How to Get Your License When You're New to California

How to Get a Drivers License After Moving to California 

If you’re already a licensed driver in another state you don’t have to start from square one after moving to California. But you will need to get a California drivers license to keep cruising legally.

Once you’ve established yourself as a California resident (this may include registering to vote, paying in-state college tuition or filing for homeowner property tax exemption), you must apply for a California drivers license within 10 days (see below).

The good news is that’s all you have to do. You won’t have to retake the drivers test if your current drivers license is still valid.

How to Apply for a New California Drivers License

California residents that have never gotten a drivers license before have to jump through a few more hoops. Luckily, the process isn’t too complicated and you can complete some of the steps online.

1. Schedule an Appointment

The DMV is notorious for its long lines. If you have nothing better to do you can just show up and wait in line, or you can save time and make an appointment with your local DMVAppointments Select Appointment Type Portal. Appointments can be scheduled for in-office tests and the behind-the-wheel driving test.

2. Complete the Driver License Application

Before your appointment you’ll need to fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DL-44). This form is available at DMV offices, but you can save yourself some time by filling the application out onlineDriver Licenses Identification Cards Dl Id Online App Edl 44 Portal. Once you arrive at the DMV office for your appointment a representative will be able to verify that the form is completed properly. 

3. Provide Your Personal Information

The California DMV wants to make sure you are who you say you are. For that reason, you’ll have to provide personal information to verify your identity. To get a California drivers license you’ll need to provide:

• Social Security or military ID number

• Proof of your full and true name (full list of approved documents here Driver Education And Safety Educational Materials Fast Facts Requirements For A California Driver License Ffdl 5 PortalDriver Education And Safety Educational Materials Fast Facts Requirements For A California Driver License Ffdl 5 Portal)

• One document (original or certified) proving your birth date and legal presence (full list of approved documents here Driver Education And Safety Educational Materials Fast Facts Requirements For A California Driver License Ffdl 5 PortalDriver Education And Safety Educational Materials Fast Facts Requirements For A California Driver License Ffdl 5 Portal)

• Two documents proving your California residency (full list of approved documents here Wcm Connect A34dbefd C615 4c07 A271 B135850de9d1 Residency_docslist.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= Portal)

4. Fingerprints and Photos

Be prepared to have your thumbprint and photo taken. The photo will be used on your drivers license for identification purposes. The fingerprint scan helps to verify identity and will be kept on record. 

5. Pay the License Fee

Becoming a licensed California driver is priceless, but the California DMV does charge a fee. Before you can take the written test you’ll have to pay the $37 fee. The fee buys you three attempts at the written knowledge test and driving test over 12 months.

6. Take the Vision Exam

Seeing is a pretty big part of driving safely. Every applicant will need to take a vision exam before being issued a drivers license. You’ll need to have 20/40 vision or better (with or without contacts/glasses). Vision is tested in each eye individually and together. The California DMV uses the Snellen chart or Optec 1000 Vision Tester to conduct the vision test.

An instructional permit isn’t valid unless you participate in driver training. During the permit period, you can’t drive alone. After six months of driving with another licensed California driver that’s 25 years old or older you can take the driving test to get a drivers license.

That’s it! Once you have completed all of the requirements and passed the driving test you’ll be issued a California drivers license. Now you’ll need to keep driving safe to avoid getting tickets or points on your license. If you do have a mishap attending California traffic schoolCalifornia Traffic School will get you back on track!