State Driver’s License Formats
| State | License Format |
| Arkansas | 4-9 Numeric |
| California | 1 Alpha + 7 Numeric |
| Colorado | 9 Numeric 1 Alpha + 3-6 Numeric 2 Alpha ... |
| Connecticut | 9 Numeric |
...
- The first character is the first initial of the last name.
- Next 9 digits are assigned.
- Last 5 digits = the month and year of birth and a code for eye color.
- (50 is added to the birth month for females)
What are the requirements to get a California driver license?
To apply for a REAL ID card, you must do the following:
- Provide proof of identity, such as your certified birth certificate or passport.
- Provide 2 California residency documents.
- Present proof of your SSN, if eligible.. You can request a replacement social security card online at www.ssa.gov.
How do you get a California driver license?
- Completing the term of driver's license suspension.
- Paying a reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “ Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License " below.
- Submitting Proof of Financial Responsibility with a California Insurance Proof Certificate (Form SR-22). Provided by your insurance carrier.
How many classes of driver license is there in California?
To further add to the confusion, there are three classes of CDL: Class A, Class B, and Class C. A class A license allows the driver to drive any combination of vehicles with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds, and where the load being towed is greater than 10,000 pounds.
Can I get California ID and drivers licence?
Submit a completed and signed Driver License & ID Card Application (DL 44/eDL 44) form. The eDL44 can be completed online in advance. The eDL44 can be completed online in advance. 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.
What does the new driver's license look like in California?
A California issued REAL ID driver's license or identification card meets these new requirements and is marked with a gold bear and star. Applying for a REAL ID requires proofs of identity, California residency, and a trip to a DMV office. Provide Social Security number on REAL ID application (exceptions may apply).
What do California driver license numbers start with?
State Driver's License FormatsStateLicense FormatArizona1 Alpha + 8 Numeric 9 NumericArkansas4-9 NumericCalifornia1 Alpha + 7 NumericColorado9 Numeric 1 Alpha + 3-6 Numeric 2 Alpha + 2-5 Numeric47 more rows
Why is my CA driver's license vertical?
“If you are under 21 your license is now vertical,” DMV spokeswoman Jan Mendoza said. “This is so that bar owners, grocery stores, law enforcement, etc., can easily identify” people under 21 years old and hence underage for consuming alcohol.
What does the new REAL ID look like in California?
A: A California REAL ID will be marked in the top right corner with an image of a golden bear with a star on its backside. This is the REAL ID symbol that tells you it's a REAL ID license. A non-federal compliant license (so, not a REAL ID) would feature the “Federal Limits Apply” wording in that spot instead.
What do the numbers on the bottom of a California driver's license mean?
If you wonder what is DD on a California driver's license? DD stands for “Document Discriminator” which shows your driver's license number and also these numbers indicate which DMV you got your license from.
What do the numbers on the bottom of a California drivers license mean?
Document DiscriminatorDD is an abbreviation for Document Discriminator. A number of states started adding this piece of information to their driver's licenses several years ago. The DD is a security code that identifies where and when the license was issued. It, thus, uniquely identifies each card for a given individual.
When can you get a horizontal ID in California?
“You can't get horizontal license online in California.” A state law enacted in July bans the use of vertical IDs for buying alcohol 30 days after the ID holder turns 21, even if the date of birth on the ID indicates the holder is old enough.
Are the new California IDs vertical?
The new I.D.s and licenses make a simple change to make it immediately clear if someone is underage: if you're not 21, the card is vertical. It's a pretty brilliant solution to a common annoyance.
Are California licenses vertical or horizontal?
I'm from California and here you're given a vertical ID if you're under the age of 21 and a horizontal ID if you're over 21. However once you turn 21 you can keep your vertical ID for another year before it expires.
Can I fly without a REAL ID?
Flying with a REAL ID Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Why get a REAL ID if I have a passport?
An official U.S. passport will get you through airport security and can be used in place of a Real ID. If you are only traveling domestically, you can use a Real ID or passport. If you are traveling internationally, you still need a valid passport.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly California?
Do you need a REAL ID? Beginning May 3, 2023, passengers who want to continue to use their driver license or ID card to board a domestic flight will need to show a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or ID card with a special marking.
What do the letters mean at California DMV?
Numbers and letters are not called in sequence. Instead, the letters represent the type of transaction each customer must complete. For example, numbers that are preceded by an “A” are for car registration renewals. Numbers with a “C” are for new driver's licenses.
What do the letters and numbers mean on my driving Licence?
849339 – First and last numbers are the year of birth. The second and third numbers are the month of birth. (Note: in the case of female driving licence holders, '5' is added to the second digit, this means that the second digit will be 5 or 6). The fourth and fifth digits are the day of the month of your birth.
What does the first letter of ID number mean?
The first letter in your drivers license number will represent the first letter of your last name. The three numbers following that letter are used as a hashing system to roughly sound like your last name.
Where is the ID number on a California state ID?
The 8 or 10-digit number on the lower right corner of your license, permit or non-driver ID, or on the back if it was produced after January 28, 2014. (See page 2 for sample documents.) I am providing a photocopy of the front and back of my driver license or state-issued ID as requested.
How many drivers licenses are issued in California each year?
Every year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles issues about 9 million driver’s licenses and identification cards. A driver’s license or identification card is the primary identification document in California. It is valid for all purposes, except international travel.
How long does it take to get a California driver's license?
Remember, if you move to California and want to drive in California, you must apply for a California License within 10 days. If you have a valid license from another state, both the knowledge test and the road test is usually waived. More information about Driver License and ID Card Information.
What is the magnetic stripe on a driver's license?
The magnetic stripe on the reverse side of the driver’s license or ID card holds the same information found on the front of the card. F. DMV has added a laser perforation to the card. You can see the outline of the California brown bear from the front of the card when a flashlight is pressed against the back of the card. G.
What is the California brown bear outline?
California brown bear outline is visible when a flashlight is pressed against the back of the card. A. There are two photos on your license or ID card. A smaller and lighter color UV Image is clearly visible under ultraviolet light.
How long does it take to get a California driver's license?
When you become a California resident and you want to drive in California, you must apply for a California DL within 10 days. Residency is established in a variety of ways, including the following:
Who must have a California DL?
California Residents. California residents who drive on public highways or use parking facilities that are open to the public must have a California DL, unless they are: An officer or employee of the U.S. government operating a vehicle owned or controlled by the U.S. government on federal business, except when operating a commercial motor vehicle. ...
How to get extension of DL in California?
Call 1-800-777-0133 to obtain an Extension of License for Person in Armed Forces (DL 236) card which extends your California DL. Your DL is not valid if it is suspended, cancelled, or revoked.
How long is a California DL valid?
If you are out of state on active military duty and have a valid California DL, you and your spouse’s California DL will be valid for the full time you are absent from California and for 30 days following your discharge date, if you are honorably discharged outside of California.
How to get a new driver's license in California?
To get a new California driver’s license, you’ll have to make an appointment with your local DMV office. Remember to bring at least two proof of identity documents, including, but not limited to: 1 S. birth certificate 2 S. passport 3 Permanent Resident Card 4 Employment Authorization Documents
When did the California DMV release the new driver's license?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should know by now that the California DMV released a new line of driver’s licenses back in 2018. It sports a new look, with an updated design and a few new anti-forgery countermeasures. The best part about the update is the option for travelers to get either a standard ID or a REAL ID-compliant card ...
How long does a California driver's license last?
The new California Driver’s Licenses must be renewed 6 months before expiration and up to 2 months after it expires . Prior to expiration, the California DMV will send you a notice by mail, reminding you to go for renewal.
How long does a military license last in California?
All California state licenses issued to military personnel remain valid while they’re in service, expiring only 30 days after they are discharged . For lost or stolen licenses, you’ll have to contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles at (886) 658-5758.
When will real ID cards be accepted?
REAL ID-compliant cards will be accepted as official ID’s starting in October 1, 2020. For cards to be REAL ID-compliant, they must meet the standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.
Is a California driver's license real ID compliant?
Is the New California Driver’s License REAL-ID Compliant? Yes. As for old driver’s licenses (i.e. those issued pre -2018), they can still be used as a primary identification document in airports until October 1, 2020. After that, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant card to get through airport security.
What do I need to get a California DL?
When you apply for an original California DL, you must present acceptable documents establishing your identity/birthdate, residency, and provide your Social Security Number (SSN), if eligible. When a document is required, with the exception of proof of residency, adhere to the following requirements: Provide a certified copy, or an unexpired ...
When will California require a real ID card?
How the REAL ID Act Impacts Californians. Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your DL/ID card to be REAL ID Compliant if you wish to use it as ID to board an airplane for domestic flights or enter military bases and most federal facilities.
What does eDL44 mean?
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. If you refuse to sign this statement, DMV will not issue a permit or DL.
What is a name change document?
A name change document that contains the legal name both before and after the name change. A marriage certificate. A certificate, declaration, or registration document verifying the formation of a domestic partnership. A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action.
How to get a real ID in California?
To apply for a REAL ID card, you must do the following: Provide proof of identity, such as your certified birth certificate or passport. Provide 2 California residency documents. Present proof of your SSN, if eligible.. Refer to the DMV website for a complete list of acceptable REAL ID Compliant documents.
Does a DL expire on the same date as a full name?
If you present a limited term identity document, your DL/ID card may expire on the same date as your identity document. If the name on your document is different from the name on your Driver License & ID Card Application, you must also bring an acceptable true full name document. Your fingerprint, signature, and photograph will also be taken (refer ...
What is a California title?
A California Certificate of Title identifies you as the legal owner of a vehicle. Learn more about titles and what to do if you have bought a new vehicle in California.
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.
Can a non-resident get a California driver's license?
You rent a property in California. You have claimed residency to obtain a license, privilege, or other benefit that non-residents cannot obtain. You have a current California driver’s license or ID card.