Your interim number is a temporary identifier you get right after passing your driving test

When you pass your California driving test, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not hand you a plastic license card that day. Instead, you receive a paper document called a Interim Driver License, and printed on it is a temporary number. This number is valid when ready and works as your driver's license number until your plastic card arrives in the mail, which typically takes one to three weeks.

The interim number is not different from your permanent license number — it is the same number you will use for the rest of your driving life. The DMV assigns it to you on the day you pass your test, and it stays with you whether you are holding the paper interim or the plastic card that follows.

Key Takeaways

  • Your interim driver license number is printed on the paper document you receive when ready after passing your driving test and is your official license number from that moment forward.
  • The interim number is valid for driving, insurance, and identification purposes right away — you do not have to wait for the plastic card to arrive.
  • You should keep the interim license in a safe place because you will need it to show law enforcement if stopped before your plastic card arrives.
  • The plastic card will arrive by mail within one to three weeks and will display the same number as your interim license.
  • If your interim license is lost or damaged before the plastic card arrives, contact the DMV to request a replacement or expedited card.

When you receive your interim license and what it looks like

You get your interim license when ready after passing the behind-the-wheel driving test at a DMV office. A staff member will hand you a paper document before you leave the building. The interim license is printed on white or off-white paper and includes your photograph, name, date of birth, address, and your new driver's license number.

The document also shows the class of license you earned (Class C for regular passenger vehicles, for example), any restrictions or endorsements, and the expiration date of your license. Everything on the interim matches what will appear on your plastic card, except the interim is temporary and the card is permanent.

How to use your interim number for insurance and identification

Your interim license number is a real, active license number. You can give it to your insurance company right away, and they will accept it to add you to a policy or update your coverage. You can also use the interim license as identification at banks, retailers, or other places that ask for a driver's license — it is a valid government-issued ID.

If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving, show the interim license. Police recognize it as a valid license document. The number on it is the same number that will appear on your plastic card, so there is no confusion or delay in the officer's records.

What happens if you lose or damage your interim license

If your interim license is lost, stolen, or damaged before your plastic card arrives, contact the DMV as soon as possible. You have a few options: you can request a replacement interim license, which the DMV will print and mail to you, or you can request an expedited plastic card, which costs extra but arrives faster than the standard two to three weeks.

To report a lost or damaged interim license, visit a DMV office in person, call the DMV customer service line, or use the DMV website if your state offers online reporting. Have your name, date of birth, and the address where you applied ready. The DMV will issue a new document, and you will receive a confirmation number or receipt showing your request was processed.

The difference between your interim number and your permanent card

The number itself does not change. Your interim license number and your permanent plastic card number are identical — the DMV assigns one number to you when you pass your test, and you keep it for life (unless you renew or replace your license for other reasons). The only difference is the format: one is printed on paper, and one is printed on plastic.

Your plastic card will arrive by mail to the address you provided when you applied for your license. Once it arrives, you can use it instead of the interim, but you are not required to destroy the interim. Many people keep it as a backup or for their records. The plastic card is more durable and fits in a wallet, so most people switch to using it once it arrives.

What to do if your plastic card does not arrive on time

If more than three weeks have passed since you passed your driving test and your plastic card has not arrived, check the DMV website or call customer service to confirm your mailing address is correct. Mail delays do happen, and the DMV can verify whether the card was sent.

If the card was sent but lost in the mail, or if there was an error with your address, the DMV can issue a replacement. You may be able to request an expedited replacement card online or by visiting an office. Keep your interim license until the replacement arrives — it remains valid and you can continue to use it for driving and identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive before my plastic card arrives if I have the interim license?

Yes. Your interim license is a valid driver's license from the moment you receive it. You can drive, get insurance, and show it to law enforcement. You do not have to wait for the plastic card.

Is my interim license number different from my permanent license number?

No. The number printed on your interim license is the same number that will appear on your plastic card and the same number you will use for your entire driving life. The DMV assigns one number to you when you pass your test.

What should I do with my interim license once the plastic card arrives?

You can keep it or discard it — there is no requirement to destroy it. Many people keep it as a backup. Once your plastic card arrives, you can use the card for driving and identification instead, since it is more durable and fits in a wallet.

Can I use my interim license number to register my vehicle?

Yes. Your interim license number is your official driver's license number. You can use it for vehicle registration, insurance, and any other purpose that requires your license number. You do not have to wait for the plastic card.

What if I move before my plastic card arrives?

Contact the DMV to update your address before the card is mailed, if possible. If the card is already in the mail to your old address, the DMV can issue a replacement card to your new address. Your interim license remains valid while you wait.