What you need to do to get a California driver's license

To get a California driver's license, you visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes multiple visits — you cannot do it all in one day. Most people spend between two weeks and two months from start to finish, depending on how quickly they schedule their tests and how many attempts they need.

California requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can take any test. You also need to show that you have a valid reason to be in California — either citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or one of several other immigration statuses that California recognizes. The DMV will not issue a license to someone without proof of legal presence.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with original documents proving your identity, California residency, and Social Security number or tax identification number.
  • The written test covers California traffic laws and safe driving; you can study using the official DMV handbook or take practice tests on the DMV website.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a separate driving test appointment where a DMV examiner rides with you in your own vehicle or a test vehicle.
  • The total cost is around $39 for a five-year license or $69 for a ten-year license, plus any fees for retesting if you do not pass on your first attempt.
  • You can make a DMV appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133, which is faster than walking in without one.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring an original document that proves your identity and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate works. If you use a birth certificate, you also need a second form of ID — a school ID, employee ID, or military ID. Expired documents are acceptable as long as they show your current legal name.

Bring proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 62 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — like a tax return, voter registration card, or benefits statement — also counts. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a document showing they live there.

Bring proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead — the DMV will issue you a license, but it will have a different format and restrictions.

Bring proof of legal presence in the United States. A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document (EAD) all satisfy this requirement. If you are not a U.S. citizen but have one of these documents, you can get a standard California driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you may be able to get an AB 60 license instead — see the section below.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test has 36 multiple-choice questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your score when ready.

Study using the official DMV handbook, which you can read online at dmv.ca.gov or pick up at any DMV office. The handbook is free and covers everything on the test. The DMV website also has practice tests you can take for free. Many people take the practice test several times until they score 30 or higher, then schedule their written test appointment.

You can take the written test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. Request your language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the DMV. If you need extra time because of a disability or language barrier, tell the DMV when you book your appointment.

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you pay the test fee each time you take it.

The driving test: scheduling and what the examiner checks

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The DMV does not schedule both on the same day — you must pass the written test first, then book the driving test for a later date. Wait times for driving test appointments vary by location; in busy areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco, you may wait several weeks.

For the driving test, you bring your own vehicle or use one provided by the DMV, depending on the office. If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring proof of insurance and registration. The DMV examiner will check that your mirrors are adjusted, your seat belt works, and your lights and wipers function. If anything is broken, the examiner will not test you that day.

The examiner rides with you and watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians. The test usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes and covers basic maneuvers like turning, parking, and stopping. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely and follow California traffic laws. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to come to a complete stop, speeding, or not checking mirrors and blind spots.

If you do not pass, you can retake the driving test after waiting at least two weeks. You pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Getting a license if you cannot prove legal presence: the AB 60 license

If you do not have a U.S. passport, green card, birth certificate, or other document proving legal presence, you may still get a California driver's license under Assembly Bill 60. An AB 60 license is a standard driver's license that works for driving in California, but you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

To get an AB 60 license, you still need to prove your identity and California residency using the same documents listed above. You do not need to prove legal presence. You still take the written test and driving test. The only difference is that your license will have a different design and will not be accepted as proof of citizenship or legal status.

An AB 60 license costs the same as a regular license and lasts the same amount of time. You renew it the same way. It is a full, valid California driver's license for the purpose of driving.

Fees and how long the process takes

A five-year California driver's license costs $39. A ten-year license costs $69. If you are over 62, a five-year license costs $24. These prices do not include retesting fees if you fail the written or driving test — each retest costs extra, though the amount varies by test type.

The timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule appointments and how many attempts you need. If you pass both tests on your first try and can get appointments quickly, you might finish in two to three weeks. If you need to retake tests or if your local DMV has long wait times for driving tests, it can take two to three months. Book your appointments as soon as you pass the written test to avoid delays.

You can make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or by walking into a DMV office. Online and phone appointments are faster because you skip the wait to be called. Walk-in service is available but often has long waits, especially in urban areas.

What happens after you pass both tests

After you pass the driving test, the DMV issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within two weeks, depending on the office. If you are issued a temporary paper license at the office, that is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail.

Your California driver's license is valid for five or ten years from the date of issue, depending on which you chose. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at the DMV before it expires. The DMV sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, Hmong, and Punjabi. Request your language when you schedule your appointment. Some languages may not be available at all DMV offices, so call ahead to confirm.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least two weeks. You pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass within two or three attempts. If you keep failing, consider taking a driving course — some DMV offices offer them, and they may help you understand what you are doing wrong.

Do I need to take a driver education course before I can get a license?

No. Driver education is not required for adults. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the written test. The course can be taken online or in person through a DMV-approved provider.

Can I use a digital copy of my documents instead of bringing originals?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. Digital photos or PDF files on your phone will not be accepted. Bring the actual documents with you to the office.

How do I check the wait time for a driving test appointment at my local DMV?

Visit dmv.ca.gov and enter your ZIP code. The website shows available appointment dates at nearby offices. If all dates are weeks away, check back frequently — cancellations open up regularly, and you can often find an earlier slot by checking multiple times per week.