Driver License 152 St is a restricted license for certain drivers

Driver License 152 St is a California driver license issued to people who do not have a Social Security number or who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States. The "152" refers to the restriction code; "St" stands for "Statute." This license lets you drive legally in California, but it comes with specific limitations you need to understand before you pursue it.

The 152 St restriction means your license is valid only for driving within California and only for purposes related to work, school, medical care, or court-ordered activities. You cannot use it to cross state lines, and law enforcement will see the restriction when they run your license. The license itself looks different from a standard California driver license — it has a distinct design that marks it as a restricted license.

This license was created to allow people without Social Security numbers to drive legally rather than risk driving without a license. It does not grant you any immigration status or change your legal standing; it is purely a driving document.

Key Takeaways

  • Driver License 152 St is available to people without a Social Security number or proof of lawful presence in the United States.
  • The license is valid only within California and only for driving to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered activities.
  • You will need an identity document (such as a passport or consular ID), proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number status or lack thereof.
  • The process process is the same as for a standard California driver license, but you must complete it in person at a DMV office.
  • Your 152 St license will expire after eight years, just like a standard license, and you will need to renew it in person.

Who can get a Driver License 152 St

You are may be able to access for a 152 St license if you are at least 16 years old and you cannot provide a Social Security number or proof of lawful presence in the United States. California does not require you to prove citizenship or immigration status to get this license — only that you do not have a Social Security number or cannot verify one.

You must be a California resident. This means you need to show proof that you live in California, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and a California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You must also pass the written test and the driving test, just as any other driver would. The 152 St restriction does not waive these requirements — it only changes which documents you need to bring and how your license will be marked.

Documents you will need to bring

Bring an identity document that is acceptable to the DMV. This can be a valid passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a foreign driver license, or certain other government-issued documents. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo. Check the DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents, as it varies.

Bring proof of California residency. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Your name and a California address must appear on the document.

Bring proof that you do not have a Social Security number or cannot verify one. You can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you have no Social Security number, or you can bring a document showing you applied for one and were denied. If you have never applied, you can sign a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that you do not have a Social Security number.

Bring your current driver license if you have one, or your identification card. If you do not have either, bring any other identity documents you have.

how the process works for Driver License 152 St

Go to a California DMV office in person. You cannot explore for a 152 St license online or by mail — the DMV requires you to appear in person to verify your identity and documents. Bring all the documents listed above.

Tell the DMV staff that you are explore for a license under Vehicle Code Section 12505(d), which is the statute that authorizes the 152 St license. The staff member will help you complete the process form (DL 44 or DL 44 renewal, depending on whether you are a new driver or renewing).

You will take the written test (the knowledge test) at the DMV office. Study the California Driver Handbook before you go. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 30 of 36 questions correctly to pass.

You will schedule a driving test appointment. The DMV will give you a date and time. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver at least 18 years old must accompany you to the test.

What happens after you pass the driving test

The DMV will issue your Driver License 152 St. The license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue. It will show the restriction code "152" and will be marked as a restricted license.

Your license will be valid only within California. If you drive outside California, you are driving without a valid license, even if your license is not expired. You cannot use this license to cross state lines for any reason.

Your license is valid only for driving to work, school, medical care, or court-ordered activities. Law enforcement may ask you to explain why you are driving if they stop you. Driving for other purposes (such as pleasure or recreation) may result in a citation.

Renewing your Driver License 152 St

You must renew your 152 St license in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if you are renewing for the first time. Bring the same documents you brought when you first applied: your identity document, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number status.

You will need to retake the written test at renewal. You do not need to retake the driving test unless the DMV requires it based on your driving record or age. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend time at the DMV office.

Your renewed license will be valid for another eight years. The restriction code will remain "152," and all the same limitations will explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my 152 St license to travel outside California?

No. Your 152 St license is valid only within California. If you cross a state border, you are driving without a valid license. This applies even if your license has not expired and even if you are driving through another state to reach a destination outside the United States.

What happens if I get pulled over while driving on a 152 St license?

Law enforcement will see the restriction code when they run your license. They may ask you where you are going and why you are driving. If you are driving for a permitted purpose (work, school, medical care, or court-ordered activity), you should explain that. Driving for other purposes may result in a citation.

Do I need to take the driving test again when I renew my 152 St license?

You must retake the written test at renewal. You do not need to retake the driving test unless the DMV requires it based on your driving record, age, or other factors. The DMV will tell you what tests you need to take when you go in to renew.

What if I get a Social Security number after I have a 152 St license?

If you obtain a Social Security number, you can explore for a standard California driver license. You will need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. You can explore at any DMV office, and you may be able to transfer your current license without retaking the driving test, depending on how long you have held the 152 St license.

Is a 152 St license the same as a standard California driver license?

No. A 152 St license is a restricted license with limitations on where and why you can drive. A standard California driver license has no such restrictions and is valid throughout the United States. The 152 St license is marked differently so that law enforcement and others can see the restriction.