An interim driver's license is a temporary document California gives you while your permanent license is being made
When you pass your driving test or renew your license in California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not hand you a plastic card on the spot. Instead, you receive an interim driver's license — a paper document that serves as your legal proof of driving privilege while the DMV manufactures your permanent card at a separate facility. This interim license is valid when ready and lets you drive right away.
The interim document looks like a printed form with your photo, signature, and license number. It is not laminated or wallet-sized. You must carry it with you whenever you drive, just as you would a permanent license. If a police officer stops you, this paper interim is acceptable proof that you are licensed to drive.
The permanent plastic card arrives by mail weeks or months later. Until it does, the interim is your only license. If you lose the interim before the permanent arrives, you will need to return to the DMV to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- An interim driver's license is a temporary paper document issued when ready after you pass your driving test or complete a license renewal at the DMV.
- You must carry your interim license with you while driving, and it is legally valid proof of your driving privilege.
- Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail separately, usually within two to three weeks but sometimes longer depending on DMV processing times.
- If you lose your interim license before the permanent arrives, you must return to the DMV to request a replacement interim document.
- The interim license has an expiration date printed on it; driving after that date is illegal even if your permanent card has not yet arrived.
When you receive an interim license
You receive an interim driver's license at the moment you complete your transaction at the DMV. If you just passed your driving test, the examiner or DMV staff member hands it to you before you leave the testing area. If you renewed your license in person, you get the interim when you finish at the counter.
You do not receive an interim if you renewed your license by mail or online. Mail and online renewals skip the interim step because you already have a valid license in hand. The DMV straightforward sends your new permanent card directly to your address.
First-time applicants who passed their written test but have not yet taken the driving test also do not receive an interim at that stage. You only get the interim after you pass the actual behind-the-wheel exam.
How long an interim license lasts
Your interim driver's license is valid for a specific number of days printed on the document itself. In most cases, California interim licenses are valid for about 60 days from the date of issue. However, the exact duration can vary depending on the type of license you are obtaining and when the DMV issued it.
Check the expiration date on your interim before you drive. If your permanent card has not arrived by that date, you will need to return to the DMV and request a replacement interim. The DMV can issue you another temporary document to cover the gap while you wait for the permanent card.
Driving after your interim expires — even if you are waiting for your permanent card — is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If this happens to you, bring proof to the DMV that you requested a replacement interim, and staff can often resolve the situation.
What information appears on an interim license
Your interim driver's license contains the same core information as your permanent card: your full name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, a photo of your face, your signature, and any restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses required or commercial driving privileges). The document also shows the issue date and expiration date.
The interim does not include a barcode or magnetic stripe like the permanent card does. Some businesses or government offices that scan licenses may have trouble reading an interim, though they are legally required to accept it as valid identification. If you encounter resistance, explain that you are waiting for your permanent card and offer additional identification if needed.
Replacing a lost or damaged interim license
If you lose your interim license or it becomes damaged before your permanent card arrives, you must return to the DMV in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The DMV will issue you a replacement interim document on the spot, usually at no additional cost.
You cannot request a replacement interim online or by mail. You must appear at a DMV office. If you cannot get to the DMV before your current interim expires, call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 to ask about your options or to check on the status of your permanent card.
If your permanent card has already been mailed and is in transit, the DMV may be able to tell you the expected delivery date. In rare cases where there is a significant delay, staff can discuss whether issuing another interim is necessary.
Differences between interim and permanent licenses
The main difference is format: an interim is paper and unlaminated; a permanent is plastic and laminated. Both are equally valid for driving. The interim is temporary by design, while the permanent is meant to last several years (typically 5 to 10 years depending on your age and license type).
The permanent card includes security features like a barcode and magnetic stripe that some automated systems read. The interim does not have these, which is why some card readers or kiosks may not process it. In practice, this rarely causes problems for everyday driving, but it can matter if you are renting a car or crossing a border.
Both documents show the same license number and restrictions. Your driving privileges are identical whether you are holding the interim or the permanent — the interim is not a learner's permit or a restricted license. It is a full, unrestricted license (unless your specific license class carries restrictions).
What to do while waiting for your permanent card
Keep your interim license in a safe place and carry it every time you drive. Treat it as carefully as you would your permanent card, because losing it means a trip back to the DMV. Do not laminate it yourself or write on it, as this can damage the document and make it harder for officers or businesses to read.
If you move before your permanent card arrives, you do not need to do anything when ready. The card will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. However, you should update your address with the DMV as soon as possible after moving. If your permanent card is already in the mail to your old address, the post office may forward it, but this is not may provide.
If you know you will move soon, consider updating your address before you take your test or renew your license. This ensures your permanent card goes to the correct location the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with an interim license?
Yes. An interim California driver's license is valid for driving in other states. However, some states or rental car companies may be unfamiliar with the interim format and ask for additional identification. Bring your Social Security card or passport as backup if you are traveling.
What if my permanent card arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the DMV when ready. You can call 1-800-777-0133 or visit a local DMV office. Bring your interim license and the damaged permanent card. The DMV can issue a replacement permanent card or correct errors at no cost.
Do I need to do anything special if my interim expires before my permanent card arrives?
Return to the DMV and request a replacement interim. Bring your interim license and proof of identity. The DMV will issue a new interim document valid for another 60 days. Do not drive after your interim expires, even if you are waiting for the permanent card.
Can I use my interim license as a Real ID for flying?
No. An interim driver's license does not meet Real ID requirements for domestic air travel. You will need your permanent Real ID-compliant card or another acceptable form of identification like a passport. Check the TSA website for a full list of acceptable documents.
What happens if I get pulled over and my interim is expired?
You can receive a citation for driving with an expired license. However, if you can show the officer that you requested a replacement interim from the DMV and are waiting for it, they may issue a warning instead. Keep documentation from the DMV showing you requested a replacement.