New driver license requirements california

Welcome to the Golden State! This does not include military personnel. A nonresident vehicle is a vehicle last registered in another state or country.

Registration fees for nonresident vehicles must be paid to DMV within 20 days of the date they become due.

If you become a California resident, you must get a California DL within 10 days. You need a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle in California. Learn more about the types of DL and ID cards available, and how to apply. Beginning May 3, , you will be required to present a federal compliant ID such as a valid U. Vehicles registered in California need California license plates. If you have a U. If you have a valid U.

If the name on your identity document is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name. For example:. If you fail the driving test 3 times, the application will no longer be valid and you must reapply. When your chat is over, you can save the transcript.

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The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version.

This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.

Google Translate is not support in your browser. To translate this page, please install the Google Toolbar opens in new window. California Driver Handbook. Learn More. You need a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle. Learn about the types of DLs offered and the requirements for applying for one. There are two main categories of DLs: noncommercial and commercial. Within the noncommercial category, there are sub-types of licenses that authorize drivers to operate specific types of motor vehicles.

Details about the categories and sub-types of licenses can be found below, as well as in the California Driver Handbook. Once you complete the requirements of your provisional instruction permit , you are eligible to take your driving test. You must:. If you fail your drive test, you must wait 14 days not including the day the test was failed before you may take the test again.

If you fail the driving test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply. The temporary DL is valid for 60 days.

You will receive your DL via mail within weeks. All California residents need to have a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle. Although you may be able to drive temporarily on a valid out of state license, you'll have to register your vehicle in California. This requires the last registration certificate, as well as a California Application for Title or Registration, signed by all owners shown on the old registration. You'll also need a Verification of Vehicle form completed by an appropriate party.

California also wants to see the out of state title if there's a change of registered owner. You'll have to turn in the old license plates unless they're expired or the original state where they were issued requires you to turn them in.