What you need to bring to the California DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires specific documents before you can get a driver license. You will need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but the process differs — ask at your local DMV office about AB 60 licenses, which are available to all California residents regardless of immigration status.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the DMV, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring original documents proving your identity, California residency, and Social Security number — photocopies will be rejected.
  • You must pass a vision test at the DMV, so wear your glasses or contacts if you need them to drive.
  • The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs; study the DMV handbook before you go, which is free online.
  • The driving test happens on the same day as your written test if you pass, so arrive early and bring your own vehicle or arrange one with a licensed driver.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days after your test; you will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent card by mail.

The written test and what it covers

Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written test at the DMV. The test has 36 questions and covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, and you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one.

The DMV provides a free handbook called the California Driver Handbook, available online at dmv.ca.gov and in print at any DMV office. Study this handbook before your test — it contains nearly all the material the test covers. Many people also use the DMV's free practice tests online, which show you the exact format and types of questions you will see.

You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test or take it the same day if an examiner is available.

The driving test: what happens and what examiners look for

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office. 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. If you do not own a vehicle, you can use someone else's as long as they have a valid license and sit in the passenger seat.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also watch how you handle intersections, pedestrians, and other traffic. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, not checking mirrors, speeding, and hitting the curb while parking. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave the DMV.

If you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 10 business days. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can take it.

Fees and how long the process takes

A California driver license costs $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DMV when you take your test. If you are 62 or older, the cost is $20 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, you will get a different-colored license that expires on your 21st birthday.

The entire process — from walking in to receiving your temporary license — usually takes two to three hours at the DMV, depending on how busy the office is. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about 10 business days. During that time, your temporary paper license is valid for driving.

You can make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. Some DMV offices are busier than others, so if your local office has a long wait, you can visit a different one in your county.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to California, you do not have to take the written or driving test again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a California license by visiting the DMV with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as for a new license.

However, if your out-of-state license has expired or is suspended, you will need to take both the written and driving tests. If you are moving to California and your license will expire soon, it is often faster to exchange it before it expires rather than renew it after.

Special situations: under 18, AB 60 licenses, and renewals

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and a driver training course before you can get a license. You also need a parent or guardian to sign your process. The written test is the same, but you will have restrictions on when you can drive — for example, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a California driver license under AB 60. You will need to bring an identity document from your country of origin, proof of California residency, and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have one. The process is the same as for a regular license, and the license works the same way.

If you already have a California license and it is expiring, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Renewals do not require a new written or driving test unless the DMV asks you to retake one. You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if your license is not suspended and you do not need to update your photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. You can also request a reader or interpreter in any language. Tell the DMV staff when you arrive which language you need.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can try. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. You do not have to retake the written test if you already passed it.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

No. You can use someone else's vehicle as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe condition, and the owner has a valid license and sits in the passenger seat. You cannot use a vehicle with an automatic transmission if you are testing for a manual transmission license, or vice versa.

How long is a California driver license valid?

A standard driver license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose when you get it. If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. If you are 62 or older, you can get a four-year license. You can renew before it expires by mail, online, or in person.

What if I move to California but my out-of-state license is suspended?

You cannot exchange a suspended license for a California license. You will need to resolve the suspension in the state that issued it first, or you will have to take the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver. Contact the DMV in your previous state to find out how to clear the suspension.