Here's the ultimate guide to transferring your out-of-state license to a California driver license. This is specifically if you have a US driver's license from another state and want to change it to California driver license. If you have a driver license from another country, check out getting a driver's license in California.
What You’ll Need to Transfer your Driver License to California
- Debit card or cash to make $36 payment
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or Military ID)
- Proof of your birth date and legal presence (U.S. passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of your California residency (i.e. Mortgage bill; Utility bill; or Rental or lease agreement signed by your landlord)
- A valid out-of-state driver’s license
What You’ll Need To Do
- Make an appointment for earlier than 4:30 pm at your nearest DMV office.
- Fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (form DL 44 - now available online!) for a Class C (non-commercial) driver’s license.
- Prepare for the written test by completing a practice exam.
- Provide required identification documents.
- Complete the vision and written tests (not administered later than 4:30pm).
- Have thumbprint and ID photo taken.
- Pay $36 fee (cash, check or debit card).
- Receive a temporary license that is valid for 90 days.
- Receive your new CA license via U.S. mail (within a few weeks).
Caveats and Exceptions
- Is your license from abroad? If you have a non-US driving license, you'll have to take the road test, aka the behind-the-wheel test as well. This concierge service can help you with that.
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