Documents you must bring to the DMV

California requires you to show proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before you can get a driver's license. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but the DMV staff will tell you on the spot if something does not meet their standards.

Bring one document from each of these three categories. If you do not have something from one category, the DMV website lists alternatives, and staff can tell you which other documents work in its place.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), one proof of California residency (like a utility bill or lease), and one proof of your Social Security number or ITIN (like a Social Security card or tax return).
  • The DMV accepts copies of most documents, but originals of your birth certificate and Social Security card are safer because they are harder to copy accurately.
  • If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document along with your birth certificate or consular report of birth.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • The entire process from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail takes several weeks.

Proof of identity documents that work

A U.S. passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver's License from another state all work as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a consular report of birth if you were born outside the United States.

Other documents the DMV accepts include a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, tribal identification card, or a military ID. If you were born in California, you can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the California Department of Public Health's vital records office, though this takes time and costs money.

Proof of California residency documents that work

A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all show that you live in California. The document must be dated within the last 62 days. If you do not have any of these, the DMV accepts a government check, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your California address.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can still get a license. Bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization that serves homeless people, stating that you are receiving services there. The DMV will use that address on your license.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number — which is common if you are not a U.S. citizen — bring a document that shows your ITIN, such as a tax return or an ITIN letter from the Internal Revenue Service.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, but you do not have to. The DMV can process your license process without the card itself as long as you bring another document showing your number.

What to bring for the written and driving tests

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, or your identification document if you do not. You will also need to bring corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) if you wear them while driving — the DMV will test your vision, and if you normally drive with correction, you must wear it during the test.

For the driving test, you will need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. The vehicle must have valid registration tags, working brakes and lights, and a functioning horn. If you do not own a vehicle, some DMV offices allow you to use a friend's or family member's car, but call ahead to confirm.

Documents if you were born outside the United States

Bring your passport or travel document along with your birth certificate or consular report of birth. If your passport is expired, it still works as proof of identity for the DMV. You will also need to bring proof of your legal status in the United States — this might be a Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, visa, or I-94 arrival record.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN and a document that shows it, such as a tax return. California issues driver's licenses to people who are not citizens, including people who are undocumented, as long as you can show identity, residency, and a tax identification number.

What happens after you hand in your documents

The DMV will check your documents, take your photograph, and have you sign your process. You will then take a written test on California traffic laws — you can study the DMV handbook online or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test and a driving test with a DMV examiner.

If you pass all three tests, the DMV will mail your license to the address you provided. This usually takes two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

Yes, the DMV accepts certified copies of birth certificates. An original works too, but a certified copy is safer because it is harder to damage or lose. You can order a certified copy from the California Department of Public Health or from the county where you were born.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you have an ITIN, bring a document showing it, such as a tax return or ITIN letter from the IRS. California issues licenses to people without Social Security numbers as long as they have an ITIN and can show identity and residency.

Do I need to bring my original Social Security card?

No. A copy, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return showing your number all work. If you have lost your card, you do not need to replace it before going to the DMV.

What if my residency document is older than 62 days?

The DMV will not accept it. Bring a newer utility bill, bank statement, or other document dated within the last 62 days. If you just moved, a lease or mortgage statement with your new address works even if it is older.

Can I use my passport if it is expired?

Yes. An expired passport still works as proof of identity for the DMV. You do not need to renew it before you explore for your license.