What You Need to Get a California Driver License

Documents and information California requires before you can get a license

California requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will also need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. The state does not accept all forms of ID — your document must be on California's approved list, and it must not be expired.

If you are under 18, you have additional requirements: you must complete a driver education course and a behind-the-wheel training course with a licensed instructor before you can take the driving test. You will also need a signed Instruction Permit (IP) from a parent or guardian, and you must hold that permit for at least six months before you are may be able to access to test for a full license.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an unexpired document proving your identity, an unexpired document proving you live in California, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN to the DMV in person.
California accepts a limited list of identity documents — a U.S. passport, passport card, permanent resident card, or state ID from another state all work, but a school ID or library card does not.
If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and at least six hours of professional behind-the-wheel training before you can take the driving test.
You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel driving test at the DMV, and you must pass all three to receive your license.

Proof of identity California will accept

Your identity document must be unexpired and issued by a government agency. California accepts a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, permanent resident card (green card), tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a valid driver license or ID card from another U.S. state or territory. If you do not have any of these, you can use a foreign passport paired with an approved visa or travel document.

Documents that do not work include school IDs, library cards, work IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and expired documents of any kind. If your only identity document is a foreign passport, you will need to bring it along with a visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, or employment authorization document (EAD) to prove you are lawfully in the United States.

Proof of California residency

You must bring one document showing your current California address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, insurance policy, bank or credit union statement, or a paycheck stub from a California employer. The document must show your name and current address, and it cannot be more than two months old.

If you have just moved to California and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, the address, and the move-in date. A family member's utility bill with a note from them stating you live there will not work — the document must show your name.

Proof of Social Security number or ITIN

You must bring an original or certified copy of a document that shows your Social Security number or ITIN. The DMV accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration or Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need a tax ID.

If you cannot locate your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV, or you can bring a W-2 or 1099 from your employer instead. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photograph or photocopy is not accepted.

Age-specific requirements for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, California requires you to complete a driver education course (classroom instruction) and a behind-the-wheel training course with a licensed instructor before you can take the driving test. The driver education course is typically 30 hours of classroom instruction, and the behind-the-wheel course is at least six hours of professional instruction with a licensed driving school or instructor.

You must also obtain an Instruction Permit (IP) from the DMV, which requires a parent or legal guardian to sign your process. You must hold the IP for at least six months and one day before you are may be able to access to take the driving test for a full license. During this six-month period, you can only drive with a licensed adult 25 or older in the front passenger seat.

Once you have held your IP for six months, passed the written test, passed the vision test, and completed your behind-the-wheel training, you can schedule a driving test. If you pass, you will receive a provisional license, which has additional restrictions until you turn 18.

The three tests you must pass

The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, and you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one. You can take the written test on the same day you explore for your license.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV will test your visual acuity and your ability to see colors and peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and will not be able to take the driving test until you pass a vision screening.

The driving test is a behind-the-wheel evaluation where a DMV examiner observes you driving on public roads. You must demonstrate that you can safely operate the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You must pass all three tests to receive your license.

What to bring to your DMV appointment

Bring your original or certified identity document, your original or certified residency document, and your original or certified proof of Social Security number or ITIN. Bring your Instruction Permit if you have one. If you are under 18, bring proof that you completed driver education and behind-the-wheel training — your driving school will give you a certificate or completion form.

Bring your completed Driver License or Identification Card process (Form DL 44) if you have filled it out ahead of time, though you can also fill it out at the DMV. Bring your vehicle for the driving test — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you are bringing someone else's vehicle, bring written permission from the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my birth certificate as proof of identity?

No. California does not accept birth certificates as proof of identity for a driver license. You must bring a government-issued ID such as a passport, passport card, permanent resident card, or another state's driver license. If you do not have any of these, you can use a foreign passport with a valid visa or travel document.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and works the same way as a Social Security number for DMV purposes. You will need to bring an IRS letter or document showing your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS correspondence.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. When you schedule your appointment or arrive at the DMV, let them know which language you need. You can also request a reader or interpreter if you have difficulty reading.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. You can practice with your Instruction Permit before you test again.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. It can be your own car or someone else's car, but if it is not yours, you must bring a signed note from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and wipers.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.