You can exchange your out-of-state license for a California license without retaking the written or driving test
If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you move to California or become a resident, you can trade it in for a California license through a process called license transfer or conversion. You will not have to pass the written knowledge test or the behind-the-wheel driving test again, as long as your out-of-state license is still valid and you meet California's residency and identity requirements.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts licenses from all 50 states and U.S. territories. The process takes place entirely at a DMV office and typically results in a new California license within a few weeks. You will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- You do not retake written or driving tests when converting an out-of-state license to a California license, as long as your current license is valid.
- You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
- Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the DMV office.
- The DMV will take your out-of-state license and issue a temporary California license on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail in one to three weeks.
- If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you cannot convert it and must instead take the full written and driving tests as a new applicant.
Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV
The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You must bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone are not accepted.
Proof of identity: Your valid out-of-state driver license serves as your primary identity document. If your license is expired, bring an additional form of ID such as a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID card.
Proof of residency: You must show that you live in California. The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days, including a utility bill (gas, electric, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A bank or credit card statement also works. You need only one document, but it must show your name and current California address.
Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a California license.
The Step-by-Step Process at the DMV
Visit a DMV office in person—you cannot complete a license conversion online or by mail. Bring all required documents and your out-of-state license.
- Check in at the DMV. Take a number or use the online appointment system on the DMV website to schedule a time slot. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times vary by location.
- Submit your documents. Hand your out-of-state license, proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number to the DMV representative.
- Complete the DL 44 form. The DMV will give you a form called the process for California Driver License or Identification Card (DL 44). Fill it out with your current information. The representative can help you if you have questions.
- Pay the fee. As of 2024, a California driver license costs $39 if you are under 70 years old, or $30 if you are 70 or older. Fees may change; check the DMV website for current amounts. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
- Have your photo taken. The DMV will take a digital photo for your license.
- Receive your temporary license. You will get a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
Your permanent California driver license will arrive by mail within one to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.
Timing and What Happens to Your Out-of-State License
The entire DMV visit typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. The DMV will take your out-of-state license and keep it—you will not get it back. This is normal and expected.
Your out-of-state license becomes invalid the moment you receive your California temporary license. You should not carry or use the out-of-state license after that point. If you need a copy for records or identification purposes, you can request one from the DMV of the state that issued it.
Your permanent California license will be mailed to the address you provided on the DL 44 form. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the DMV online or at an office, and they will remail the card to your new address.
When You Cannot Convert Your License
If your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot convert it. Instead, you must take the full written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test as if you were a first-time applicant. This also applies if your license was suspended or revoked for a serious violation such as a DUI.
If your out-of-state license is valid but you have an active suspension or revocation in California (from a prior ticket or violation), the DMV will deny your conversion request. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing traffic school, or meeting other requirements. Contact the DMV to find out what you owe.
If you are under 18, you cannot convert a license from another state. You must instead obtain a California provisional license by taking the written and driving tests and meeting California's requirements for minors, which include completing driver education and a supervised driving period.
License Class and Restrictions
Your California license will be issued in the same class as your out-of-state license. If you held a Class D (standard passenger vehicle) license in your previous state, you will receive a Class D in California. If you held a commercial license (Class A or B), you will receive the same class in California.
Any restrictions or endorsements on your out-of-state license—such as corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, or air brake restriction—will carry over to your California license. If you want to remove a restriction, you may need to pass a vision test or driving test specific to that restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at the DMV or can I just walk in?
You can walk in to most DMV offices, but appointment slots fill up quickly and wait times can be long. The DMV website allows you to schedule an appointment online for free, which is faster. Some offices also offer express service for straightforward transactions like license conversions.
What if my out-of-state license expires before I get my California license in the mail?
Your temporary California license is valid for 60 days and is your legal proof of driving privileges during that time. Even if your out-of-state license expires, the temporary California license keeps you legal. Your permanent card should arrive before the temporary expires.
Can I convert my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You must have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and proof of California residency. Non-citizens with valid visas or work permits can convert their licenses. Bring your passport and visa or work permit as additional proof of identity.
What if I lost my out-of-state license?
You cannot convert a license you no longer have. Instead, contact the DMV of the state that issued it and request a replacement. Once you receive the replacement, you can bring it to a California DMV office to convert it. Alternatively, you can take the written and driving tests in California as a new applicant.
Will my California license have the same expiration date as my out-of-state license?
No. California sets its own expiration dates. Most California driver licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your new license will expire five years from the date you receive it at the DMV, not based on when your out-of-state license would have expired.