applicants are:

    • Passport card:
      • Under 16 years old: $50.
      • All other applicants: $65.
    • Application fee
      • Under 16 years old: $15
      • All other applicants: $30
    • Execution fee (ALL applicants): $35.

    Call ahead to your passport acceptance facility for acceptable forms of payment.

    By-Mail Applicants

    You may apply for a passport card by mail if you're able to submit your current valid passport or passport card with your application.

    You're eligible for mail-in application if you have a current passport or card that:

    • Was obtained:
      • When you were 16 years old or older.
      • Within the last 15 years.
    • Is NOT damaged, lost, or stolen.
    • Features your current legalnameOR the you can show legal documentation of a name change.

    Refer to the U.S. State Department's page on renewing a passport for additional information regarding special requirements such as applying outside of the U.S.

    To apply for a passport card by mail, you must:

    • Complete the U.S. Passport Renewal Application for Eligible Individuals (Form DS-82).
      • You can print and complete the application by hand, or complete the application online and print it. Refer to the State Department's renewal guide for further instructions.
    • Mail the completed form and the following documents to the applicable address listed on the form:
      • Your valid U.S. passport or passport card.
      • Your acceptable passport photo.
        • Passport photo requirements are detailed on the application.
      • Name change documents, if applicable.
      • The $30 application fee.
        • An execution fee does not apply for mail-in requests.

    Expedited Passport Cards

    Expedited passport cards are available in person or by mail (see application instructions above); you are able to notify the U.S. Department of State of this need using the appropriate application.

    Generally, expedited passport cards are available within 8 weeks of application; however, you might be able to get it sooner if you can prove an urgent need.

    New California Drivers License Format

    An expedited passport card costs an additional $60, as well as any applicable delivery costs.

    For more details, refer to the State Department's guide to expedited passports.

    Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL)

    As the name suggests, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a driver license with a few extra perks. For example, an EDL resembles a passport card in that it:

    • Offers both convenience and easy portability.
    • Provides proof of:
      • Identification.
      • U.S. citizenship.
    • Allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

    Also like a passport card, an EDL is accepted only at land and sea border crossings—not for air travel. It also contains radio-frequency microchipping that uniquely identifies you in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) databases, which should promote a more expeditious cross. They are also in full compliance with the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) security measures.

    Applying for an Enhanced Driver's License

    Unfortunately, not all U.S. states (or Canadian provinces) issue EDLs—yet.

    The best way to find out if your state offers an enhanced driver's license (and get the state-specific application process and fees) is to check your state within our Applying for a New License section or contact your state's motor vehicle agency directly.

    Related Tasks & Topics

    - Appointments

    - Change of Address

    - Lost License

    New Driver's License California Federal Limits Apply

    - New License

    - REAL ID

    - Renew License

    - Take a Practice Test

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    New Driver License California 2018

    • Get free quotes from the nation's biggest auto insurance providers.
    • Over 94% of Americans qualify for lower rates.