California License Applications

To operate a motor vehicle in California, all residents must have a valid California driver's license. The conditions for your application will differ depending on your specific scenario. There will be a means for you to receive a California driver's license if you are a California resident but cannot provide proof of lawful status in the United States. This law will take effect in the first quarter of 2015. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) exists to assist persons in obtaining their California driver's license. You can be a new first-time driver, a new state resident, or a legal non-citizen. You can find the details for each case below or apply for a new license here.

New to California?

You must apply for your California driver's license within 10 days after establishing residency in the state. Also, learn how to obtain your California identification cards. You've generally established residency when you take advantage of state benefits that aren't available to non-residents. Here are several examples:
  • Voter registration
  • Paying for a California college's tuition.
  • Homeowners can apply for a property tax exemption.
  You should be aware that if you already have a driver's license from another state, your driving test will most likely be waived. It will not be waived if you have one from another country. If you've never had a driver's license before, you'll get your permit after passing the written permit exam. You can then start practicing for your road driving exam.

Types of Driver's Licenses in California

The following are the different types of California driver's licenses:
  • Class C - This license allows you to drive non-commercial passenger automobiles.
  • Non-commercial Class A - This license is for non-commercial travel trailers weighing more than 10,000 pounds, travel trailers weighing less than 15,000 pounds, and livestock trailers weighing between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds.
  • Non-commercial Class B - This driver's license allows you to drive a motor home or recreational vehicle (RV) that is 45 feet or less in length.
  • Teen Drivers - Examines the GDL program in California, which includes driver's education requirements, provisional licenses, and provisional permits.
  • Motorcycles - In California, you can earn an M1 or M2 motorcycle license.
  • Commercial Vehicles - Commercial Driver's Licenses (Class A, B, or C) (CDL).

Requirements for California Driver's License

Check with the DMV to see if you need to apply for a new driver's license before heading out to an office. In the following cases, you'll require a new CA license:
  • You've lived in California for a long time but never had a driver's license.
  • You've recently relocated to California and are attempting to:
    • Apply for a California driver's license.
    • Have your  out-of-state driver's license  transferred.
  • You want to drive any of the Class A and B non-commercial automobiles.
  • You have legal status in the United States.
  • If you have a diplomatic driver's license from the United States, you can use it to drive in CA. According to the Department of State, you do not need to obtain a new California driver's license.

You'll Not Need a CA Driver's License if:

  • You're over 18 and have a valid out-of-state driver's license.
  • You're either a service member or a dependent stationed in California. This is true if you have a valid out-of-state driver's license and are not a California resident.
  • Farm vehicles are driven off of public roadways.
  • Without traveling on public roads, you only drive off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles.

Applying for a California Driver's License

Any suspensions, cancellations, revocations, or other legal penalties that prevent you from obtaining a valid driver's license must be removed if you're applying for a new California driver's license. To apply for a license in California, you must:
  • Make an appointment to take the writing and vision examinations at your local DMV.
  • Filling out the application for a driver's license or identification card (Form DL 44).
  • Bringing proof of your Social Security number, such as:
    • A card from the Social Security Administration.
    • A military identification card.
  • Bring identification that shows your full name. The following are examples of proof documents:
    • Certificate of marriage and proof of the creation of a domestic partnership.
    • Documentation of a divorce.
    • A legal name change is required.
  • Providing one of the following options from the state's permitted documentation that shows your date of birth and legal presence:
  • Thumbprinting
  • Having a photograph shot of you.
  • Getting a good score on a vision test.
  • The $39 fee is paid.
  • Get your written permission and pass it. You will have three chances to complete this test, which consists of 36 questions about traffic laws and road signs.
  After passing the written test, the California DMV will award you a learner's permit, which you can use to practice for the permit test. It would help if you practiced with a licensed driver over the age of 18 and has the same license class as you. You are not requiredt to have your  learner's permit for a specific amount of time before taking the road test. Those who believe they are ready may schedule their exam the day after receiving their permission.

The Driving Test

  • You must schedule an appointment with the DMV in your area.
  • The DMV is the only place where you can get your tests done.
  • You must bring your vehicle as well as the following items:
    • Vehicle registration proof is required.
    • Vehicle insurance proof is required.
  Your driving test will be given to you three times. You also don't have to wait a set amount between driving test attempts, but you must schedule each one separately. The first attempt at the test is included in the application price, but each subsequent attempt costs $6.   After passing your driving test, you will receive a temporary driver's license, which will be good for 90 days. The DMV will mail you your permanent driver's license. A temporary driver's license is a paper driver's license issued when the application is incomplete and more information, or requirements are needed.   A temporary or interim driver's license can last up to 90 days. Until your license expires, you may drive without an accompanying driver. You will receive your driver's license once you have satisfied these conditions and the USCIS has verified your lawful presence. It is going to be a:
  • If your BD/LP expires within five years of the day you applied for it, you can get a Limited-Term (LT) driver's license.
  • If your BD/LP expires more than five years after your license application date, you will be issued a full driver's license.
  Please call 1-800-777-0133 if you have not received your driving license card within 60 days.