california new driver's license requirements

• Provide a certified copy, or an unexpired original document..
• Provide a document containing an impressed seal or original stamped impression, if applicable..
• Do not provide a photocopy. A photocopy is acceptable for residency documents..
• Do not present self-laminated cards or documents; however, DMV may accept laminated or metal SSN cards..

Full Answer

What are the requirements to get a California drivers license?

Application Requirements For A Basic Class C Driver License. Submit a completed and signed Driver License & ID Card Application (DL 44/eDL 44) form. The eDL44 can be completed online in advance. Signing this ... Present an acceptable document (s) establishing your identity and birthdate. Provide ...

How do I get my California drivers license after 50 hours?

Applying for a California Driver's License. Visit your local CA DMV office. Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application. Provide proof of your identity, Social Security Number, and residency. Pay the $38 driver's license fee. Pass the written test. Pass the road test. For more ...

How long does it take to get a license in California?

The document (s) provided: Must be a certified copy, or an original document. May contain an impressed seal or original stamped impression. Must not be a photocopy. Must not be laminated.

How do I get a California driver's license without a DL?

Getting a California Driver's License If you become a California resident, you must get a California DL within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

What documents do I need for new California driver's license?

Things You Need to Get Your Drivers LicenseProof of Identity. The first step in getting your license is being able to prove you are who you say you are. ... SSN. ... Two California Residency Documents. ... Correct Fee. ... A Driver's Education Completion Certificate. ... Current Proof of Registration and Insurance. ... Your Signed Permit.

What are the requirements for CA real ID?

A. To apply for a REAL ID driver license or identification card, you need to provide: Proof of identity such as an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. Passport, employment authorization, permanent resident card, or foreign passport with an approved form 1-94.

What documents do I need to get a real ID?

Visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.

Can you get ca ID online?

Driver's License / ID Card Application. This online driver's license and ID card application saves you time by letting you complete the application before visiting a DMV field office. When you arrive, DMV employees can quickly access your completed form and begin to process it.

What is the difference between a California driver's license and a REAL ID?

A Real ID is a driver license or state ID card that doubles as a federally recognized form of identification. In California, the Real ID includes a gold bear and star on the card's top-right corner. It is an acceptable form of ID at airports and secure federal facilities, such as federal courthouses and military bases.01-Oct-2020

How much is a California REAL ID cost?

REAL ID and federal non-compliant cards are both valid forms of identification. All driver licenses, including REAL ID driver licenses, cost $35 and ID cards cost $30. For more information about REAL ID, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov.11-Jan-2018

How can I get a California ID fast?

0:212:18How to get your California Real ID in 2 minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here's how to get your real ID first of all make a DMV appointment it's going to save you atMoreSo here's how to get your real ID first of all make a DMV appointment it's going to save you at least a few hours of your time. And if you're in a real hurry. You can show up at the crack.

How much is a REAL ID in California?

The DMV has posted a list of documents that Real ID applicants may use. Typically, the cost is the same as for a regular California driver's license, $38.23-Jun-2021

Types of California Driver's Licenses

California has the following full, noncommercial driver's licenses: 1. Class C: 1. The Class C license allows you to drive regular, noncommercial p...

California Driver's License Requirements

Before heading to the DMV, find out whether you need to apply for a new license. You DO need a new California driver license if: 1. You're a long-t...

Obtain A California Learner's Permit

“Apply for Your CA Driver's License" below will explain at what point during the application process you 'll receive your learner's permit.You must...

Apply For Your CA Driver's License

To apply for a new California driver's license, you must not have any discrepancies such as suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or other legal...

Non-Citizens and California Driver's Licenses

You will follow the same new California driver's license application process as described above, paying close attention to: 1. Your Social Security...

What are the different types of DLs?

There are four types of noncommercial DLs: 1 Basic DL (Class C): A standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways. 2 Motorcycle (Class M1 or M2): 2-wheel motorized vehicle. Learn how to apply for a motorcycle license. 3 Travel trailer/fifth wheel (Noncommercial Class A): Over 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or a trailer coach over 10,000 pounds GVWR (when the towing is not for compensation). 4 Housecar/motorhome (Noncommercial Class B): Over 40 feet, but not over 45 feet (with endorsement).

What is a noncommercial DL?

There are four types of noncommercial DLs: Basic DL (Class C): A standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways. Motorcycle (Class M1 or M2): 2-wheel motorized vehicle. Learn how to apply for a motorcycle license.

How many hours of driving training do I need to take a California driver's test?

Have completed six hours of professional driver training. Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years old or older who has a valid California DL and can certify that you completed the 50 hours of practice. Practice driving at night for at least 10 of the 50 practice hours. To take your driving test:

When do you need a California DL?

Beginning December 6, 2020, eligible to renew online or by mail for expirations March 2020 through the COVID-19 pandemic. You need a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle. Learn about the types of DLs offered and the requirements for applying for one.

What is a real ID card?

REAL ID compliant DLs are noncommercial or commercial licenses that also allow you to board domestic flights, enter military bases, and enter most secure federal facilities. All California REAL ID compliant DL cards contain a California grizzly bear and a star on the front upper-right corner of the card.

How long does it take to get a temporary driver's license if you fail the test three times?

Once you pass the driving test, DMV will issue you a temporary DL until you receive your new DL in the mail. The temporary DL is valid for 60 days. You will receive your DL via mail within 3-4 weeks.

How long is a temporary driver's license valid?

The temporary DL is valid for 60 days. You will receive your DL via mail within 3-4 weeks. If you haven’t received your new DL after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. How to Apply for a Driver's License (DL) if You're Over 18 Years Old.

How long does it take to get a California driver's license?

You must apply for a California driver license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state. Residency is generally established when you take part in situations or benefits generally not extended to nonresidents, such as: Registering to vote. Paying in-state college tuition.

When will California DMV issue real ID?

The REAL ID allows you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings after October 1, 2021.

What is a non commercial class A or B license?

Noncommercial Class A or B License. You'll apply for a Noncommercial Class A or B license the same way you would apply for a Class C license (see above), with just a few exceptions. You'll complete the Commercial Driver's License Application. A completed Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5876)

How long is the waiting period for a driver's license?

Once you pass your driving exam, you'll receive a temporary driver's license that's good for 60 days.

How long does a driver's license last?

Full driver's license if your BD/LP expires more than 5 years from the date you applied for your license.

How to get a Class C driver's license?

Application Requirements For A Basic Class C Driver License 1 Present an acceptable document (s) establishing your identity, residency (if applicable), and birthdate. 2 Provide your true full name. 3 Provide your SSN, if eligible, which will be electronically verified with the Social Security Administration. 4 Pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee is good for 12 months and allows you to take the appropriate law test (s) three times. If you fail the law test and/or driving test three times, your application will be void and a new application and fee are required. This fee pays for both the instruction permit and driver’s license if you qualify for both documents within the 12-month period. If the application expires, you must resubmit documents, repay the application fee, and retake the required tests. 5 Pass a vision test. You must be able to pass a vision test, with or without corrective lenses, with visual acuity better than 20/200 in at least one eye without the use of a bioptic telescopic lens or similar bioptic device to meet the minimum vision acuity standard (CVC §12805 (b)). 6 Have your picture taken. 7 Give a fingerprint scan. 8 Sign your name.

How to get a driver's license if you have never had a driver's license in California?

If you have never had a driver’s license in California and you are under the age of 18, you’ll first need to apply to get a provisional driving permit. Fill out this form and have your parents sign it to get the process started. Next, you’ll need to take a driver’s ed course. Most people these days are using an online driver’s ed course ...

How many hours do you need to get a permit in California?

You will need to get at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving time and a minimum of 10 of those hours must be nighttime driving experience.

How long does it take to get a California driver's license?

In the state of California, you are required to apply for a driver’s license 10 days after establishing residency. Obtaining a license if pretty easy if you already have one from another state. Go to the DMV with your proper documents, take a vision exam, and in some cases, you may need to pass a written exam. Other than that, you’re good to go.

What happens if you fail the law test?

