Bring These Documents to Pass the Written Test

You need two things to sit for the California written permit test: proof of identity and proof of residency. California does not accept a single document for both — you must bring one from each category. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not let you test without them, and you cannot substitute one for the other.

The identity document must be government-issued and show your photo, name, and date of birth. A valid passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a passport or military ID, bring your state ID card or an out-of-state driver's license — even an expired one counts as long as it is not more than five years past expiration. A school ID, work badge, or library card will not work, no matter how recent.

The residency document must show your current California address and your name. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will satisfy this requirement. If you live with family and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. A piece of mail from the DMV itself also counts as proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring one government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, state ID, or out-of-state driver's license) and one proof of residency dated within 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement).
  • An expired driver's license or ID is acceptable as long as it expired no more than five years ago.
  • If you do not have your name on a utility bill or lease, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the bill, plus that bill itself.
  • School IDs, work badges, and library cards do not count as government-issued photo ID for the permit test.
  • You cannot test without both documents — the DMV will turn you away if you bring only one.

Acceptable Identity Documents

California accepts a narrow list of photo IDs for the permit test. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is the strongest option because it is federal and universally recognized. A military ID (active duty, reserve, or dependent card) also works. If you do not have either, a state ID card issued by California or any other state is acceptable.

An out-of-state driver's license counts even if you are explore for your first California permit. The license can be expired, but only if it expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to bring a passport, passport card, or military ID instead.

Do not bring a school ID, employee badge, library card, or tribal ID. The DMV will not accept these, even if they have your photo and name. If you do not have any of the documents listed above, you will need to obtain one before you can test. A state ID card can be obtained at the DMV on the same day as your permit test if you bring the required residency proof and pay the ID fee.

Acceptable Residency Documents

Your residency document must show your name and your current California address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement or rental agreement with your name and the property address works even if it is older than 60 days, as long as it is still your current residence. A mortgage statement or property tax bill also satisfies this requirement.

A bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days will work if it shows your name and California address. Some people use a letter from the DMV itself — if you have received any DMV mail at your current address, bring it. Insurance statements (auto, home, or renter's) are not accepted.

If your name does not appear on any utility bill or lease because you live with a parent, spouse, or roommate, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill. The letter must state that you live at that address and include the address itself. Bring the notarized letter and the utility bill or lease together — the DMV will not accept the letter alone. Notarization costs between $5 and $15 at most banks, UPS stores, or online notary services.

What Happens If You Forget a Document

If you arrive at the DMV without both documents, you will not be allowed to test. The DMV will not make exceptions or let you test "just this time." You will lose your appointment slot and your test fee (currently $7 for the written test). You will have to schedule a new appointment and return another day with both documents.

If you realize before your appointment that you do not have the right documents, cancel or reschedule online through the California DMV website. This frees up the appointment slot for someone else and may allow you to book a new date sooner than if you straightforward do not show up. If you show up without documents, you will still be charged the test fee and will need to pay again when you reschedule.

Bring These Items in Addition to Documents

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this when you check in. If you do not know your number, write it down before you go or bring your Social Security card.

Bring a pen to fill out any forms the DMV hands you. Most DMV locations provide pens, but bringing your own ensures you have one. You do not need to bring anything else — no study materials, no phone, no notes. The DMV will provide the test itself on a computer or paper form depending on the location.

If you are under 18, bring a signed parental consent form (Form DL 44 or the minor consent section of the process). A parent or legal guardian must sign this before you go to the DMV. You can read and print this form from the California DMV website, or pick one up at the DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my school or work ID if I bring my passport?

No. You must bring one government-issued photo ID. A school or work ID does not count as government-issued, even if you bring a passport alongside it. The DMV will accept your passport alone.

My driver's license expired seven years ago. Can I still use it?

No. An expired license is only acceptable if it expired within the last five years. If yours expired more than five years ago, bring a passport, passport card, or military ID instead. You can still obtain a state ID card at the DMV on the same day if you have your residency proof.

I live with my parents and my name is not on the utility bill. What do I bring?

Bring a notarized letter from your parent stating you live at that address, plus the utility bill or lease showing their name and the address. The notarized letter alone is not enough. You can get a letter notarized at a bank, UPS store, or online for $5 to $15.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have either, contact the DMV before your appointment to ask what you can bring in place of a Social Security number. Some applicants may be able to use a passport number or other identifier.

Can I take the permit test on my phone or bring a calculator?

No. The DMV provides the test on a computer terminal or paper form. You cannot use your phone, calculator, or any other device. The test is multiple-choice and does not require math.