The documents California requires before you can test

California requires six categories of documents before you can take a written or driving test for your first license. You need proof of identity, proof of California residency, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth, proof that you are lawfully present in the United States, and a completed process form. You cannot substitute one for another — the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) checks each category separately, and missing even one will stop your process.

The documents do not all have to be originals. Some can be copies, and some can be digital. But the DMV will not accept expired documents in most categories, and a few documents — like your birth certificate — must be certified or official copies, not photocopies you made yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring documents from all six categories: identity, residency, Social Security, date of birth, lawful presence, and a completed DL 44 form.
  • Your identity document must be a passport, passport card, or California ID card; a school ID or work badge will not work.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, and you can use digital versions.
  • You need an official birth certificate (certified copy or original), not a hospital record or photocopy.
  • Bring your Social Security card, or a W-2, tax return, or SSA-1099 if you do not have the card itself.

Proof of identity: what the DMV will accept

Your identity document must be a valid, unexpired passport or passport card issued by the U.S. State Department, or a California ID card. If you do not yet have any of these, you can bring a valid, unexpired passport or passport card from another country, but only if you also bring a certified English translation.

School IDs, work badges, library cards, and credit cards do not count as proof of identity for a driver's license, even if they have your photo and signature. The DMV requires a document issued by a government agency that was created specifically to prove who you are.

If your passport or passport card is expired, you can still use it as long as it expired no more than five years ago. Passports issued when you were under 16 expire after five years; passports issued at 16 or older expire after 10 years. If your passport is older than that, you will need to renew it first through the State Department before the DMV will accept it.

Proof of California residency: documents dated within 60 days

You must show that you live in California right now. The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, or a property tax bill all work. You can bring a paper copy or show the DMV a digital version on your phone or tablet.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can use it as long as you also bring a signed letter from that person saying you live there. The letter does not need to be notarized, but it does need to be dated and signed by hand.

A hotel receipt, a postcard, or a piece of mail addressed to you does not count. The document must show your name and your current address, and it must be something that was created to prove residency — not just something that happened to arrive at your address.

Proof of your Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card, the DMV will accept a W-2 form, a 1099 tax form, or a Social Security Administration (SSA) letter showing your number. These documents must be originals or certified copies — a photocopy you made yourself will not work.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a California driver's license. The DMV cannot issue a license without a Social Security number on file, with very limited exceptions for people with religious objections. That process takes several weeks, so start it as soon as you know you will need a license.

Proof of your date of birth

You must bring an official birth certificate — either the original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A hospital record, a photocopy you made yourself, or a birth announcement does not count.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate from that country, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If the document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

If you have lost your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born. That office is usually part of the county health department or clerk's office. The process takes one to three weeks and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the county. You can order online, by mail, or in person.

Proof of lawful presence in the United States

California requires proof that you are lawfully present. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate counts. So does a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a visa, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice, or a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) approval notice.

If you are a non-citizen, bring your passport or visa along with any other immigration documents you have. The DMV will make a copy and return the original to you. If your visa or other document is expired, it can still count as proof of lawful presence — the DMV looks at when you entered the country, not when your document expires.

The process form and what to bring to the DMV

read and fill out the DL 44 form (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card) before you go to the DMV. You can print it and fill it by hand, or fill it on your computer and print it. Bring the completed form with you, along with all six categories of documents listed above.

Bring originals or certified copies where required. Make copies of documents you want to keep — the DMV will keep some originals on file. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged on the way.

You do not need to make an appointment at most California DMV offices, but you can reserve a time slot online at the DMV website if you want to avoid waiting. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate?

No. Your birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A digital photo, a PDF you downloaded, or a photocopy does not count. If you have the certified copy as a PDF, print it out and bring the paper version to the DMV.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before the DMV can issue a license. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The process takes two to four weeks. Once you receive your number, you can then explore for your driver's license.

Can I use my school ID as proof of identity?

No. The DMV only accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, California ID card, or a valid passport from another country with a certified English translation. School IDs, work badges, and other non-government IDs do not count, even if they have your photo.

Do my documents have to be originals?

Most documents can be copies, but your birth certificate must be an original or certified copy. Your Social Security card can be the original, or you can bring a certified copy of a tax form or SSA letter instead. Bring originals of your passport and any immigration documents — the DMV will copy them and return them to you.

What if my residency document is older than 60 days?

The DMV will not accept it. Bring a utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to California, bring the most recent document you have. If you have no documents yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.