California requires a valid ID, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a passing written and driving test

To get a California driver's license, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to bring specific documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your legal presence in the state. You will also need to pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The exact documents you need depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or have another immigration status.

The process takes place at a DMV office, and you cannot complete it online or by mail. You must appear in person with your documents, take the tests, and have your photo taken. Processing times vary by location, but many offices now require you to book an appointment in advance rather than walk in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid ID (passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number to the DMV in person.
  • California issues different license types based on immigration status: a standard license for citizens and permanent residents, and an AB 60 license for people without legal status.
  • You must pass a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test with a DMV examiner before you receive your license.
  • The DMV requires an appointment at most locations, which you can book online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling your local office.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

California requires one document to prove your identity and one to prove your residency. For identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a foreign passport, a consulate ID card, or a tribal ID. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in California.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you have a Social Security card, bring it. If you do not have one, you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number at all, you can still get an AB 60 license (see below).

Proof of legal presence and the AB 60 license

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will receive a standard California driver's license. Proof of citizenship or permanent residency is part of the identity documents you bring — your passport or birth certificate serves this purpose.

If you do not have legal immigration status, California law allows you to get an AB 60 license. This license has the same driving privileges as a standard license but is marked differently and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane. To get an AB 60 license, you do not need to prove legal status; you only need to prove identity and residency using the documents listed above.

Some people with temporary legal status (such as DACA or TPS holders) may be able to get a standard license instead of an AB 60 license. Bring whatever immigration documents you have to the DMV, and staff will tell you which type you may have access to for.

The written knowledge test

Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written test on California traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the California Driver Handbook, available online at dmv.ca.gov and in print at any DMV office. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what to do at traffic signals and stop signs. You can retake the test if you fail, usually on the same day or at a later appointment.

The behind-the-wheel driving test

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test with a DMV examiner. The examiner will sit in your vehicle while you drive on public roads for about 20 minutes. They will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. You must also bring someone with a valid driver's license to sit in the front passenger seat during the test — this person is there in case you need help, but they cannot give you directions or information during the test.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is usually a waiting period before you can schedule another test, which varies by location. Many DMV offices have a backlog, so scheduling your next test appointment may take several weeks.

Fees and how long it takes

The fee for a California driver's license is $39 if you are 21 or older. The license is valid for five years. If you are under 21, the fee is $29 and the license is valid for four years. These fees cover the written test, the driving test, and the license itself.

The time it takes to get your license depends on how quickly you can schedule appointments and pass the tests. If you pass both tests on your first try, you will receive your license at the DMV office on the day you pass the driving test. If you need to retake either test, the wait between appointments can be weeks or months depending on how busy your local DMV is.

Renewing or replacing your license

When your license expires, you can renew it online at dmv.ca.gov if you meet certain conditions: you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, your license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must not have changed your name or address. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a DMV office. You will need to bring proof of identity and residency again, and you will pay a replacement fee of $20. You do not need to retake the written or driving test to replace a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport from another country as proof of identity?

Yes. A valid foreign passport is accepted as proof of identity at the DMV. It must be an original document, not a photocopy. If your passport is in a language other than English, bring it along with an official translation or a certified copy.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get an AB 60 license without a Social Security number. You will need to bring proof of identity and residency, but you do not need to provide a Social Security number. The DMV will issue you a license with a different number format.

How do I book a DMV appointment?

Visit dmv.ca.gov and use the online appointment system to find available times at your nearest DMV office. You can also call your local DMV office directly. Most offices require an appointment, though some locations may accept walk-ins on a limited basis.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, and Hmong. When you book your appointment, you can request the language you want to use.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at a later appointment. There is usually a waiting period before you can schedule another test, which varies by DMV location. You do not need to retake the written test if you already passed it.