Documents required to get a California driver's license

California requires you to bring specific documents to the DMV when you explore for a driver's license. You need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents that work depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa.

You cannot use the same document twice — for example, a passport counts as identity proof but not as residency proof. The DMV will ask to see originals, not copies, though they will make copies for their file. If your documents are in another language, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You need three separate documents: one for identity, one for residency, and one for your Social Security number — they cannot be the same document.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card works as both identity and citizenship proof, but you still need a separate residency document.
  • Residency documents must show your current California address and be dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, with proof from the IRS.
  • Bring originals to the DMV — photocopies are not accepted, though the DMV will copy them for their records.

Identity documents the DMV accepts

A U.S. passport or passport card is the simplest identity document because it proves both who you are and that you are a U.S. citizen. If you have one, bring it — you will not need a separate citizenship document.

If you do not have a passport, the DMV accepts a certified birth certificate (the official copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy from a hospital), a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. You can also use a permanent resident card (green card) if you are not a U.S. citizen.

For non-citizens on a visa, a foreign passport works as identity proof. You will also need your I-94 arrival/departure record (which you can print from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website) and your visa stamp or approval notice to show your immigration status.

Residency documents that work in California

Your residency document must show your current California address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) is the most common choice. Other documents that work include a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy.

If you cannot get any of those, the DMV also accepts a bank or credit card statement, a paycheck stub, a government benefit statement (such as unemployment or CalFresh), or a letter from a government agency with your name and address. Some documents, like bank statements, can be printed from your online account.

If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from the property owner or leaseholder stating that you live there, along with a copy of their ID. This letter must include your name, the address, and the dates you have lived there.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN

You must show proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card is the easiest option — bring the original. If you have lost your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your IRS Form 1040 (tax return), Form W-2 (wage statement), or Form 1098 (mortgage interest statement) showing your ITIN. You can also bring a letter from the IRS confirming your ITIN.

If you cannot produce any of these documents, the DMV may ask you to complete a Statement Regarding Applicant's Social Security Number (Form DL 44 or DL 44LS), which you sign under penalty of perjury. This is less common and usually only happens if you are explore for a non-driver ID card rather than a license.

Documents for different immigration statuses

If you are a U.S. citizen, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization for identity, plus your residency and Social Security documents.

If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card as identity proof, your residency document, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. The green card counts as both identity and immigration status proof.

If you are on a visa (such as H-1B, F-1, or L-1), bring your foreign passport, your visa stamp or approval notice, your I-94 record, your residency document, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. California issues driver's licenses to visa holders, but the license will expire on the same date your visa expires or when your I-94 expires, whichever comes first.

If you are undocumented, California allows you to get an AB 60 license (also called a driver's license for undocumented immigrants). You will need identity proof (such as a foreign passport or consular ID), California residency proof, and proof of your ITIN. You do not need to show immigration status documents. The AB 60 license looks the same as a regular license but is marked differently in the DMV system.

What to bring to the DMV appointment

Bring originals of all your documents — the DMV will not accept photocopies. Bring your Social Security card itself, not a photocopy. If you have a passport, bring the actual passport. The DMV staff will make copies for their records.

If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring both the original and a certified English translation. You can get a certified translation from a professional translator or from the consulate of the country that issued the document.

Bring your completed process for California Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) if you have already filled it out, though you can also complete it at the DMV. If you are renewing or replacing a license, bring your current license or ID card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of bringing my passport?

No. The DMV requires original documents, not photos or scans. If you have lost your passport or other identity document, you will need to replace it first through the issuing agency (such as the State Department for a passport or the Social Security Administration for a Social Security card) before you can get a driver's license.

What if my residency document is older than 60 days?

The DMV will not accept it. You will need a newer document showing your current address. If you just moved, a utility bill from your new address usually arrives within a few weeks. In the meantime, a notarized letter from your landlord or property owner can work as backup.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a passport?

No. A passport proves both identity and citizenship, so you do not need a birth certificate. Bring your passport, a residency document, and proof of your Social Security number — that is all three categories covered.

Can my spouse's utility bill count as my residency proof?

Only if your name is on the bill. If it is not, you will need a notarized letter from your spouse (the account holder) stating that you live at that address, along with a copy of their ID. Some couples add their spouse's name to the utility account to avoid this step.

What if I do not have a Social Security number and cannot get an ITIN?

You can still get a non-driver ID card from the DMV by signing a statement under penalty of perjury that you do not have a Social Security number. However, you cannot get a driver's license without one or the other. If you are undocumented and do not have an ITIN, you will need to get one from the IRS before you can get an AB 60 license.