What You Need to Do to Transfer Your License to California
To transfer your driver license to California, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, surrender your out-of-state license, and pass a vision test. California will not issue you a California license based on your current out-of-state license alone — you must take a written knowledge test and a driving test unless you meet specific exemptions. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from the date you visit the DMV, though you will receive a temporary license document on the day of your visit.
The state you are coming from matters. If your current license is from another U.S. state, you follow the standard transfer process. If you hold a license from outside the United States, you must follow a different path that includes additional documentation and testing requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a California DMV office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of California residency, and proof of Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- California requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test even if your out-of-state license is valid, unless you hold a commercial license or meet other specific exemptions.
- You will pay a license fee (currently $39 for a standard five-year license) plus any applicable test fees at the time of your visit.
- Your temporary license document is valid when ready and allows you to drive while your permanent card is being processed, which takes one to two weeks.
- If you are transferring from an international license, you must provide an official translation of your license and may need to take the written test in your language if available through DMV.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Bring your current out-of-state driver license or international license. This is your primary identification document for the transfer. California DMV will not process your transfer without it.
You must also bring proof of California residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your California address also works. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.
Bring proof of your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form will work. If you have an ITIN, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN.
You will also need to complete Form DL 43 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) before you arrive or at the DMV office. You can read this form from the California DMV website or request it at the office.
The Written Knowledge Test and Driving Test Requirements
California requires all drivers transferring from out-of-state licenses to pass a written knowledge test covering California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You take this test at the DMV office on the day of your visit. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others — ask the DMV which languages are available at your local office.
You must also pass a behind-the-wheel driving test administered by a DMV examiner. This test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads and your knowledge of California traffic laws in practice. You schedule this test at the DMV office, and it typically takes place within one to three weeks of your visit. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for the test.
Exemptions exist for certain drivers. If you hold a valid commercial driver license (CDL) from another state, you may not need to take the driving test, though you will still take the written test. If you are over 70 years old and your out-of-state license is current, you may be exempt from the driving test but not the written test. Ask the DMV representative at your visit whether you may have access to for an exemption.
Transferring From an International Driver License
If your current license is from a country outside the United States, you must provide an official English translation of your license. The translation must be certified by the issuing country's consulate or by a certified translator. California DMV will not accept unofficial or machine translations.
You must also bring your passport or travel document showing your legal status in the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of legal presence, such as a valid visa, green card, or employment authorization document (EAD).
You will take the same written knowledge test and driving test as drivers transferring from U.S. state licenses. However, if your country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with California, you may be exempt from the driving test — ask the DMV whether your country qualifies. The written test is available in multiple languages; if your language is not available, you may request a translator at your own expense.
Fees and Timeline for Your California License
The standard fee for a five-year California driver license is $39. If you are under 21, the fee is $24. If you are 62 or older, the fee is $14. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; confirm the current fee at your local DMV office or on the California DMV website before your visit.
You will also pay a test fee if you take the written knowledge test or driving test. The written test fee is typically $5 to $10, and the driving test fee is typically $15 to $20. Some DMV offices bundle these fees into the license fee; others charge them separately. Ask at the time of your visit.
On the day you visit the DMV, you will receive a temporary license document (a paper receipt) that is valid for driving when ready while your permanent plastic card is being processed. Your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the California DMV to request a replacement.
Steps to Complete Your Transfer in Order
- Gather all required documents: out-of-state or international license, proof of California residency, proof of Social Security number or ITIN, and completed Form DL 43.
- Visit your local California DMV office during business hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one — check the DMV website for your local office's policy.
- Submit your documents to the DMV representative and pay the license fee and any test fees.
- Take the written knowledge test at the DMV office. You will receive your score when ready.
- Schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. The DMV will give you a date and time, typically one to three weeks away.
- Return to the DMV office on your scheduled driving test date with a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Complete the driving test with a DMV examiner.
- If you pass both tests, you will receive your temporary license document on the same day. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Transfer
Do not bring a photocopy of your proof of residency. California DMV requires the original document. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement must be dated within the last 60 days — older documents will not be accepted.
Do not assume your out-of-state license will be returned to you. California DMV will surrender your out-of-state license to the state that issued it as part of the transfer process. If you need your out-of-state license for any reason, request it back before you complete the transfer, though this may delay your California license.
Do not schedule your driving test before you pass the written test. You must pass the written knowledge test first; the DMV will not schedule your driving test until you have passed it.
Do not bring an unregistered or uninsured vehicle to your driving test. Your vehicle must have current registration and proof of insurance. If your vehicle fails a safety inspection during the test, you will not be able to complete the test and will need to reschedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in California with my out-of-state license while I wait for my California license?
Yes, your out-of-state license remains valid for driving in California until you surrender it at the DMV. Once you surrender it during your transfer visit, you will receive a temporary license document that is valid when ready. You can drive with this temporary document while your permanent card is being processed.
What if I fail the written knowledge test or driving test?
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another visit to retake it. If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another appointment, typically within one to three weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though you will pay the test fee each time.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. California DMV will conduct a vision screening at your visit. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to obtain a vision correction from an eye care professional before your driving test.
How long does the entire transfer process take from start to finish?
The process typically takes three to four weeks total. Your first DMV visit takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your driving test is scheduled one to three weeks later and takes 15 to 20 minutes. Your permanent license card arrives by mail within one to two weeks after you pass the driving test.
What if I move to a different California county after I start the transfer?
You can complete your transfer at any California DMV office, regardless of which county you are in. You do not need to return to the same office where you started. Bring all your original documents to your new local DMV office and let them know you have already taken the written test at another location.