What you need to get a California driver's license

California issues driver's licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get one, you must be at least 16 years old (15 years 6 months if you want a permit first), pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. California issues licenses to people with valid immigration status and also to people without immigration status under Assembly Bill 60, though the license will be marked differently and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

The process takes multiple visits: one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually weeks later) to take the driving test. You can shorten the wait by booking your driving test appointment online before you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test on California traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test before the DMV issues a license.
  • Proof of identity, California residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN are required at your first visit.
  • California issues licenses to people without immigration status under AB 60, but those licenses cannot be used for federal identification.
  • The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from your first visit to receiving your card in the mail.
  • You can take the written test in over 30 languages, and you can request a driving test with an interpreter present.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in California. Identity documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, a foreign national ID, or a Consular ID. Residency documents include a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address.

You also need proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) or an ITIN (an ITIN letter from the IRS). If you do not have either, California allows you to sign a declaration stating you do not have one, and you can still get a license.

Bring your current driver's license or permit if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 36 questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, alcohol and drug laws, and what different road signs mean.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the California Driver Handbook, available online and in print at any DMV office. You can also take practice tests on the DMV website. The test is offered in over 30 languages.

You can take the written test on the same day you explore. If you fail, you can retake it the next day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test.

The driving test and scheduling

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. You drive with a DMV examiner who watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and backing up. You must follow traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle safely. The examiner will also ask you to identify dashboard controls and explain what certain road signs mean.

You cannot take the driving test until you have passed the written test and held a permit for at least six months (or one year if you are under 18). You must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Book your driving test appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling your local DMV office. Wait times vary by location but typically range from two to six weeks. You can request an interpreter for the driving test if you need one.

Costs and how long it takes

The process fee is $39 for a driver's license valid for five years. If you are 62 or older, the fee is $28 for a license valid for ten years. There is no charge for the written or driving test. Payment is due when you explore.

Your physical license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test. You receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office on the day you pass, which is valid for 60 days while you wait for the card.

The total time from your first visit to receiving your card is usually four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you can schedule and pass the driving test.

AB 60 licenses for people without immigration status

California Assembly Bill 60 allows people without immigration status to get a driver's license. The process is the same as for any other applicant: you pass the written and driving tests, provide proof of identity and California residency, and pay the same fee.

An AB 60 license looks different from a standard California license — it has a different design and does not display a Social Security number. You can use it to drive legally in California and to open a bank account, but you cannot use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

You do not need to prove immigration status or provide a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license. You can use an ITIN, a foreign national ID, a Consular ID, or a passport instead.

Renewing or replacing your California license

A standard California driver's license is valid for five years. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and you do not need to update your photo.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at a DMV office or by mail. A replacement costs $39 and takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail. You receive a temporary paper license on the day you request the replacement.

If you move out of California, your license remains valid until it expires, but you should transfer it to your new state's DMV within the timeframe that state requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a California driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS instead. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you can sign a declaration at the DMV stating you do not have one, and you can still get a license.

How long do I have to hold a permit before I can take the driving test?

You must hold a permit for at least six months if you are 18 or older, or one year if you are under 18. The DMV counts from the date your permit was issued, not from when you pass the written test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no fee to retake the test. You must wait at least two weeks between attempts, though you can schedule your next test sooner if an appointment opens up.

Can I use a California AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight?

No. An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. You would need a passport, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, or another federally accepted ID. California does offer a Real ID-compliant license if you have valid immigration status.

What if I move to California from another state — do I need to transfer my license?

You do not have to transfer when ready, but California law requires you to get a California license within ten days of establishing residency. Your out-of-state license remains valid until then. You will need to pass the written test but not the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid.