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How to Apply for a New Driver's License in California

Updated on Sun, 1/29/2012

You can apply for a new driver's license at any DMV office in California. Obtain a California Driver's Handbook to get familiarized with the driving rules and regulations.

NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements for applying for a California driver's license:

  1. Applicants must be 15 1/2 years or older.
  2. Any individual under 18 should provide parental consent by providing their signature on form DL 44. For additional details, see Beginner Drivers and/or Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers.
  3. Everyone must pass the vision, traffic laws and sign tests. See Practice Tests and Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test. There is a $6 fee for every additional driving test you take. You have three chances to pass.
  4. Applicants must provide a social security number.
  5. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of true full name and a thumbprint.
  6. Applicants must provide proof of California birth date and legal presence.

NEW RESIDENTS

California residents holding a driver's license from another state may also need to pass the three tests. The driving test may be waived at the discretion of the examiner. For individuals holding non-U.S. licenses, it is mandatory to pass the driving test. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification, legal presence and birth date. Non-US citizens residing in California may drive without getting a California driver license as long as their home country license is valid. If, however, you become a California resident, you will be required to get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency can be proven by proof of residence, tuition payment, voting in an election or any other privilege not extended to nonresidents.

FEES

The cost for a non-commercial (Class C) California driver's license is $28.

VALIDITY

A California driver's license is valid for four years.

LEARNER'S LICENSE

With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in California with a learner's license. See more information on provisional licenses here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reviews of How to Apply for a New Driver's License in California

Submitted by palbrecht on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 20:07.

I have a 16 1/2 year old who completed his written test and behind the wheel instruction in Minnesota. Will he need to retake the drivers education course in CA when we move. Also, if he obtains his license in Minnesota at the age of 17 will the same rules apply to him as an adult moving to CA - e.g. taking the vision, traffic laws and sign tests? Are there any other requirements for him? Thank you!

Submitted by mattiafochesato on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 20:08.

Hello,

I am a Visiting Student from Italy at Stanford University, holding a J-1 Visa valid for 6 months (Januar- June 2012).

I have got a valid driver license in Italy for driving cars.

During the next 5 monhts, I am not suppose to generally drive in California and however, I was wondering if renting a car for a couple of days would require to me to take the driver license.

In positive case, I would of course apply for it.

I look forward for your reply

Thank you very much

Submitted by Al_chi on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 22:58.

I already did drivers Ed online and I want to go in tomorrow to take

MY drivers permit test can I take it even though I haven't received my certificate or do I have to wait until I my certificate is mailed yo me???

Submitted by tasha19_84@yahoo.com on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 13:42.

Can you obtain a California License if you are under suspension in another state. what can you do to get some privilages if not?

Submitted by tasha19_84@yahoo.com on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 15:13.

??

Submitted by eddie282 on Mon, 01/16/2012 - 04:29.

im 18 do i need to take the behind the wheel test?

Submitted by nleczel on Sat, 01/14/2012 - 18:08.

How old do you have to be to apply for a license if you do not have your permit?

Submitted by dorthy48 on Tue, 01/03/2012 - 17:42.

Can you replace lost drivers license online and change address

Submitted by anonymouss on Sat, 12/17/2011 - 20:33.

How do I make an online appointment to get my licence?

Submitted by tamika wiggins on Wed, 01/11/2012 - 05:39.

lost my driver license need a replacement

Submitted by Molly nylander on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 03:58.

Learners permit

Submitted by wright_savaughn12 on Fri, 12/16/2011 - 19:26.

How do i make an online appointment for the Drivers behind the wheel test?

Submitted by sunshine067 on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 09:08.

simply go to the web site.

Submitted by tonito_35 on Thu, 11/17/2011 - 21:23.

Is there like an online test i could take before going to the dmv?

Submitted by michaelkenworthy on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 22:42.

How Much is a CA State ID?

I lost mine, what should I bring to my appointment?

Submitted by ClaireB73 on Mon, 10/24/2011 - 22:44.

I have moved to California from the UK on an L1 visa and am concerned as to whether i need to apply for a drivers permit here?

Submitted by Walter Leiva on Tue, 10/18/2011 - 18:08.

hie my name is walter i ended getting a ticket by L A P D and they axcidently took my id when they gave me a ticket so ended going to the police station to see if they had my id but onfurtanley they said if the officer had my id they would mail to my home and i am ineed of my id for work porpuses and cant really make a move with out it i also wanted make a police report on behalf of those officer but the front desk did not allowed it so how do i go about me reporting to the dmv stolen or lost can you please get back at me at cell phone (323)212-0394 or my email Walterleiva12@yahoo.com i also want to now how much the estimate would be for receiving my id back thank you very much. my driver lic.# D2834294

Submitted by raquelaguirre on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 23:01.

can i have a test online?

Submitted by CARMELA on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 04:49.

HOW TO TAKE A TEST ONLINE

Submitted by pooja on Wed, 12/21/2011 - 18:08.

hi,my driver license is expier ,how get new driver license

Submitted by litoand on Tue, 10/04/2011 - 03:55.

I HAVE A CALIFORNIA DRIVERS LICENSE AND THIS IS MY QUESTION HOW MANY MONTHS I CAN DRIVE IN ALASKA

Submitted by v1990 on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 16:06.

Can somebody recieve a california license if they have never had a license in any state but does have a revoked license in another state?

Submitted by scottabel78 on Thu, 09/08/2011 - 18:31.

I just realized my drivers license expired on July 13 of this year. I did move so I have a new address (so this rules out renewing online). Can I by mail though even though my license expired already?

Submitted by natalyfelippa on Mon, 09/05/2011 - 13:34.

hello my name is nataly and i going on vacation the next october to Argentina! I would like to know what i have to do to have my international driver`s license!.

thanks....

Submitted by deerloxxxxx on Wed, 08/17/2011 - 04:28.

what if u lost ur driverse licsense how much does it cost can u get a new picture???

Submitted by sd001 on Sat, 08/13/2011 - 03:51.

Hi I have moved to the california from Uk. I have a british license. I am now a permanent resident. I read above you have 10 days to get your license after becoming a resident. How is this possible if I dont even have my SSN number???

From my understanding a SSN number is a requirement to get the license. Anyone have any ideas.

Submitted by stevevaldes818@... on Mon, 08/08/2011 - 23:12.

how can i re schedule in appointment for the behind the wheal driving test do i go i person or by phone

Submitted by thisisawful on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 22:32.

PLEASE ANSWER:

My permit expires August 5th. I'm trying to get an appointment for the behind the wheel test to obtain my driver's license. When I try to make an appointment through the phone it says my permit will expire before an opening date... What can I do? Do I seriously need to pay to renew my permit?...even if it's only a couple days expired?? How much is it if so? This is really stupid. Oh, and I'm 19 if it matters...

Submitted by derrrr on Fri, 11/11/2011 - 23:32.

YOU DON'T NEED A PERMIT IF YOU ARE OVER 18

Submitted by Kingbunny on Tue, 01/03/2012 - 09:44.

Yes, you do. You need to pass the written test to get the permit, and your permit cannot be expired at the time you take the test, if it is, then you have to retake the test and renew the permit. THEN you can take your behind-the-wheel test.

Submitted by courduroy on Fri, 07/22/2011 - 10:38.

Do I need to provide proof of address to get a CA license? If so does a bank statement to that address work?

Submitted by lilManDee on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 03:20.

How do I find out the time of my driving test?

Submitted by alcachofa on Tue, 08/23/2011 - 01:09.

I need an apointment for the driving test on Agos 23th

Submitted by PATEL MAHESH on Fri, 06/24/2011 - 10:30.

we got learner permit then they told me to post my license but my relative people tell me lie that they have not received my driving license.. so now what do i?

Submitted by PATEL MAHESH on Fri, 06/24/2011 - 10:13.

my daughter given exam for driving test and she pass exam then they got learner license, but main license they not got by some body post address and that people tell my daughter we are not received your post so sir what we do now so advice me please

Submitted by anthonycaesar31 on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 17:48.

I have a class-b 15 passenger license and want to get unlimited passenger. Do have vehicle to perform the test in, and need to make an appointment.

Submitted by Blakley0124 on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 16:24.

My wallet was stolen around Easter, and I had to pay the fee for a new license, and I recieved my temporary license. At the time, I was visiting my grandparents, but I go to school in another county and my license never came. I have the temporary still, and I still have the receipt. Will I have to pay another fee for another license when I never received the one that I already payed for? Also, i need it pretty quickly to replace my social security card.

Submitted by tiredliesbull62 on Sat, 05/28/2011 - 16:57.

My driver licenses and ID over the years has my name missed spelled and I want to know how to go about correcting this error by your department.

Submitted by nnakcarc on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 23:33.

Do i have to take behind the wheel test if i'm holding other state's driver licence?

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 05/10/2011 - 18:29.

i payed 31 dollars to take the written test passed it and got my permit is there an additional fee when taking the driving test or does that cover the first time i take it

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 02:19.

do I need to pay another fee

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 18:45.

I am a visiting scholar in USC. I applied a driver license. I received my driver license yesterday, but it shows it will expire on 11/30/2011. Could you tell me why period of validity of my driver license is only 7 months. thank you.

Submitted by Hanon on Mon, 08/22/2011 - 23:55.

the validity of your license is linked to the length of your visa.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 18:40.

I am a visiting scholar in USC. I applied a driver license. I received my driver license yesterday, but it shows it will expiration on 11/30/2011. Could you tell me why period of validity of my driver license is only 7 months. thank you.

Submitted by compozzer on Fri, 08/12/2011 - 08:06.

Check the due date on your visa or work permit. Usually the driver's license is valid until the date the visa is valid.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 18:30.

I am a visiting scholar in USC. I applied a driver's license. yesterday, I received my license. Would you tell me why my driver license shows it will expiration on 11/30/2011?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 18:11.

how do i set an appointment online

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 02:01.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MY DRIVING TEST

Submitted by charlotte murray on Tue, 12/06/2011 - 13:29.

HOW DO I MAKE A DRIVING

TESTAPPOINTMENT ONLINE

Submitted by brenda16 on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 22:47.

I already passed my written exam and know I need to make an appoitment for the behind the wheel driving test