Moving to California means getting a California driver license, not keeping your old one
When you move to California and become a resident, you are required by law to get a California driver license within 10 days of establishing residency. You cannot straightforward keep your out-of-state license and use it in California — once you live here, your old license is no longer valid for driving. The good news is that California recognizes licenses from other states, so the process is faster than getting a license for the first time.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not make you retake the written test or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you meet basic requirements. You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from process to receiving your card in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must get a California driver license within 10 days of becoming a California resident; your out-of-state license stops being valid once you move here.
- You will not retake written or road tests if your out-of-state license is current and valid, but you must visit a DMV office in person with required documents.
- Required documents include proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of identity, and your current out-of-state license.
- The DMV will issue you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
- The fee for a standard driver license transfer is around $35 to $40, though the exact amount depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your current out-of-state license. Bring originals, not copies, because the DMV staff will need to see and verify them in person.
For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a state ID card from another state. For proof of California residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and a California address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Your current out-of-state driver license counts as proof of identity but you still need the residency document.
If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV.
Steps to transfer your license at the DMV
Start by making an appointment on the DMV website or calling your local DMV office. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster, and many DMV offices are busy enough that you could wait several hours without one. You can book an appointment at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133.
On the day of your appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. Tell the DMV staff you are transferring a license from another state. They will take your photo, collect your documents, and have you sign your process. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.
The DMV will mail your permanent driver license to the address you provided on your process. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited mail, though this is not always necessary since your temporary license is valid for driving during the wait.
License types and expiration dates in California
When you transfer your license, you choose how long you want it to be valid. California offers a standard driver license valid for five years, or you can request a license valid for 10 years if you are over 70 years old. The fee is lower for the five-year license and higher for the 10-year license.
Your new California license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you transfer your license in March 2024 and choose a five-year license, it will expire on your birthday in 2029. You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires, either online, by mail, or in person at the DMV.
If you held a commercial driver license (CDL) in another state, you cannot straightforward transfer it to California. You must take the written test and road test for a California CDL. Contact your local DMV office for details on CDL testing and requirements.
What happens to your out-of-state license
Once you receive your California driver license, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in California or anywhere else. You do not need to formally surrender it to the DMV, but you should keep it in a safe place as proof of your identity if you need it for other purposes.
Some people keep their old license as a keepsake or for identification purposes when traveling outside the United States. There is no penalty for keeping it, and the DMV does not require you to destroy it or return it. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement in California, you must show your California driver license, not your old one.
If your out-of-state license is suspended or expired
If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot transfer it to California. Instead, you will need to take the written test and road test as if you were a first-time driver. This also applies if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, or other violations.
If your license is expired but was valid when you moved to California, you may still be able to transfer it without retesting. Contact your local DMV office or check the DMV website to confirm your specific situation. Some states have different rules about how long you can renew an expired license, so the DMV will verify your out-of-state record before deciding whether you need to test.
If you have unpaid traffic tickets or fines from your previous state, California may place a hold on your license transfer until those are resolved. The DMV will tell you if this applies to you when you visit. You will need to contact the court or DMV in your previous state to settle the debt before you can complete your transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to transfer my license right away, or can I wait?
California law requires you to get a California driver license within 10 days of becoming a resident. Driving with an out-of-state license after that period is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. It is best to start the transfer process as soon as you move and have your residency documents in order.
Can I transfer my license online or by mail?
No, you must visit a DMV office in person to transfer your license. The DMV needs to verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your signature. However, you can make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov to avoid waiting in line.
What if I moved to California but do not have a lease or utility bill yet?
You can use other documents that show your California address, such as a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from your employer with your work address. If you are staying with family or friends temporarily, ask them for a letter on their letterhead stating that you live at their address, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease. Some DMV offices accept this as proof of residency.
Will I have to retake my driving test?
No, if your out-of-state license is valid and current, you will not retake the written or road test. The DMV recognizes valid licenses from all U.S. states and territories. However, if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you will need to pass both tests.
How much does it cost to transfer my license?
The fee for transferring a driver license to California is approximately $35 to $40 for a five-year license. A 10-year license costs more. Fees can change, so check the DMV website or call your local office for the current price. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the DMV office.