California Driver's License

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

California requires all new residents to obtain a CA driver license within 10 days of establishing residency. The state offers both REAL ID and standard licenses.

Required Documents

identity

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Permanent resident card (green card)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

ssn

  • Social Security card
  • W-2 form showing full SSN
  • SSA-1099 form
  • Non-SSA letter if not eligible for SSN

residency

  • Utility bill (within 90 days)
  • Bank statement
  • Rental/lease agreement
  • Employment verification letter
  • School enrollment document

legal presence

  • Valid visa
  • I-94 arrival record
  • Approved I-797 notice
  • EAD card

Written Knowledge Test

Questions

46

Passing Score

38 correct (83%)

Attempts

3 attempts within 12 months

Languages

9+ languages

English
Spanish
Chinese
Vietnamese
Korean
Hindi
Russian
Arabic
Tagalog

Study Tips:

  • Study the CA Driver Handbook
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Practice tests at dmv.ca.gov
  • Focus on road signs and right-of-way rules

Behind-the-Wheel Test

Duration: About 20 minutes

Requirements:

  • Registered and insured vehicle
  • Valid learner's permit
  • Licensed driver must accompany you to DMV

What They Test:

  • Pre-drive safety check
  • Lane changes
  • Turns and intersections
  • Parking (parallel, 3-point turn)
  • Freeway driving (for some locations)

Fees

$41

learner permit

$41

license

No additional cost

real id upgrade

$41

renewal

Tips for Immigrants

Make an appointment online to avoid long waits

Bring originals of all documents - no photocopies

If you have a foreign license, you still need to pass both tests

The written test is available in 38+ languages

Practice driving on the right side of the road if you're from a left-driving country

Ready to get your California license?

Let ImmigrationGuide help you prepare all your documents and forms.