What an interim driver license is and when you need one
An interim driver license is a temporary document California issues while your regular license is being processed or replaced. It is not a learner's permit — it is a valid, full driving license that lets you drive legally during the waiting period. You get one when you renew your license, replace a lost or damaged one, or change your address or name with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The interim license is printed on the spot at the DMV office when you complete your transaction. It stays valid until your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail, which usually takes two to three weeks. You can drive with the interim license the same day you receive it.
Key Takeaways
- An interim license is a temporary paper document the DMV gives you when ready after you complete a license transaction, and it is a valid, full driving license.
- You receive an interim license automatically when you renew, replace, or update your driver license at a DMV office in person.
- The interim license remains valid until your permanent plastic card arrives by mail, typically within two to three weeks.
- You do not need to request an interim license separately — the DMV issues it as part of the standard process when you finish your transaction.
When the DMV gives you an interim license
The DMV issues an interim license in these situations: when you renew your driver license before it expires or after it has expired, when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, when you change your legal name, when you change your address, or when you correct information on your existing license.
You do not receive an interim license if you are getting your first driver license or if you are upgrading from a learner's permit to a full license. In those cases, you must wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail before you can drive legally.
What information is on your interim license
The interim license is a printed paper document that includes your name, date of birth, driver license number, address, and a photo taken at the DMV office. It also shows the expiration date of your license and any restrictions or endorsements that explore to you, such as corrective lenses or commercial driving privileges.
The interim license looks different from your permanent plastic card, but law enforcement and other officials recognize it as valid identification. You should keep it in a safe place and carry it with you whenever you drive, just as you would your permanent license.
How long an interim license lasts
Your interim license is valid from the moment you receive it at the DMV until your permanent plastic license card arrives in the mail. In most cases, the permanent card arrives within two to three weeks. During that time, the interim license is your only proof of a valid driver license.
If your permanent card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to report it. The DMV can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives and you have lost your interim license, you can request a replacement at any DMV office.
What to do if you lose your interim license before the permanent card arrives
If you lose your interim license, go to any DMV office and report it. Bring your identification and explain that you lost the interim license you received during a recent transaction. The DMV will print a replacement interim license on the spot at no additional cost.
You can also request a replacement interim license by mail or online through the DMV website if you prefer not to visit an office in person. However, visiting an office is faster because you will have the replacement when ready. Without either document, you cannot drive legally, so replace it as soon as you can.
Driving with an interim license outside California
Your California interim license is valid only in California. If you travel out of state, you should carry it along with your Social Security card or passport as backup identification, but it will not serve as a valid driver license in another state.
If you are moving out of California before your permanent card arrives, contact the DMV before you leave. You can request that your permanent card be mailed to an out-of-state address, or you can arrange to pick it up at a California DMV office on your next visit. Some states also have reciprocal agreements that allow you to use your interim California license for a limited time, but this varies by state, so check with the state you are moving to.
What happens if your permanent card arrives damaged or wrong
If your permanent plastic license card arrives and the information on it is incorrect — such as a misspelled name, wrong address, or incorrect restrictions — contact the DMV right away. You can report the error online through the DMV website, by phone, or in person at an office.
The DMV will correct the error and mail you a new card. In the meantime, your interim license remains valid and you can continue to drive. If you have already discarded your interim license, ask the DMV for a replacement so you have valid identification while you wait for the corrected permanent card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my interim license as identification for things other than driving?
Yes. Your interim license is a valid government-issued photo ID and can be used for identification purposes like boarding a domestic flight, entering a bank, or proving your age. However, some organizations may prefer the permanent plastic card, so having both is helpful during the waiting period.
What if I move before my permanent card arrives?
Contact the DMV and provide your new address. The DMV will mail your permanent card to the new address. Your interim license remains valid until the card arrives, even if you have moved. You do not need to get a new interim license just because you changed addresses.
Is there a fee to get an interim license?
No. The interim license is included in the fee you pay for your renewal, replacement, or address change. There is no separate charge for the interim license itself.
Can I get an interim license if I renew online or by mail?
No. You only receive an interim license when you complete your transaction in person at a DMV office. If you renew by mail or online, you will not get an interim license and must wait for your permanent card to arrive before you can drive.
What should I do with my interim license once the permanent card arrives?
You can keep it as a backup or discard it. Some people keep it in a safe place in case their permanent card is lost or damaged. There is no requirement to return it to the DMV.