An interim driver license is a temporary document California issues while your permanent license is being processed or replaced

When you pass your driving test at a California DMV office, you do not leave with a plastic card. Instead, you receive an interim license — a paper document that serves as your legal proof of driving privilege while the DMV manufactures and mails your permanent card. The interim is valid when ready and works anywhere a regular license does, including out of state. It remains valid for up to 60 days, which is the standard time the DMV needs to produce and deliver your permanent license by mail.

You may also receive an interim license if you renew your license in person, if you replace a lost or damaged card, or if you change your name or address on an existing license. In each case, the interim covers the gap between when you complete your transaction and when your new permanent license arrives in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • An interim license is a paper document issued on the spot at the DMV and is valid for up to 60 days while your permanent plastic card is being made.
  • You receive an interim automatically when you pass your driving test, renew your license in person, or replace a lost or damaged license — you do not have to request it.
  • An interim license has the same legal force as a permanent license and is accepted by law enforcement, employers, and other agencies that require proof of driving privilege.
  • You should keep your interim license in a safe place because you will need it if you are stopped by police before your permanent card arrives.
  • If your interim license is lost, stolen, or damaged before your permanent license arrives, you must return to the DMV to request a replacement interim or expedited permanent card.

When the DMV Issues an Interim License

The DMV issues an interim license in the following situations: you have just passed your behind-the-wheel driving test and received your first license; you renewed your license in person at a DMV office; you replaced a lost, stolen, or damaged license; you changed your name on your license; or you updated your address. In each case, the interim is generated at the counter before you leave the office.

You do not request an interim — it is issued automatically as part of the transaction. If you renew or replace your license by mail or online, you will not receive an interim because your new permanent card will be mailed directly to you without a paper placeholder.

How Long an Interim License Is Valid

An interim license is valid for up to 60 days from the date it is issued. This window covers the time needed for the DMV to print your permanent license and deliver it by U.S. mail. In most cases, your permanent card arrives within 4 to 6 weeks, but the 60-day validity period accounts for mail delays and processing variations.

Once your permanent license arrives, the interim license is no longer needed and has no further value. You should destroy it or discard it safely. If your permanent license does not arrive within 60 days, contact the DMV to confirm the status of your order — delays are rare but do occur.

What to Do If You Lose Your Interim License Before Your Permanent Card Arrives

If your interim license is lost, stolen, or damaged before your permanent license arrives, you have two options. You can return to the DMV and request a replacement interim license, which will be issued on the spot. The replacement interim will be valid for the remainder of the original 60-day period or for a new 60-day period, depending on how much time has passed.

Alternatively, you can request that the DMV expedite your permanent license. Expedited processing costs an additional fee (the amount varies by transaction type) and reduces the delivery time from the standard 4 to 6 weeks to approximately 2 weeks. If you choose expedited service, you will receive a new interim license valid until your expedited permanent card arrives.

Using Your Interim License Out of State

Your California interim license is valid for driving in all other states and is recognized by law enforcement nationwide. You can use it to rent a car, cross state lines, and prove your driving privilege in any situation where a permanent license would be accepted. Some car rental companies may ask to see your permanent license as well, but the interim alone satisfies the legal requirement to carry proof of licensure while driving.

If you are stopped by police in another state, present your interim license along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The officer can verify your driving status through the California DMV database using the license number printed on the interim.

Interim License Versus Provisional License

An interim license is not the same as a provisional license, which is a separate document issued to drivers under 18 who have passed their test but have not yet reached the age or experience threshold for a full license. A provisional license carries restrictions on driving hours, passenger limits, and phone use. An interim license carries no such restrictions — it is a full, unrestricted license that is straightforward temporary in form.

If you are under 18 and have just passed your test, you will receive both an interim license (the paper document valid for 60 days) and a provisional license (the permanent card you receive in the mail, which will be marked "Provisional" and will carry age-based restrictions). The interim is valid as a provisional license during the 60-day waiting period.

What Information Appears on Your Interim License

Your interim license includes your name, date of birth, California driver license number, address, physical description, signature, and the date of issue and expiration. It also shows your license class (such as Class D for regular passenger vehicles) and any restrictions or endorsements that explore to you. The document is printed on white paper and is smaller than a permanent license card.

The information on your interim must match what you provided during your transaction. If you notice an error — a misspelled name, wrong address, or incorrect date of birth — tell the DMV staff before you leave the office. Errors on the interim will carry over to your permanent license unless corrected when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my interim license to get a job that requires a driver license?

Yes. An interim license is a valid California driver license and satisfies employment requirements for positions that require proof of driving privilege. Employers and background check services recognize interim licenses as legitimate. Keep your interim in a safe place until your permanent card arrives.

What happens if my permanent license arrives while I still have my interim?

Once your permanent license arrives, the interim is no longer valid and should be discarded. You do not need to return it to the DMV. Begin using your permanent card when ready for all driving and identification purposes.

Can I get a replacement interim license if mine is damaged but not lost?

Yes. If your interim is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged and unreadable, return to the DMV with the damaged interim and request a replacement. The DMV will issue a new interim valid for the remainder of the original 60-day period at no additional cost.

Is an interim license accepted for air travel or other federal ID purposes?

No. An interim license is not accepted as identification for air travel, federal building access, or other purposes that require a REAL ID-compliant document. You must have your permanent California driver license for those purposes. Check with your airline or the relevant agency about acceptable forms of ID.

What if I move before my permanent license arrives?

Your interim license shows your address at the time of issue. If you move before your permanent license arrives, you should update your address with the DMV as soon as possible. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Your new permanent license will reflect your updated address when it arrives.