What you need to get a California driver license

California issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, prove your identity and California residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test. The DMV also requires proof that you have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a California driver license. California law allows people without legal immigration status to obtain a license under the same rules as other residents, though the license will be marked as such and cannot be used for federal identification purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

The entire process typically takes several weeks from the time you submit your process to the time you receive your license in the mail. Some people complete the written and driving tests on the same day; others schedule them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person to explore, bring original identity documents, and pay a fee that varies based on your age and license type.
  • California accepts a wide range of documents to prove identity and residency, including passports, birth certificates, utility bills, and lease agreements.
  • You must pass a written test covering California traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test before the DMV issues your license.
  • If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test.
  • The DMV offers the written test in multiple languages, and you can request an interpreter at your appointment.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires you to bring documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number or ITIN, and your California residency. You must bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a passport from your country of origin, a certified birth certificate, a consular identification card, or a military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a Social Security card, a school ID, a work permit, or a letter from a government agency with your name and date of birth.

To prove residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency showing your name and California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with proof that they live at that address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the Internal Revenue Service before you visit the DMV.

The written test and what it covers

The DMV written test has 36 questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean.

You can study for the test using the California Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website in multiple languages. Many people also use practice tests online or through DMV-approved study apps. The DMV allows you to take the written test in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, or Hindi.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, though you will pay the test fee each time.

Getting a learner's permit if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot go directly to the driving test. Instead, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing the written test. Once you have the permit, you must hold it for at least six months and practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

During the six-month waiting period, you can only drive during daylight hours and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions lift once you pass the driving test and receive your full license.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can take the written test and the driving test without the waiting period, though you can still request a permit if you want to practice first.

The driving test and scheduling your appointment

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner also checks that you can use the mirrors, signal correctly, and follow traffic laws.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and a horn. If you rent a car for the test, make sure the rental company allows it to be used for a DMV driving test, as some do not.

To schedule your driving test, you can visit the DMV website, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, or visit a DMV office in person. Wait times for driving tests vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a few weeks, while others have longer waits. You can check available appointment times on the DMV website before you call.

Fees and how long the process takes

The cost of a California driver license depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A license for someone 18 or older costs $39 and is valid for five years. A license for someone under 18 costs $24 and is valid until age 18, when you must renew it. The written test and driving test each have separate fees, though these are sometimes bundled into the process fee.

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices also accept checks. If you are paying by mail, you must include a check or money order.

From the time you submit your process to the time you receive your license in the mail, the process usually takes three to four weeks. If you pass both tests on the same day, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, this temporary license allows you to do so.

What happens if you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you which tasks you did not perform correctly. You can retake the test as many times as you need, though you must pay the test fee each time. Most people schedule their next attempt within a few weeks and use that time to practice with a licensed driver.

There is no waiting period between failed tests. You can retake the driving test the next day if you want, though the DMV may not have an opening that soon. You keep your learner's permit (if you are under 18) or your temporary license (if you are 18 or older) while you prepare for your next attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes. If you pass the written test, you can take the driving test the same day if the DMV office has an available examiner and you have a vehicle ready. Some people schedule both appointments at once; others take the written test first and then schedule the driving test for a later date.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the Internal Revenue Service. The process takes several weeks. Once you have an ITIN, you can use it in place of a Social Security number when you explore for your driver license.

Do I need to pass a vision test to get a driver license?

Yes. The DMV will test your vision at your appointment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue you a license until you provide a letter from an eye doctor saying you meet the vision standard for driving.

Can I get a driver license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it before California will issue you a new license. Contact the DMV in that state to find out what you need to do to restore your driving record.

How do I renew my California driver license?

You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not had any major violations, and you do not need to update your address or other information.