The documents California requires before you can get a license

California requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will also need to pass a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a driving test. The state does not accept all forms of ID — your document must be on the DMV's approved list, and it must not be expired.

The specific documents you bring depend on your citizenship or immigration status. U.S. citizens follow one path; people with valid visas or work permits follow another; and people without immigration status have a separate process that leads to an AB 60 license rather than a standard driver license. Each path requires different proof documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving identity (such as a passport or state ID), one proving California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and one proving your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Your identity document must be unexpired and on the DMV's approved list — a foreign passport works, but a foreign driver license does not.
  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents bring different documents than people with work visas or AB 60 applicants, so confirm which category you fall into before you go to the DMV.
  • The DMV accepts documents in languages other than English if they are certified translations or if the document itself is bilingual.

Identity documents the DMV will accept

Your identity document must be unexpired and must appear on the DMV's official list of acceptable documents. A U.S. passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver License from another state all work. A foreign passport is acceptable if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. A Trusted Traveler card (such as Global Entry or NEXUS) is also accepted.

Documents that do not work include a foreign driver license, a state ID that has expired, a school ID, a work ID, or a military dependent ID. If your only form of ID is a foreign driver license, you cannot use it as your primary identity document, even if it is current. You will need to bring a passport or another document from the approved list.

If you do not have a passport or state ID, you can bring a certified birth certificate along with a second document that shows your name and date of birth — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The birth certificate alone is not enough; you need the combination.

Proof of California residency

You must show that you live in California. The DMV accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy. The document must show your name and a California address, and it must be dated within the last 62 days.

A bank or credit card statement also works if it is dated within the last 62 days and shows your name and California address. Some people use a vehicle registration, a paycheck stub, or a government benefit statement. The key requirement is that the document must be recent — anything older than 62 days will not be accepted.

If you have just moved to California and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or a family member stating that you live at that address, along with a copy of the lease or a utility bill in the landlord's name. The DMV also accepts a notarized statement of residency if you cannot obtain other documents.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN

You must bring an original or certified copy of a document that shows your Social Security number or ITIN. A Social Security card is the most straightforward option. If you do not have a card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number — which is common for people without work authorization — bring your ITIN letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This letter shows your ITIN and is issued when you file taxes or request one directly from the IRS. A tax return showing your ITIN also works.

The DMV will not accept a document that shows only part of your number. The document must display the full number. If you cannot locate any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card or ITIN letter before you visit the DMV.

Additional documents based on citizenship or immigration status

U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need to bring immigration documents. Your passport, state ID, or birth certificate serves as proof of citizenship or status.

If you hold a valid visa or work permit, bring your passport and the visa or permit itself. Common examples include an H-1B visa, L-1 visa, F-1 student visa, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The document must be unexpired. If your visa is in a passport you no longer use, bring both the old and new passport.

If you are explore for an AB 60 license — California's license for people without immigration status — you do not need to show immigration documents at all. Instead, you bring your identity document, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or ITIN, just like anyone else. The AB 60 process is separate and does not require proof of legal status.

Documents you may need to bring depending on your situation

If you are under 18, bring a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a license under a new name without this document.

If you are renewing a license you held in another state, bring your out-of-state license if you still have it. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original, but you may be asked to sign a statement confirming it is lost or stolen.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring documentation from your doctor. The DMV may require this before issuing your license or may place restrictions on it. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, bring documentation so the DMV can arrange an interpreter or communicate with you in writing.

What to do if you do not have all the required documents

If you are missing one or more documents, do not go to the DMV yet. The DMV will not issue a license without all three categories of proof — identity, residency, and Social Security number or ITIN. You will waste a trip and may have to wait weeks to return.

Start by requesting any missing documents. A Social Security card can be requested online at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office. A birth certificate can be ordered from the state vital records office where you were born. A utility bill can be requested from your provider. A lease can be obtained from your landlord or property manager.

If you cannot obtain a standard document, ask the DMV about alternatives. The DMV website lists backup documents for each category. You can also call the DMV or visit in person to ask whether a specific document will work before you commit to getting it. Some DMV offices offer phone appointments to answer questions about documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed copy instead of an original document?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies for identity and Social Security proof. For residency, a printed copy of a utility bill or bank statement is acceptable if it shows your name, address, and date. Photocopies of identity documents do not work.

What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?

Bring all the documents that show your different names, plus a legal document explaining the change — such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV will use the legal document to understand the name change and will issue your license under your current legal name.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

For identity documents, bring the original. For residency, a printed copy of a recent bill or statement works. For Social Security proof, bring the original card or a certified copy of a tax form or letter from the Social Security Administration. Photocopies of identity documents are not accepted.

Can I use a document in another language?

Yes, if it is a certified English translation or if the document itself is bilingual. A certified translation must be prepared by a professional translator and include a statement that the translation is accurate. The DMV will not accept a translation you make yourself.

What happens if I bring documents but the DMV says one is not acceptable?

The DMV will tell you which document does not meet their requirements and what alternative documents you can bring instead. You can return to the DMV once you have obtained an acceptable document. Some DMV offices allow you to schedule another appointment right away; others may have a wait.