What you need to know about California driver's licenses
California issues two types of driver's licenses: a standard license for people who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and an AB 60 license for people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. Both are valid for driving in California and are accepted as identification at banks, airports, and other institutions. The main difference is what documents you can use to prove your identity and residency.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all license issuance, renewal, and replacement. You can explore in person at a DMV office, and some transactions can be completed online or by mail. Processing times vary depending on the type of transaction and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- California offers standard driver's licenses and AB 60 licenses; the type you can get depends on your ability to prove legal presence in the United States.
- You must provide proof of identity, California residency, and Social Security number (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for AB 60 licenses) to obtain a license.
- New licenses typically take 2 to 3 weeks to arrive by mail after you pass your written and driving tests; you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age, license type, and how long it has been since your last renewal.
- The DMV requires an appointment for most in-person visits; you can schedule one through the DMV website or by phone.
Documents you need for a new California driver's license
The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For proof of identity, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or certain other government-issued documents. The DMV website lists all acceptable documents by category.
For proof of residency, you need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your California address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail. A single document usually works, but the DMV may ask for two if your name does not match exactly on your identity and residency documents.
If you are explore for an AB 60 license, you do not need to prove legal presence, but you still need proof of identity and residency. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. The DMV accepts a wider range of identity documents for AB 60 licenses, including foreign passports and consular identification cards.
Steps to get a new California driver's license
First, schedule an appointment through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times are often several hours. Bring all required documents and your current out-of-state license if you have one.
At your appointment, a DMV employee will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your signature. You will then take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.
After passing the written test, you will take a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle operation, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you fail, you can schedule another test appointment.
Renewing your California driver's license
Renewal options depend on your age and how long your license has been expired. If your license is not yet expired or expired less than 6 months ago, you can renew online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions: you must be between 18 and 70 years old, your license must not have been suspended or revoked, and you must not need to update your photograph.
If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you can renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal requires an appointment and is faster if you need a new photograph or have other changes to your license information.
Standard licenses expire on your birthday every 5 years if you are under 70, or every 10 years if you are 70 or older. AB 60 licenses expire every 5 years regardless of age. The DMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged California driver's license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it online, by mail, or in person. Online replacement is the fastest option and takes about 2 weeks. You will need to verify your identity and pay the replacement fee. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file.
If you cannot replace your license online, you can explore by mail using Form DL 44 or visit a DMV office in person. In-person replacement is fastest if you need the license when ready; you can receive a temporary paper license the same day.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to law enforcement. This creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently. The DMV does not require a police report to replace a stolen license, but having one on file can protect you.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a new driver's license varies by age and license type. As of 2024, a standard 5-year license for someone under 70 costs around $39, and a 10-year license for someone 70 or older costs around $48. AB 60 licenses cost the same as standard licenses. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices; online and mail renewals require a debit or credit card.
If you cannot afford the fee, the DMV does not offer fee waivers or reductions. However, some community organizations provide financial information for DMV fees; you can search for local resources through your county social services office.
What happens after you pass your tests
Once you pass both the written and driving tests, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. This temporary license has the same legal status as a permanent license and can be used for driving and identification. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at your appointment.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 3 weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. Occasionally licenses are lost in the mail or sent to an incorrect address. The DMV can reissue your license or confirm that it was delivered.
If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address through the DMV website or at a DMV office. This ensures your license is mailed to your new address. You do not need to retake your tests if you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with my temporary paper license?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving and identification for 60 days. You can use it at banks, airports, and other places that accept identification. Once your permanent plastic license arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed.
What if I fail my driving test?
You can schedule another driving test appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to wait for the next available appointment at your local DMV office. You do not need to retake the written test unless more than 12 months have passed since you passed it.
Do I need to take the driving test again if I renew my license?
No. Renewals do not require a new written or driving test. You only need to provide updated information if your address, name, or other details have changed. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to retake tests before you can renew.
How long does it take to get a California driver's license?
If you pass your tests on the first try, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail in 2 to 3 weeks. If you need to retake a test, the timeline depends on when the next appointment is available at your local DMV office.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than 6 months?
Yes, but you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, the DMV may require you to retake the written test or provide updated medical information, depending on your age and circumstances.