In the state of California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all your licensing and ID needs. Whether you need to apply for a new license, renew or replace an existing one, or change the address or name on your license, the DMV will help you. To get you jump-started on these procedures, invest in our California License Easy Guide, which contains helpful forms and links that will make your DMV experience a breeze. Read more about each service below:
How to get a driver's license with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Social Security Number. The CA DMV still requires 1 document proving each. A driver's license is an official document permitting a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, or bus on a public road.
Renew License
Ready to renew your California drivers license? We've collected helpful information and links that will make the process a breeze. Read more to get started on renewing your license in the state of California.
Apply for New License
Getting your first drivers license is an exciting venture. However, there are certain procedures, including tests, that you must complete in order to obtain a new California drivers license. Our California License Easy Guide will put you on the right path to obtaining your new license in no time.
Replace License
Should your California drivers license get lost, stolen or destroyed, you must replace it as soon as possible. Luckily, we've gathered all the information and links to help you get a replacement in no time. Read more below to get started on replacing your California drivers license.
Change of Address
If you move in the state of California, you must update your address on your license. The process isn't difficult, and we've made it easy to get this done in a timely manner. Read more below for information on how to complete a change of address on your California drivers license.
Change of Name
If you change your legal name for any reason, you must update your name on your California drivers license. Our California License Easy Guide will help you get started on this process quickly. Read below for how to get started with your change of name process.
Suspended License
Your license can be suspended for any number of reasons. After serving your suspension period, you'll want to reinstate your California drivers license so you can get back on the road again. We've collected helpful information to assist you with reinstating your license as soon as you're eligible.
Identification Cards
Even if you don't want to drive, it is often useful to have some identification in the state of California. Obtaining a state ID card is a great way to do this. We've collected information to help assist you with the application process. Read more to get started.
Motorcycle Endorsements
California is a great place to take your motorcycle out for a spin. However, you'll need to makes sure you have the proper license and/or endorsement to operate your motorcycle. Read more about obtaining motorcycle endorsements in the state of California.
Immediate Attention:
You will need a federal compliant card such as a passport, military ID, or REAL ID driver license or identification card to board a domestic flight or access some federal facilities beginning October 1, 2020. You can obtain a REAL ID driver license by visiting your local DMV field office.
All original (first-time) driver license (DL) and/or identification (ID) card applicants must visit an office in person and present proof of California residency in addition to meeting all other existing DL/ID card requirements. For more information about obtaining a new DL or ID card, visit the Driver License and Identification Card Information web page.
Proof of California Residency
The list below provides the documents acceptable as proof of California residency. All residency documents must list the applicant’s first and last name, and the California residence address must match the residence address listed on the driver license application, with the exceptions noted below.
If the applicant includes a separate California mailing address on their application, the California address on the residency document must match the mailing address on the application.
Two (2) different acceptable residency documents are required. |
One (1) acceptable residency document is required. |
Note: If an applicant is applying for a REAL ID compliant card or a Commercial DL, the applicant’s mailing and residence address must be in California.
- Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident.
- Deed or title to residential real property.
- Mortgage bill.
- Home utility bills (including cellular phone).
- School documents including any document issued by a U.S. education institution that either includes the applicant's date of birth, or if a foreign school document, is sealed by the school and includes a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.
- Medical documents.
- Employment documents.
- Faith based documents that include the name and address of the issuing organization.
- Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental, and vehicle.
- Internal Revenue Service or California Franchise Tax Board tax return.
- California Certificate of Vehicle or Vessel Title or Registration.
- Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service (Form CNL 107).
- Any document issued by an entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state that is typed and contains the agency name, department name, state seal, or is on official letterhead.
- Property tax bill or statement.
- