CA Driver License

Obtaining a License

Need an acceptable birth date/legal presence document and social security number plus photo id: A county or state birth certificate with impressed seal or orginal stamped impression, or Proof of Indian Blood Degrer, or U.S. Passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID Card, or Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card, or a foreign passport or Mexican Border Crossing card with a valid I-94. True name verification includesL Adoption documents, legal name chnage, marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage document with your resulting legal name.

Submit a completed DMV application form (DL 44). Signing means you agree to submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drug content of blood when required by a peace officer. Failure to sign means no license.

There is a $25 application fee (good for 12 months) allowing up to 3 tests. Must pass an eye exam, have your picture taken and give a thumb print.

Minors (15.5..18) must have their application signed by a parent or legal guardian; pass a traffic law and road sign test. Mus twait one week to retest if you fail. Show proof of driver ed. Nust practice with an adult >=25 with CA diver license.

Exam Process

Take the written, vision and driving test (if required) at any DMV office which provides these services. In a driving test the examiner will:

• require you to demonstrate the arm signals
• note how you start the vehicle
• note that you adjust and use your mirrors before starting
• note that you turn your head looking for other cars
• note that you hold wheel with hands on opposite side, and use gas and brakes properly
• observe how you drive in traffic - proper lane, use of signals in time
• verify proper car spacing and pay attention to other cars
• note you obey traffic signals and signs
• observe how you drive through blind or crowded intersections, do you yield and take right of way correctly
• will pay attention to how you you steer and stop, use of clutch
• verify you look back (over right shoulder) when backing up, and can stay straight
• observe how you change speed according to conditions (number and speed of other vehicles, people, road state, weather, light and visibility)
• observe how you respect rights of others and be courteous and pay full attention to driving
• ask you to follow directions

Visitors

Visiting adults over 18 with a valid driver license from their home state or country may drive in CA without getting a CA driver license as long as their home state license reamins valid. Minors between 16 and 18 may drive with home state license or permit for only 10 days, after that they must have either a: CA driver license, or Nonresident Minor's Certificate from DMV with proof of financial responsibility.

New Residents

When you make your home here or take a job you must get a CA driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by: voting in CA elections; paying resident tuition at a CA college or university; filing for a home owner's property; or receiving any other benifit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

CA Residents

CA residents who drive on public highways or in public parking facilities must have a CA drivers license, unless they are:

• Persons who drive farming vehicles not normally used on public highways
• Persons who drive legally registered off-highway vehicles or snowmobiles straight across a highway (other than a freeway)
• Members of the Arned Forces or U.S. Government civilian employees

CA Military Personnel

If you are out of state on active military duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a valid CA driver license, your license is valid:

• The full time your absent from the state, and
• 30 days from your discharge, if honorably discharged outside of CA. Carry your driver license and discharge papers during those 30 days.

Non CA Military Personnel

If you are over 18 see rules for "CA Residents" and "Visitors" above.

CA Driver License (DL) or Identification card (ID)

A DL or ID is your primary identification document in CA. Proof of legal presence in the U.S. under federal law is required. Must be >=21 to drive commercial vehicles.

Address Change

Notify the DMV within 10 days of an address change. Each driver must complete and sign a Notice of Change of Address (DMV 14). Form can be mailed in to address on form. This form can be requested by phone or online. Note: Post office does not forward DMV correspondence.

Name Change

Take old DL/ID to a DMV office with proof of new name and $20 fee.

Renewal

License expires on your birthday in fifth year. You can renew buy mail or on line. A driver test may be required.

License Classes

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating