The California Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues non-driver identification cards to State residents who don't have a valid ID card, driver license or instruction permits from the State or any other jurisdiction. The ID card can be used to prove your identity, age, and residence in a variety of situations. The identification card is valid for six years and if you are older than 62, it is valid for ten years. The ID card expires on your birthday six years after it was issued.

[edit] APPLYING FOR A CALIFORNIA ID CARD

1. Locate the Office of Division of Motor Vehicles nearest you, as you will have to apply for the ID card in person. You cannot apply online. You can call to make an appointment.
2. Complete the Driver License/Identification Card application (DL 44). No copies will be accepted.
3. Give a thumb print, have your picture taken, and provide the exact address. Bring proper identification for date of birth and legal presence. You will be asked to present one piece of document with your acceptable date of birth/legal presence and one piece of acceptable true full name document.
4. You must also provide proof of your social security number (SSN). This will be verified with the Social Security Administration in your presence.
5. Pay the ID card application fee, currently $23. The California DMV also has a reduced ID fee for people who meet income requirements with a public assistance program. There is no fee for ID card for a senior citizen (age 62 or older). Confirm the exact fee with your local DMV Office.
6. You must also surrender any valid driver license or instruction permit issued by the state of California or any other jurisdiction.
7. Your new ID will be mailed to you in the next 60 days; if not received, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

[edit] RENEWING A CALIFORNIA ID CARD

1. Locate the Office of Division of Motor Vehicles nearest you, as you will have to apply for the ID card in person. You cannot apply online. You can call to make an appointment.
2. Complete the Driver License/Identification Card application (DL 44). No copies will be accepted.
3. Give a thumb print, have your picture taken, and provide the exact address. Bring proper identification for date of birth and legal presence. You will be asked to present one piece of document with your acceptable date of birth/legal presence and one piece of acceptable true full name document.
4. You must also provide proof of your social security number (SSN). This will be verified with the Social Security Administration in your presence.
5. Pay the ID card application fee, currently $23. The California DMV also has a reduced ID fee for people who meet income requirements with a public assistance program. There is no fee for ID card for a senior citizen (age 62 or older). Confirm the exact fee with your local DMV Office.
6. Your new ID will be mailed to you in the next 60 days; if not received, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

[edit] REPLACING A LOST, STOLEN, OR DESTROYED ID CARD

You may be issued a replacement identification card if your original ID card has been lost, stolen or destroyed, or if you have had a name or address change.

1. Locate the Office of Division of Motor Vehicles nearest you, as you will have to apply for the ID card in person. You cannot apply online. You can call to make an appointment.
2. Complete the Driver License/Identification Card application (DL 44). No copies will be accepted.
3. Give a thumb print, have your picture taken, and provide the exact address. Bring proper identification for date of birth and legal presence. You will be asked to present one piece of document with your acceptable date of birth/legal presence and one piece of acceptable true full name document.
4. You must also provide proof of name change, if applicable.
5. You must also provide proof of your social security number (SSN). This will be verified with the Social Security Administration in your presence.
6. Pay the ID card application fee, currently $23. The California DMV also has a reduced ID fee for people who meet income requirements with a public assistance program. There is no fee for ID card for a senior citizen (age 62 or older). Confirm the exact fee with your local DMV Office.
7. Your new ID will be mailed to you in the next 60 days; if not received, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Former State residents moving back to California may be eligible to apply for a renewal or replacement ID card, depending on the validity of their original identification card. Those whose California ID cards expired more than one year ago must apply for an original ID card.
• See also Applying for a New License.
• See also Change of Address.