What you need to do to transfer your license to California
When you move to California, you must get a California driver's license within 10 days of establishing residency. You cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license once you live here, even if your current license is still valid. The process involves visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bringing specific documents, and passing a vision test — you do not need to retake the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is current.
California does not mail you a new license automatically, and you cannot transfer your license by mail or online. You must appear at a DMV office yourself. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you have all your documents ready and arrive during a less busy time.
Key Takeaways
- You must transfer your license within 10 days of moving to California, and you cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license after that date.
- Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of California residency (like a utility bill or lease), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name if it differs from your license.
- You will pass a vision test at the DMV but not a written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired.
- Your new California license arrives by mail in about two weeks; you receive a temporary paper license to drive when ready after your visit.
- Book your DMV appointment online at dmv.ca.gov before you go, because walk-ins face long waits or may not be seen the same day.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license. This is your primary form of identification and proof that you already hold a license. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it in your home state first before California will transfer it.
Bring one document that proves you live in California now. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current California address all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax return or voter registration card) also counts.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If your name on your license differs from your legal name now (because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change), bring a document proving the change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your name matches your license, you do not need this.
How to book and attend your DMV appointment
Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Make an Appointment" at the top of the page. Select your county and the DMV office closest to you. Choose "Driver License" as your transaction type, then select "Original Issue" or "Transfer from Another State" — the exact wording varies slightly by office. Pick a date and time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation number by email or text.
Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. The DMV staff will check your paperwork, take your photo, and have you read a line of letters on a vision chart to test your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them during the vision test. You will not take a written test or driving test. The staff will process your process and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
Your permanent California license arrives by mail within two weeks. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time. Keep it with you until the plastic card arrives.
What happens if you do not transfer within 10 days
Driving on an out-of-state license after you have lived in California for 10 days is technically illegal, though enforcement varies. A police officer can cite you for driving with an invalid license, which carries a fine. More importantly, if you are in an accident, your insurance may deny a claim if you were driving on an expired or out-of-state license when you were required to have a California license.
There is no penalty for transferring late — the DMV will still process your process the same way. However, do not delay, because the longer you wait, the more risk you carry if you are stopped or in an accident.
If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you will need to renew it in your home state before California will transfer it. Contact your home state's DMV to renew by mail or in person, then bring the renewed license to California.
If your license is suspended or revoked in your home state, California will not transfer it. You will instead need to explore for a new California license from scratch, which requires passing the written and driving tests. Contact the California DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133 to discuss your situation, because the rules vary depending on why your license was suspended.
Transferring a license from outside the United States
If you are moving to California from another country and hold a valid driver's license from that country, you can use it to drive in California for up to 10 days while you transfer. Bring your foreign license, your passport or travel documents, and your California residency proof to the DMV. You will take the written and driving tests in California because your foreign license is not recognized as equivalent to a U.S. license.
If you do not yet have a California address when you arrive, use a temporary address (like a hotel or a friend's place) to begin the transfer process. You can update your address later at any DMV office or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pass a written test to transfer my license?
No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not expired, you only take a vision test. You do not retake the written or driving test. If your license is expired or suspended, you must pass both tests.
Can I drive on my out-of-state license while I wait for my California license to arrive?
You can drive on your temporary paper license for 30 days after your DMV visit. After that, you must have your permanent California license. Driving on an out-of-state license after 10 days of residency is not legal, even if you have an appointment scheduled.
What if I move to California but keep my home state address for a few months?
If you physically live in California, you must transfer your license within 10 days, regardless of where your mailing address is. The law is based on where you actually reside, not where your mail goes. Bring a document proving your California residence to the DMV.
How much does it cost to transfer my license?
The fee varies but is typically between $30 and $40. The exact amount depends on how long your new license is valid for. The DMV will tell you the fee when you book your appointment online.
Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the DMV?
No. You must appear in person at the DMV for your photo and vision test. There is no exception for this requirement. If you have a disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to discuss accommodations.