How to Transfer Your Driver License to California

What you need to do to transfer your license to California

To transfer your driver license to California, you visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will take a new photo, give you a written test on California traffic laws, and issue you a California license. You cannot do this entirely by mail — you must appear at a DMV office. The whole process takes about 30 minutes once you are at the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your out-of-state license remains valid until your California license arrives in the mail, which takes about two weeks. You do not need to surrender your old license; California will straightforward issue a new one. If your out-of-state license expires soon, the DMV will still accept it for the transfer, but you should complete the process before it expires to avoid complications.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DMV office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof you live in California, and proof of your Social Security number.
The DMV will photograph you, administer a written test on California traffic laws, and issue a new California license on the spot.
Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks; your old license stays valid until then.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, because the DMV cannot issue a California license without it.
If you have a commercial driver license or a license with restrictions, the process takes longer and may require additional testing.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your current out-of-state driver license, a document proving you live in California, and proof of your Social Security number. For proof of residency, the DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your California address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, or a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form showing your number. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. Without proof of your Social Security number, the DMV will not issue a California license, so do not skip this step.

If you have changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The DMV will not transfer your license under a different name without this document.

The written test and what it covers

When you transfer your license, you must pass a written test on California traffic laws and road signs. The test has 36 questions; you need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the DMV, and you get the results when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you will have to wait in line again.

The test covers California-specific rules: speed limits in residential areas, right-of-way at four-way stops, what to do when you see a school bus, seat belt laws, and how to handle a traffic stop. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. Many people study the handbook for a few hours the night before and pass on the first try. If you are nervous about the test, spend a week reviewing the handbook before your DMV visit.

You do not take a driving test (behind-the-wheel exam) when you transfer a license from another state. The DMV assumes your out-of-state license means you already know how to drive. If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, however, you will need to pass a driving test before California will issue you a new license.

When to visit the DMV and how to prepare

Visit any DMV office in California. You do not have to go to the office in your county; you can go to any location. However, some offices are much busier than others. DMV offices in large cities often have two-hour waits, while smaller towns may have 20-minute waits. Check the DMV website before you go; it shows current wait times at each office and lets you make an appointment online.

Making an appointment is free and cuts your wait time significantly. You can book an appointment up to 60 days in advance on the DMV website. If you walk in without an appointment, you will take a number and wait with everyone else. Mornings on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) are usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Arrive 10 minutes early so you have time to check in. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out a form. The DMV office will be crowded and loud; bring something to read or do while you wait.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass the written test, a DMV employee will take your photograph and collect your documents. They will ask you to sign a form confirming your information is correct. You will pay the license fee (currently $39 for a standard four-year license, though this amount can change). You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

Your permanent California license arrives in about two weeks. During that time, your temporary paper license is your proof of a valid license if you are stopped by police. Keep it in your wallet. Your out-of-state license also remains valid during this period, so you have two valid licenses at the same time — this is normal and legal.

If your permanent license does not arrive after three weeks, contact the DMV. Licenses occasionally get lost in the mail. The DMV can issue a replacement or reprint if needed.

Special situations: commercial licenses and restrictions

If your out-of-state license is a commercial driver license (CDL), you cannot straightforward transfer it to California. You must take the California CDL test, which includes a written exam and a behind-the-wheel driving test. This process takes longer and requires you to schedule separate appointments. You will also need to provide medical certification. Contact the DMV before you visit to understand the full requirements for your specific CDL class.

If your out-of-state license has restrictions (such as corrective lenses, hearing aid, or automatic transmission only), California will transfer those restrictions to your new license. You do not need to do anything extra; the DMV will see the restrictions on your old license and carry them forward. If you believe a restriction is no longer necessary, you can request a test to remove it, but this is a separate process that happens after you receive your new license.

If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended

If your out-of-state license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still transfer it to California. The DMV will accept an expired license as proof that you held a valid license in another state. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV may require you to take a behind-the-wheel driving test in addition to the written test.

If your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it. You will have to resolve the suspension or revocation in the state that issued the license before California will issue you a new one. Contact the DMV in your previous state to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. This can take weeks or months depending on the reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the written test if I transfer my license?

Yes. Every person who transfers a driver license to California must pass the written test on California traffic laws and road signs. The only exception is if you are transferring a license from a country outside the United States and you have a valid international driving permit; in that case, you may be waived from the test. For all U.S. state licenses, the test is required.

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV needs to photograph you and administer the written test, which cannot be done remotely. You cannot mail in your documents or complete the transfer through the DMV website.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. You will wait in line again and take the test on a computer. Most people who fail the first time pass on the second attempt. If you fail twice, you can come back another day and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 60 days. Your permanent card should arrive within two to three weeks, so you will have it well before the temporary expires. If your permanent card does not arrive by day 60, contact the DMV to request a replacement.

Do I need to get a new license plate when I transfer my license?

No. Your driver license and your vehicle registration are separate. Transferring your license does not change your vehicle registration. If you move to California and want to register your vehicle in California, that is a different process handled by the DMV's vehicle registration department.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.