If you fail the law test and/or driving test three times, your application will be void and a new application and fee are required. This fee pays for both the instruction permit and driver’s license if you qualify for both documents within the 12-month period.

How to get a Class C license?

To apply for a Class C driver license, you must: Submit a completed and signed Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form. Signing this form means you agree to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of your blood when requested by a peace officer.

Can a photocopy of a DL expire?

Must not be a photocopy. Must not be laminated. If you present a legal presence document your DL/ID card may expire on the same date as your legal presence document. If the name on your document is different from the name on your DL/ID card application, you must also bring an acceptable true full name document.

How long do you have to be in California to be considered a resident?

You are considered a resident of California if you are present in this state for six months or longer within a 12-month period, Show Citation 1. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §516. and you are not visiting on a temporary or transient basis.

Do you pay resident tuition in California?

You have dependents who attend a primary or secondary school. You are a homeowner with a property tax exemption. You rent a property in California.

When do you need a real ID?

REAL ID. Beginning May 3, 2023, you will be required to present a federal compliant ID such as a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or REAL ID DL/ID card in order to board a domestic flight and enter federal facilities like military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal sites. Apply for a REAL ID.

What is a real ID in California?

The federal REAL ID Act places new rules on which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States (U.S.) and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other federal facilities. A California issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card meets these new requirements ...

When do you have to apply for a real ID?

Applying for a REAL ID depends on the type of identification you currently use, and when it expires. Because of high demand for REAL ID between now and the new May 3, 2023 deadline (when the new federal identification requirements begin), DMV recommends you wait to apply for a REAL ID at the time of your renewal cycle.

Can I get a real ID if I have an AB 60?

Provide Social Security number on REAL ID application (exceptions may apply). Individuals applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver’s license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.

What is a plus plus minus?

plus. plus. minus. minus. A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. It can be used to board a domestic flight within the U.S. and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal locations.

When is the new federal travel deadline?

or visit secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses, or other federal buildings after the new May 3, 2023 deadline.

Do I need a real ID to fly?

No. A REAL ID driver license or identification card is optional. A REAL ID is needed if: You wish to continue to use your driver license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S. Enter secure federal facilities.

What documents show your full name?

ONE identity document that shows your date of birth and true full name, such as a valid U.S. passport, certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, valid Permanent Resident Card, etc. If the true full name shown on your document does not match your current true full name, additional name change documentation is required.

How long does it take for a permit to expire?

In some cases, it’s possible that your application and fee will expire before you have had your instruction permit for the required six months (for example, if you complete the online application, but wait over six months to go to a DMV office to get your instruction permit).

Can I renew my California driver's license online?

minus. If you already have a California REAL ID driver’s license, you can renew it in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online. It is illegal to drive with an expired REAL ID DL and you can be cited. There are no late fees to renew a DL that has already expired. Renew your REAL ID DL online.

How many times can you fail the same test?

You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you need to reapply.

How long does it take to get a new ID in the mail?

Have your photo taken. You will receive your new ID card in the mail within 3-4 weeks. If you haven’t received your new ID card after 60 days, call us at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

What are the services of the DMV?

As a resident of California, it's important to understand which agencies handle your DMV-related tasks. In California, your main agency is the Department of Motor Vehicles, which handles: 1 Licensing services :#N#Driver licensing, non-driver ID cards, teen licenses and learner's permits, etc. 2 Vehicle services :#N#Vehicle registration and renewal, titling, title transfers, boat registration, etc.

What is the DMV in California?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has strict rules for new residents when it comes to registering your out-of-state vehicle within your new state. Make sure you're aware of all the rules and processes to avoid receiving a fine and possibly other penalties.

How long does it take to get a California driver's license?

New California residents must obtain a California driver's license within 10 days of moving to the state. If you're 18 years old or older, be sure to visit our Applying for a New License (Driver's 18+) in California page for a detailed explanation of the process.

How old do you have to be to get a provisional driver's license in California?

The California DMV uses a graduated driver's license process in California, which requires you to first obtain a provisional driver's license if you're younger than 18 years old. The requirements to obtain a provisional permit or driver's license in California may be different than those in your previous state.