What You Need to Know About California Driver Licenses in 2025

California's License Types and What Changed

California issues four main types of driver licenses: the standard Class C license for regular driving, the Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), the AB 60 license for people without a Social Security number, and the commercial Class A, B, or C license for truck and bus drivers. In 2025, the biggest change is that Real ID compliance is now required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings — you can no longer use a standard license for these purposes.

The Real ID license looks almost identical to a standard California license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs the same as a regular license and lasts the same length of time. The main difference is what you need to bring when you explore: Real ID requires proof of your Social Security number, proof of California residency, and proof of identity — more documents than a standard license, but the process is straightforward.

If you don't have a Social Security number, California's AB 60 license is available to you and has the same driving privileges as a Class C license. You cannot use it for federal purposes like flying domestically, but it works for everything else: driving, banking, and getting pulled over.

Key Takeaways

Real ID licenses are now required for domestic air travel and federal building entry; a standard California license no longer works for these purposes.
Real ID requires more documents at the DMV (proof of Social Security number, residency, and identity) but costs the same and lasts the same length as a standard license.
AB 60 licenses are available to people without a Social Security number and have full driving privileges, though they cannot be used for federal purposes.
You can renew your license online if you are over 70, have no violations, and meet other DMV requirements — but you cannot get a Real ID online.

Real ID vs. Standard License: Which One Do You Need?

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building (courthouse, military base, federal office), you need a Real ID license. If you only drive and do not travel by air or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving. However, most people eventually need Real ID for something, so getting it now saves you a trip to the DMV later.

Real ID takes longer to process than a standard license because the DMV must verify your Social Security number and residency documents. Standard licenses can sometimes be renewed online if you meet age and violation requirements, but Real ID always requires an in-person visit. If you are renewing a standard license online and later need Real ID, you will have to go to the DMV in person anyway.

Documents You Need for a Real ID License

Bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of California residency. For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or a document from Social Security itself. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You also need to bring your current California license or ID card. If you do not have one, bring two documents from the residency list instead of one. The DMV website has a full checklist for your specific situation — use the "Real ID Document Checklist" tool before you go, because showing up without the right papers means a wasted trip.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace easily (like your birth certificate from another country). Bring copies or certified copies. The DMV will return most documents to you, but it is safer to bring duplicates.

AB 60 License: For Applicants Without a Social Security Number

California's AB 60 license is a full driving license available to anyone who can prove California residency and identity, regardless of immigration status or Social Security number. It has the same driving privileges as a standard Class C license: you can drive a regular car, tow a trailer under certain conditions, and drive a motorhome under 40,000 pounds.

To get an AB 60 license, bring proof of identity (passport, consular ID, or birth certificate) and proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). You do not need a Social Security number or a tax ID number. The process is the same as getting a standard license, and the card looks the same except it says "AB 60" on the back.

The main limitation is federal: you cannot use an AB 60 license for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. For everything else — driving, banking, renting an apartment, getting insurance — it works like any other California license.

License Renewal: Online, In-Person, and by Mail

California lets some drivers renew online through the DMV website, but the rules are strict. You can renew online only if you are 70 or older, have no violations or suspensions, have not changed your address, and your license is not expiring for a commercial reason. You cannot get a Real ID online — if you need Real ID, you must go to the DMV in person.

If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail if your license is not expiring for a commercial reason and you have no violations. Mail renewal takes longer (usually 4 to 6 weeks) than in-person renewal. If you need your license quickly or want Real ID, go to the DMV in person.

In-person renewal at a DMV office usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. Book an appointment online before you go — walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. Bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.

Commercial Licenses and Endorsements

If you drive a truck or bus for work, you need a commercial Class A, B, or C license instead of a standard Class C. Class A is for vehicles over 26,000 pounds with a trailer. Class B is for single vehicles over 26,000 pounds. Class C is for smaller commercial vehicles or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Getting a commercial license requires a written test, a skills test, and a medical certificate from a doctor.

You can also add endorsements to a commercial license for specific tasks: Hazmat (hazardous materials), Tank (tanker vehicles), or Passenger (buses with 16 or more seats). Each endorsement requires an additional written test. The DMV website lists the study materials for each test.

Cost and Timeline for 2025

A standard California driver license costs $39 and is valid for 5 years if you are under 70, or 10 years if you are 70 or older. A Real ID license costs the same. An AB 60 license costs the same. A commercial license costs more — typically $100 to $150 depending on the class and endorsements — and is valid for 5 years.

Processing time depends on how you explore. Online renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal at the DMV usually takes 30 to 60 minutes for the appointment itself, but you receive your license in the mail 1 to 2 weeks later. If you need your license when ready (for example, because yours was lost or suspended), ask the DMV about a temporary license at your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my old California license without the gold star?

Yes, for driving. But you cannot use it for domestic air travel or federal building entry anymore. If your current license is still valid and you do not fly or enter federal buildings, you can keep using it until it expires. When you renew, you can choose to get a Real ID or stick with a standard license.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

The DMV appointment itself takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your license arrives in the mail 1 to 2 weeks later. If you need it faster, ask about a temporary license at your appointment. Do not wait until the last minute before a trip — book your appointment at least 3 weeks ahead.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot find it?

You do not need the physical card. Bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from Social Security instead. The DMV accepts any official document that shows your Social Security number. If you have none of these, contact Social Security first to request a replacement card or a letter.

Can I get a Real ID license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need a valid passport or consular ID, proof of Social Security number (or an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number), and proof of California residency. If you do not have a Social Security number, get an AB 60 license instead — it has the same driving privileges but cannot be used for federal purposes.

Do I have to renew my license in person, or can I do it online?

It depends on your situation. You can renew online only if you are 70 or older, have no violations, have not moved, and do not need a Real ID. Otherwise, renew by mail (4 to 6 weeks) or in person (30 to 60 minutes at the DMV). Book an appointment online before you go.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.