When You Need a California Driver License

If you become a resident of California, you must get a CA driver license within ten (10) days. Residency is established by voting in an election, paying school tuition, property tax or any other benefit not given to non-residents.

How To Get a CA Driver’s License (18 and older)

The following steps are required to get your California driver’s license if you are 18 or older:

• Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)
• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document.
• Provide your true full name
• Pay the application fee
• Pass a vision exam
• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.

Note: no written tests will be given after 4:30 PM

After doing the above you will be given a permit if you have not had a previous license or a license if moving from out-of-state. You can practice driving with anyone licensed in CA who is 18 or older with a permit. You will then need to make an appointment to take your road test and provide proof of insurance.