What you need to know about California driver licenses
A California driver license is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as your legal permission to drive in California. You will need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on public roads. The license shows your name, address, date of birth, and a photo, and it expires every five or ten years depending on your age and whether you renew in person or online.
California offers different types of licenses based on what you drive and your immigration status. A standard Class C license lets you drive most passenger vehicles. If you drive a motorcycle, you need a separate endorsement. If you are not a U.S. citizen but have legal presence in California, you can get an AB 60 license, which has the same driving privileges as a standard license but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 to get a full driver license in California.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you visit the DMV.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test before the DMV issues a license.
- You can renew your license online if you are between 18 and 70, have not had any major violations, and your license is not expired by more than five years.
- An AB 60 license is available to anyone who can prove California residency, regardless of immigration status, and has the same driving privileges as a standard license within California.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
The DMV requires specific documents before you can get a driver license. Bring one document that proves your identity, such as a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a consular ID card, or a foreign passport. You also need proof that you live in California — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address will work.
You must also prove your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number and are not may be able to access for one, you can use an ITIN instead. The DMV will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card, so bring the original.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Steps to get your first California driver license
Start by getting a learner's permit if you are under 18. Visit your local DMV office with your documents, pass the written test (which covers traffic laws and road signs), and pass the vision test. The DMV will issue you a learner's permit on the spot, valid for 12 months. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old is sitting next to you.
After you have held your learner's permit for at least six months (or one month if you are 18 or older), you can schedule a driving test. During the test, a DMV examiner will watch you drive for about 20 minutes and score you on your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. If you pass, the DMV will issue your driver license.
If you are 18 or older and explore for the first time, you can skip the learner's permit step. You will still need to pass the written test, vision test, and driving test, but you can do them all in one visit or schedule them separately depending on your local DMV's availability.
Renewing your California driver license
If your license is still valid and you have not had any major violations, you can renew online through the DMV website if you are between 18 and 70 years old. Online renewal takes about ten minutes, costs less than renewing in person, and your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, or if your license has been expired for more than five years.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by filling out the process form (DL 44 or DL 43, depending on your situation) and mailing it to the DMV with your documents and payment. Processing takes about four to six weeks. You can also renew in person at any DMV office, which is the fastest option if you need your license quickly.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode you can use to renew online. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — just visit the DMV website or call your local office to confirm what documents you need.
Getting an AB 60 license if you do not have legal immigration status
California's AB 60 license is available to anyone who can prove they live in California, regardless of immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number or ITIN. Instead, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a consular ID card, a passport, or other identity documents accepted by the DMV.
The process is the same as getting a standard license: you pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. Your AB 60 license looks the same as a standard license and has the same driving privileges within California. However, you cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or cross the border into Mexico or Canada. If you later become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can exchange your AB 60 license for a standard license.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
Your license can be suspended (temporarily taken away) or revoked (permanently taken away) for reasons such as too many traffic violations, driving under the influence, or not paying traffic fines. A suspension is usually temporary — your license will be returned after a certain period or once you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent, and you must wait a set number of years before you can reapply.
If your license is suspended, the DMV will send you a notice in the mail explaining why and how long the suspension lasts. You cannot legally drive during a suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a restricted license that allows you to drive only to and from work or medical appointments. Contact your local DMV office to learn about you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a California driver license cost?
A new driver license costs around $39, and a renewal costs around $36. Fees vary slightly depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, and whether you need a standard or AB 60 license. The DMV website shows the exact fee for your situation.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license, which means taking the written test, vision test, and driving test again. If it has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew, though you may need to visit the DMV in person rather than renewing online.
What if I lose my driver license or it gets damaged?
You can request a replacement license by visiting the DMV, calling your local office, or using the DMV website. A replacement costs around $20 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary license at the DMV office.
Do I need to take the driving test again if I renew my license?
No. If you are renewing a valid license, you do not need to take any tests. You only take tests when you are getting your first license or when your license has been expired for a very long time and the DMV requires you to reapply.
Can I change my address on my driver license without renewing it?
Yes. You can update your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Updating your address does not cost anything and does not change your license expiration date.