Getting a Driver's License in California
California issues its own driver's license through the California DMV; there is no national license.
A first-time adult applicant starts the application online, finishes in person, gets an instruction permit, then passes a behind-the-wheel drive test. At application you choose a REAL ID, a standard card, or an AB 60 license.
Estimated time
The online application averages around 9 minutes; the in-person field office visit completes the vision exam, photo, thumbprint, and knowledge test, after which a separate behind-the-wheel drive-test appointment is scheduled for first-time applicants
Cost
$46
What You Need
Tap to check off items as you gather them
Additional Items
- Every US state issues its own driver's license through its own licensing agency; there is no single national license. You apply in the state where you live.
- All states issue licenses under the federal REAL ID Act standard. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license — marked with a star in the upper corner — or another federally accepted ID is required to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.
- You can choose a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license still lets you drive legally, but it is not accepted as federal identification at airport security.
- First-time applicants generally apply in person and must show proof of identity, a Social Security number (or proof you are not eligible for one), and proof that you live in the state.
- If you are moving from another state or from abroad, you usually must transfer to your new state's license within a set period after you become a resident.
Step-by-Step
- 1
Start the Application Online (Form DL 44)
- Begin the Driver's License & ID Card Application online at dmv.ca.gov; the online portion averages about 9 minutes
- Choose whether you want a REAL ID, a standard (Federal Limits Apply) card, or, if you cannot prove lawful presence, an AB 60 license
- The application and fee are valid for 12 months after you apply
💡 Tip: After completing the online application you will still need to visit a field office to finish the rest of the driver's license/ID card application process. Tests are not offered after 4:30 p.m.
- 2
Finish in Person and Pay the Fee at a California DMV Field Office
- Bring your documents (see What You Need) and pay the $46 non-commercial Class C application fee
- Have your thumbprint scanned, your photo taken, and pass the vision exam
- Pass the knowledge test — multiple choice based on the California Driver Handbook, with a passing score of 80% and three attempts allowed
💡 Tip: The $46 original application fee covers both the instruction permit and the resulting license — there is no separate permit fee.
- 3
Receive the Instruction Permit and Practice
First-time applicants who have never held a driver's license
- Once you pass the knowledge test, vision exam, and the above steps, you receive an instruction permit
- Practice with a California-licensed driver who is 18 or older
- A new resident presenting a valid previous-state or U.S.-territory license normally skips this permit-and-practice path
- 4
Pass the Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test
- Schedule a separate appointment for the behind-the-wheel drive test
- Provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance) that meets or exceeds California requirements
- If you fail, you must wait before retaking and pay a retest fee
⚠️ Watch out: A $7 retest fee applies. If you fail the driving test, you must wait 14 days before retesting. After three failures the application becomes invalid and you must reapply and pay the application fee again.
- 5
Receive Your License
- You leave the field office with a temporary paper driver's license valid for 60 days
- The permanent card arrives by mail within 3–4 weeks
- If the card has not arrived after 60 days, call the California DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check status
Local Tips from the Community
- Decide between a REAL ID and a standard card before you go. A REAL ID is a federally accepted form of identification (airport security, federal facilities); a standard card is marked Federal Limits Apply and cannot board domestic flights on its own after May 7, 2025. Both are valid California licenses for driving and carry the same application fee.
- If you cannot prove lawful presence or do not have a Social Security number, the AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California. It carries the Federal Limits Apply designation and the knowledge test is offered in more than 40 languages.
- Tests are not offered at field offices after 4:30 p.m. Schedule your visit earlier in the day so there is enough time for the knowledge test and processing.
- A new resident must obtain a California license within 10 days of establishing residency. Bring your existing license from your previous state or country if you hold one.
What Could Go Wrong
Finish in person and pay the fee: You brought only one proof of California residency and want a REAL ID
Recovery: REAL ID requires two different documents proving California residency. Return with a second qualifying document — for example a utility bill, cell phone bill, bank statement, or vehicle registration card showing your name and mailing address — before REAL ID can be issued.
Finish in person and pay the fee: Your legal name does not match across your identity, Social Security, and residency documents
Recovery: Bring a legal full name document, such as a marriage certificate or name-change court record, that links the differing names. Without it the application cannot be completed.
Pass the behind-the-wheel drive test: You failed the drive test
Recovery: A 14-day wait applies before you can retake the test, and a $7 retest fee applies. After three failures the application becomes invalid and you must reapply and pay the application fee again.
Costs
| Item | Amount | Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original non-commercial Class C driver's license application | $46 | Paid at the California DMV field office | The single application covers the instruction permit and the resulting license; it is non-refundable and valid for 12 months after you apply. Choosing REAL ID at first issue does not change this fee. |
| Behind-the-wheel drive-test retest (Optional) | $7 | Paid at the California DMV before the retake | Applies only if you must retake the drive test; a 14-day wait applies between attempts. |
- Payment:
- Paid at the California DMV field office
- Notes:
- The single application covers the instruction permit and the resulting license; it is non-refundable and valid for 12 months after you apply. Choosing REAL ID at first issue does not change this fee.
