Documents and identification you must bring to the DMV

California requires six specific pieces of information or documentation before you can take the written test for a learner's permit. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some items can be copies — but the DMV will verify them against their records or accept them as proof of identity and residency.

You must bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal presence in the United States. For identity, acceptable documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a tribal document. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a California address. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which the DMV will accept.

Proof of legal presence means a valid passport, birth certificate, consular report, tribal document, or permanent resident card. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may still obtain a permit if you have a valid visa, employment authorization document, or other federal immigration document showing you are lawfully present. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Key Takeaways

  • You need proof of identity, California residency, your Social Security number, and proof of legal presence — bring originals or certified copies to the DMV.
  • A learner's permit costs $35 and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue; you do not need to renew it if you pass your driving test within that year.
  • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to take the written test; applicants under 18 also need a signed parent or guardian consent form.
  • The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 38 of 46 questions correctly to pass.
  • You can take the written test in English, Spanish, or 30 other languages, and the DMV offers a free study guide online and at every office.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to take the written test for a learner's permit in California. There is no upper age limit; adults of any age can obtain a permit.

If you are under 18 years old, you must bring a signed Consent to explore for a Permit or License form (DL 44) completed by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must sign in front of a DMV employee, or you can bring a notarized signature. If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent, but you still need to bring proof of identity and residency.

The written test: what to expect and how to prepare

The written test has 46 questions covering California traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle operation. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly — a score of 83 percent — to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you have no time limit to complete it.

The DMV offers a free study guide called the California Driver Handbook, available online at dmv.ca.gov and in print at any DMV office. The handbook covers every topic on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website or third-party study apps. Many people take the test in their first language; the DMV offers the test in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and 20 other languages.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test, but you will need to return to the DMV and bring your documents again.

Permit fees and validity period

A learner's permit costs $35 in California. Payment is due when you pass the written test. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices; some locations accept checks.

Your permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and sitting beside you in the front seat. You do not need to renew your permit if you pass your driving test and receive your provisional or full license before the 12 months expire. If your permit expires before you test for your license, you must retake the written test and pay the $35 fee again.

How to schedule your DMV appointment

You must schedule an appointment to take the written test. You cannot walk in without one at most California DMV offices. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Make an Appointment," and select your county and preferred office location. The website will show available dates and times, usually several weeks out depending on your area.

When you book, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the type of transaction (learner's permit). You will receive a confirmation number and a date. Bring this confirmation number, your documents, and a completed DL 44 form (or DL 44 with parental consent if you are under 18) to your appointment.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the DMV website at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer for the next available slot.

Common mistakes that delay or prevent approval

The most frequent reason for rejection is bringing incomplete or unacceptable proof of residency. A utility bill must show your name and a California address and be dated within the last 60 days. A lease or mortgage statement must be recent and in your name. A credit card statement or bank statement does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows your address.

A second common mistake is arriving without the parental consent form if you are under 18. The form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian in front of a DMV employee or notarized beforehand. A photocopy of a parent's signature or a verbal permission does not work. If you forget the form, the DMV will not let you take the test that day.

Applicants also sometimes bring expired identity documents or documents that do not match the name on their residency proof. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the change. The DMV will not process your process if your identity and residency documents do not match.

What happens after you pass the written test

Once you pass the written test, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days while your official plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two weeks.

With your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult at least 25 years old in the front seat. You must obey all traffic laws and cannot drive alone. You are also required to complete a California Driver Education Course (six hours) and a California Driver Training Course (ten hours behind the wheel with a licensed instructor) before you can take the driving test for your provisional license. Some high schools offer driver education; private driving schools also provide both courses.

You can take your driving test after you have completed both courses and held your permit for at least six months. Schedule the driving test through the DMV website the same way you scheduled your written test appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. Bring your ITIN documentation to the DMV instead. If you are not may be able to access for an ITIN, contact your local DMV office to discuss other options.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

The DMV will not accept it. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a 60-day-old document yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

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

Yes. The DMV offers the test in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and more than 20 other languages. When you schedule your appointment online, select your preferred language. You must request it at the time of booking; the DMV cannot always provide a translator on the same day if you ask in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no additional cost, or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Bring your documents again each time you test.

Do I need to complete driver education and training before I take the written test?

No. You take the written test first to get your permit. Driver education and training are required before you can take the driving test for your license, but not before the permit test.