Welcome to the Golden State!
Everything new residents need—driver’s license, vehicle registration, and more.
1. Establish Residency
You are a California resident if you live in the state for six months or more in one year and are not just visiting for a short time. There are other rules that also help decide if you are a California resident.
2. Types of Licenses
You need a valid California Driver’s License (DL) to operate a motor vehicle in California. Learn more about the types of DL cards and decide what is right for you.
3. Get Your California DL
Once you become a California resident, you must get a California DL within 10 days. Learn about requirements and start your application.
4. Register Your Vehicle
If you bring a vehicle into California that was previously registered in another state or country, you must register it within 20 days of either becoming a resident or bringing it into the state.
5. Plates, Decals & Placards
Learn more about the types of plates, decals, and placards that identify vehicles on California roads.
6. You and DMV
Most of your DMV business can be started and/or completed online. Creating your MyDMV account makes doing things quick and easy!
You are considered a resident of California if…
- You are present in California for six months or longer within a 12-month period, and you are not visiting on a temporary or transient basis.
- You are registered to vote in California.
- You are employed in California.
- Your place of business is located in California.
Note This does not include military personnel. - You pay resident tuition at a public institution of higher education such as a university or college in California.
- You have dependents who attend a primary or secondary school in California.
- You are a homeowner with a property tax exemption in California.
- You rent a property in California and it is your primary residence.
- You have claimed California residency to obtain a license, privilege, or other benefit that non-residents cannot obtain.
- You have a current California driver’s license or ID card.
- You are determined to be a resident because of acts, occurrences, or events that indicate that your presence in the state is more than temporary or transient.
Additional Resources
– California Driver’s Handbook
– Sample Knowledge Tests
– Instruction Permit & License Test
– How-to & Fast Facts
Need something else?
Learn about REAL ID
Effective May 7, 2025 you need a REAL ID if you want to use your license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
Information on AB 60 DL
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.
How to Contact DMV
There are several ways to contact DMV, including using our chatbot, by mail, or by chatting with a live agent.