What Are the DL Types?

If you are a visitor in California over 18 years old and have a valid DL from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California DL as long as your home state DL remains valid.

If you become a California resident, you must get a California DL within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

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 and are able to provide proof of identity and California residency.

When applying for a DL, there are 2 types; commercial and noncommercial. Within each type of DL, you may select the appropriate class for your driving needs, including the type of motor vehicle you want to operate.

There are 4 noncommercial DL classes:

• Basic Driver’s License (Class C)
  —  A standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways.
• Motorcycle (Class M1 or M2)
  —  2-wheel motorized vehicle.
• Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel (Noncommercial Class A)
  —  Over 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a trailer coach over 10,000 pounds GVWR, when the towing is not for compensation.
• Housecar/Motorhome (Noncommercial Class B)
  —  Over 40 feet, but not over 45 feet, with endorsement.

Note All noncommercial DL classes are available as a REAL ID Compliant or Federal Non-Compliant DL card.

A commercial DL is a license issued in accordance with Federal Regulations that allows an individual to operate a commercial vehicle. There are 3 commercial DL classes:

• Commercial A
  —  Any legal combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Commercial B
  —  Any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
  —  A 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds.
• Commercial C
  —  Any Class C vehicle with one or more of the following endorsements:
  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat).
  • Passenger Vehicle (PV).
  • Tank Vehicle (TV).

Note All commercial DL classes are available as a REAL ID Compliant or Federal Non-Compliant DL card.

For more information on which class of DL you may apply for and requirements, see the California Driver’s Handbook (PDF) or California Commercial Driver’s Handbook (PDF).

Additional Card Markings

What Do I Need to Apply?

Application Process

To apply for a DL, you must complete a Driver’s License and Identification Card Application and pay any licensing fees. For current licensing fees, visit www.dmv.ca.gov. You will be required to take a knowledge test, vision exam, photograph, and, if necessary, a driving test.

1.  Before Visiting a DMV Office

• Study for the knowledge test. Study material available on the DMV website includes:
  —  California Driver’s Handbook (available in multiple languages and at DMV offices)
  —  California Commercial Driver’s Handbook (PDF)
  —  Sample tests.
  —  Road sign flashcards.
• Gather the identity, residency, and SSN documents you need to apply for a DL.
• Effective April 2018, DMV will begin offering an electronic DL and ID application process. Applicants will have the opportunity to complete their electronic application before visiting DMV. Be sure to bring your application confirmation with you to your office visit.
• Make an appointment before visiting a DMV office. Appointments can be made at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. You may also verify payment options available at the DMV office.

2. When You Arrive at a DMV Office

You will need:

• Correct fee(s) for your application.
• Original or certified documents(s) establishing identity, birth date, true full name.
• Original document establishing proof of SSN if applying for a REAL ID Compliant ID.
• Residency Document.
• Any DL or permit issued previously by any state (if applicable).

If you are under 18 years old, you may apply for a provisional permit/DL. In addition to the items above, you will need:

• A driver education completion certificate or enrollment in an integrated driver education/driver training program.
• Signatures by all parent(s)/guardian(s) with custody.

Note See the Provisional Licensing (FFDL 19) Fast Facts brochure for additional information.

The DMV representative may give you a number and/or direct you to wait. When it is your turn, you will be called to a window to process your application.

3.  When You Are Called to a Representative’s Window

• Provide all of the documents listed previously. These documents are used to verify your information and establish a DMV record.
• The DMV representative will scan your fingerprint. This fingerprint will also be used for taking your photograph and administering tests.
• After your information has been entered into the computer, an application fee (or any other applicable fee) will be collected.
• The DMV representative will test your vision (ensure you bring your corrective lenses, if needed), and direct you to the camera.
• At the camera, your fingerprint will be rescanned and the representative will capture your signature and take your photograph.

Note The signature and photograph will appear on your DL.

4.  Taking Your Knowledge Test

DMV administers knowledge tests to determine if an applicant understands the laws and rules of the road. Depending on the type of DL you apply for, more than one knowledge test may be required (for example, motorcycle or commercial DL).

• The knowledge test may be done on the computer (TouchScreen Testing) in a variety of languages or, in certain cases, on paper or audio.
• Once you complete the test, follow the directions provided by the DMV representative.
• TouchScreen tests will be automatically graded. A DMV representative will grade paper and audio tests.
• Didn’t pass? Don’t worry. You can repeat this step. Before retesting, study the California Driver’s Handbook or California Commercial Driver’s Handbook (PDF). Provisional applicants must wait 1 week before retesting.
• If you do not pass the knowledge test after 3 attempts, you must begin the application process again.

Note You may not drive unless you have a valid document in your possession that authorizes you to drive.

5.  What Happens Once You Pass Your Knowledge Test?

• After you pass the knowledge test, you must return back to the window to receive your licensing document. Verify that all information printed on your licensing document is correct (for example, name and address) and sign the front of the document in the space provided before leaving the DMV representative’s window.
• If you are issued an interim or temporary DL, you do not need a driving test.
• If you are issued a driver permit, read it carefully to make sure you understand the driving restrictions that apply.
• If you have a valid DL from another country, you need an accompanying driver to and from your drive test.

Note The provisional permit is not valid until you start the behind-the-wheel driver training class and your permit is signed by the instructor or you are 17 ½ years old.

6.  Preparing for Your Driving Test

• Even if you have driven before, it is a good idea to practice driving before making a driving test appointment. For more information, see the Preparing for Your Driving Test (FFDL 22) Fast Facts brochure. Commercial drivers, review the requirements in the California Commercial Driver’s Handbook (PDF).
• Behind-the-wheel driving tests are available by appointment only. Once you are ready, schedule an appointment at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133.
• Didn’t pass? Don’t worry. You can make an appointment to repeat this step. Provisional applicants must wait 2 weeks before retesting.
• Check the DMV website for the retest fee(s). If you do not pass the driving test after 3 attempts, you must begin the application process again.

7.  Receiving Your DL

• After successfully completing the testing process, you may be issued an interim or temporary DL valid for up to 60 days. You may drive without an accompanying driver until your interim or temporary DL expires.
• An interim DL is a paper DL issued to you until the permanent DL is mailed.
• A temporary DL is a paper DL issued to you because the application is incomplete and pending additional information or requirements.
• If you do not receive your DL card within 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

Note Review your DL and the California Driver’s Handbook or California Commercial Driver’s Handbook (PDF) for driving restrictions.