- Payment:
- Paid at the California DMV before the retake
- Notes:
- Applies only if you must retake the drive test; a 14-day wait applies between attempts.
FAQ
General
What does a first driver's license cost in California?
The original non-commercial Class C application fee is $46, paid at the California DMV field office. This single application and fee cover the instruction permit through to the issued license and are non-refundable and valid for 12 months after you apply. A separate $7 fee applies only if you must retake the behind-the-wheel drive test. You also need proof of insurance that meets California requirements before the license is issued.
Should I get a REAL ID or a standard license?
A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification — it can be used for airport security and federal facility access. A standard California card is marked Federal Limits Apply and cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter certain secure federal facilities on its own after May 7, 2025, though a U.S. passport can substitute. Both are valid for driving and carry the same $46 application fee, so the choice depends on whether you need a federally accepted ID.
Can I get a license without proof of lawful presence?
Yes. AB 60 driver's licenses are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States, but who meet California DMV requirements. AB 60 applicants provide proof of identity and California residency and pass the same knowledge test, vision screening, and behind-the-wheel drive test, with the same fee structure. The knowledge test is available in more than 40 languages. An AB 60 license carries the Federal Limits Apply designation and cannot board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities after May 7, 2025.
How long until I receive the physical card?
You leave the field office with a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. The permanent card arrives by mail within 3–4 weeks. If it has not arrived after 60 days, call the California DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check status.
I just moved to California with a license from somewhere else — do I retake the drive test?
A valid driver's license from your previous state or U.S. territory normally waives the behind-the-wheel drive test if you present it, though the vision exam and knowledge (written) test are still required. The California DMV may still require a driving test at any time. A foreign (non-U.S.) license does not get the drive test automatically waived — the behind-the-wheel test is generally required. You must obtain a California license within 10 days of establishing residency.
Do I need an appointment, and is everything done online?
The application can be started online and is finished in person at a California DMV field office, where the vision exam, photo, thumbprint, and knowledge test are completed. The behind-the-wheel drive test for first-time applicants is a separate scheduled appointment. Tests are not offered at field offices after 4:30 p.m., so plan your visit earlier in the day.
After This Process
- → Carry your temporary paper license until the permanent card arrives by mail within 3–4 weeks
- → If you chose a standard card and plan to fly domestically, carry a U.S. passport as an alternative accepted form of identification after May 7, 2025
- → Keep proof of insurance current — it must meet or exceed California requirements
Sources
- California DMV — Driver's Licenses & ID Cards (dmv.ca.gov ↗)
- California DMV — Driver's Licenses (DL) (dmv.ca.gov ↗)
- California DMV — Licensing Fees (dmv.ca.gov ↗)
- California DMV — REAL ID (dmv.ca.gov ↗)
- California DMV — AB 60 Driver Licenses (dmv.ca.gov ↗)
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More in United States
6 sources cited last accessed 2026-05-29
T1 official portal · T2 embassy/consulate · T3 news · T4 community — higher tier wins on conflict. methodology →
- T1California Department of Motor Vehicles 2026-05-29
The original (first-time) non-commercial Class C driver's license application fee is $46, listed as the Original application fee on the California DMV licensing fees schedule. Choosing a REAL ID at first issue does not change this fee.
dmv.ca.gov - T1California Department of Motor Vehicles 2026-05-29
A first-time applicant must obtain an instruction permit, practice, and pass a behind-the-wheel drive test. The field office visit includes a thumbprint, photo, and vision exam. A $7 retest fee applies and a 14-day wait applies before retesting. A temporary paper license is valid for 60 days. A new resident must obtain a California license within 10 days of establishing residency; a valid previous-state or U.S.-territory license normally waives the drive test if presented, while the vision and knowledge tests still apply and a foreign-only license generally still requires the drive test.
dmv.ca.gov - T1California Department of Motor Vehicles 2026-05-29
The same DL 44 application and fee cover the instruction permit and the resulting license; the application and fee are valid for 12 months after you apply. The knowledge test passing score is 80% and an applicant gets three attempts to pass each test.
dmv.ca.gov - T1California Department of Motor Vehicles 2026-05-29
REAL ID requires one proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number (exceptions may apply), and two different proofs of California residency. A standard card is marked Federal Limits Apply and cannot be used for domestic flights or federal facility access after May 7, 2025; the DMV states both card types appear to have identical documentation requirements.
dmv.ca.gov - T1California Department of Motor Vehicles 2026-05-29
AB 60 driver's licenses are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States, but who meet California DMV requirements. AB 60 applicants pass the same knowledge test, vision screening, and behind-the-wheel drive test with the same fee structure; the knowledge test is available in more than 40 languages; the license carries the Federal Limits Apply designation.
dmv.ca.gov - T1Transportation Security Administration 2026-05-29
Under the federal REAL ID Act, full enforcement began May 7, 2025; from that date every air traveler 18 or older must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a U.S. passport, to board a commercial domestic flight or enter certain secure federal facilities.
tsa.gov