The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers various options for license renewal, all designed to provide convenient and hassle-free service. You can renew your license by mail, in person, or online. The DMV requires that you be at least 18 to renew your license.
In order to qualify for license renewal by mail, the DMV states that you must answer 'no' to all of the following questions:
Pass a vision exam. Pay the driver license renewal fee. The Utah DMV provides a complete list of. You'll need to present proof of your honorable discharge (DD2. Citizen Driver's License Renewals. Limited- Term Driver's License. A limited- term Utah driver's license is either valid for. The duration of your authorized presence, if it is less. Limited Term for Legal Presence For a complete list of acceptable Birth Date and Legal Presence documents, see driver license brochure FFDL 05, www.dmv.ca.gov. For other types of driver licenses refer to the California Commercial Driver Handbook, Recreational Vehicles and Limited term drivers are not eligible for this.
Driver License Extension If you are away from California (up to one year), you may request a free one-year extension before your driver license expires. Mail your request to DMV, PO Box 942890, Sacramento, CA. Include your name, driver license number, birth date, California residence address, and out-of-state address.
- Does your drivers license expire more than 60 days from today's date?
- Will you be 70 years of age or older when your current drivers license expires?
- Are you currently on any type of driving probation or suspension?
- Did you violate a written promise to appear in court within the last two years?
- Have you already received two consecutive four year extensions by mail?
If you can answer no to the above questions, you can simply mail the completed 'renew by mail' notice with a check for the $25 fee to the following address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001
If you have not received your 'renew by mail' notice but you think that you are eligible, please use the Renewal by Mail Eligibility Information (DL410FO) instead of the notice.
To renew your license in person, simply visit any DMV office. No appointment is necessary, however making an online appointment probably saves you time. You will need to:
- Fill out a DL44 form or the renewal notice mailed to you by the DMV.
- Pay a $25 fee
- Have your picture taken
- Give a thumb print
- Take the vision exam
- Pass a written examination. You only need to answer the first 18 questions on the test. In order to pass, you must get at least 15 answers correct. Your renewal notice will state if you need to take the written examination.
- Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect.
If you satisfy these requirements, you'll be issued an interim license that's valid for 60 days. If you do not receive your renewed drivers license in the mail during this period, you are advised to call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status of your license.
The DMV also offers you the option of renewing your drivers license online. To do so, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be the person named on the renewal notice
- Not have a change of address
- Have a renewal notice with the Renewal Identification Number (RIN)
- Have your Social Security Number available
- Have one of the following credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, or American Express
If you meet the above requirements, simply visit the California DMV webpage and follow the instructions.
You can obtain more information on renewing your license by calling 1-800-777-0133 or find out more about drivers license renewals on the CA DMV website.
Note: This article was accurate when it was published. Please confirm all details directly with the CA DMV. You can visit the CA DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133 for general drivers license and registration information.
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COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. Residents are strongly encouraged to use the DMV's online services. Follow the DMV's recent updates for the latest information.
Applying for a California Driver's License
How to get a driver's license with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
- 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 $37 driver's license fee.
- Pass the written test.
- Pass the road test.
- For more details on the California licensing requirements, please see below.
California residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. are now able to get a CA driver's license. Please visit our CA AB-60 Law page for regulations and required documents for an AB 60 license.
New to California?
Just Moved?Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.
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:
- “Apply for Your CA License' below (including taking the written exam).
- Class C:
- The Class C license allows you to drive regular, noncommercial passenger cars and trucks.
- Noncommercial Class A:
- The Noncommercial Class A license covers not-for-hire travel trailers weighing more than 10,000 lbs, fifth-wheel travel trailers weighing more than 15,000 lbs, and livestock trailers weighing more than 10,000 lbs but no more than 15,000 lbs.
- Noncommercial Class B:
- You can drive a house car (RV or motor home) up to 45 feet (no longer).
- Teen Drivers
- Covers CA's GDL process, including Driver's Ed requirements, provisional permits, and provisional licenses.
- Motorcycles
- CA offers M1 and M2 licenses for motorcyclists.
- Commercial Vehicles
- Find out how to get your Class A, B, and C commercial driver license (CDL), as well as how to add endorsements.
- You're a long-time CA resident who's never been licensed.
- You're new to California and want to:
- Apply for a California driver's license.
- Transfer an out-of-state license.
- You plan to operate any of the Noncommercial Class A and B vehicles described above (“Types of CA Driver Licenses').
- You have legal presence in the state and country.
- You do not need a new California driver license if you possess a diplomatic driver license issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- You're 18 years old or older and visiting CA with a valid out-of-state driver's license.
- You're an active military member or dependent stationed in California, as long as you have a valid out-of-state license and you haven't established CA residency.
- You operate farm vehicles off public highways.
- You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing them.)
- Make an appointment with your local DMV for the vision and written exams.
- NOTE: No tests are administered after 30 minutes before closing.
- Complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application.
- This form isn't available online. You can pick one up at the DMV or call the DMV's Automated Telephone Service at (800) 777-0133 to have one mailed to you.
- Provide proof of your Social Security number*, such as your:
- Social Security card.
- Military ID card.
- Provide proof of your full and true name. The CA DMV provides a list of documents, including documents that show:
- Marriage or verification of domestic partnership formation.
- Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership.
- Name change. (Must include original and new names.)
- Provide 1 document (original or certified) that proves your birth date and legal presence from the state's list of documents, which includes:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- U.S. passport.
- Present proof of California residency; either:
- 2 documents for a non-compliant driver's license.
- 2 documents for a REAL ID-compliant license (the DMV provides a list to choose from).
- Have your thumbprint taken.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pass the vision exam.
- Pay the $37 fee.
- Pass the written permit test.
- The written exam consists of questions on traffic laws and signs. You have 3 chances to pass.
- Make an appointment with the California DMV.
- Appointments are mandatory for this test.
- Show up with a vehicle and:
- Proof of registration.
- Proof of insurance.
- You have 3 chances to pass the driving test.
- There is no minimum waiting period between driving tests, but you must make an appointment for each one.
- The first test is included in your application fee; each test after that costs $7.
- You'll complete the Commercial Driver's License Application.
- A completed Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5876)
- A completed Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5876)
- Your fee is $37.
- Make an appointment with a CDL office.
- Bring either the Noncommercial Class A or Class B vehicle with you.
- Pass the pre-trip and safety inspections.
- Pass the skills and driving exams.
- Your Social Security number*. The DMV might waive this if BOTH of the following apply to you:
- You are not authorized to work in the country or are otherwise ineligible.
- You can provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document.
- Your birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document.
- This document shows your birth date and legal presence in the country.
- The DMV verifies this document with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- The state provides a full list of documents, but examples include:
- Employment Authorization Card.
- Valid I-94.
- Temporary Resident Identification Card.
- More than 30 days from the day you apply for a driver's license, your application process will move forward normally.
- Fewer than 60 days from the day you apply for a driver's license, you can take all your tests but you won't receive a photo driver's license card until you present another BD/LP document that's valid for 60 days or more from the date of your application.
- Limited Term (LT) driver's license if your BD/LP expires fewer than 5 years from the date you applied for your license.
- Full driver's license if your BD/LP expires more than 5 years from the date you applied for your license.
- MCSA-5876
- Medical Examination Report
- You must submit this medical form when applying for a CDL OR other special vehicle classes (e.g. school buses or farm vehicles) in CA.
Note, however, that the California DMV will most likely waive your driving exam if you already hold a license* UNLESS your license is from another country (see our section on non-citizens below).
If you've never been licensed before, you will be given a permit once you pass your written permit test so you can practice driving before your driving test.
If you've been licensed before, skip the learner's permit section.
* Waived driving exams are at the discretion of the California DMV, so be prepared to take one if they ask you to.
Types of California Driver's Licenses
California has the following full, noncommercial driver's licenses:
If you need another type of license, check out the following pages:
California Driver's License Requirements
CA REAL ID License Update
The California DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to standard non-compliant driver’s licenses. The REAL ID allows you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings after October 1, 2021. You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or a standard driver's license—details are outlined below.
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:
Ca Driver's License Limited Term Extension Application
You do NOTneed a California driver license if:
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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 obtain a learner's permit before getting a full Class C or Noncommercial Class A or B license IF you've never held one of these licenses before.
Ca Drivers License Limited Term Extension Deadline
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 matters preventing you from possessing a valid driver's license. (Learn how to check your driving record.)
Class C License
To apply for your Class C driver's license in California:
Ace Your Exam on the First Try!
Don't leave your permit test to chance—take our free permit practice test with questions directly from the CA driver handbook. It's the fastest, easiest way to set yourself up for success!
* If you're a non-citizen who's legally present but doesn't have an SSN, or you're not eligible for an SSN, you're exempt from this requirement. Learn more at “Getting a California Driver's License as a Non-Citizen' below.
At this point—and once you pass your written test— the California DMV will issue you a learner's permit (if applicable). Use this permit to practice for your driving test. You must practice with a licensed driver who holds the same class of license and is at least 18 years old.
There is no minimum time you must hold the learner's permit. If you think you're ready, you can schedule a driving test as early as the next day.
Take Your Driving Test
Now it's time to move on to your driving test:
Note that:
Ca Driver's License Extension
Once you pass your driving exam, you'll receive a temporary driver's license that's good for 60 days. The DMV mails your permanent license; if you don't receive it within 60 days, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check the status.
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.
Once you meet those requirements, the California DMV will issue your Noncommercial Class A or B permit. The same practicing restrictions apply, only your accompanying driver must have a full Noncommercial Class A or B license.
To upgrade your Noncommercial Class A or B permit to a full license:
After you pass, the DMV will give you an interim license until you receive your permanent driver's license in the mail. If you don't receive your permanent license in 4 weeks, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check the status.
Non-Citizens and California Driver's Licenses
Ca Driver's License Limited Term Extension California
You will follow the same new California driver's license application process as described above, paying close attention to:
* Learn more about applying for a SSN at the Social Security Administration's Social Security number website.
Timing is a factor, too. If your BD/LP expires:
After you've met all requirements and the USCIS has verified your legal presence, you'll receive your driver's license. Your driver's license is considered a:
NOTE: Again, you do not need a new California driver's license if you possess a valid diplomatic driver license from the U.S. Department of State.
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
California Driver License Limited Term Extension
Please select one of the below to continue:
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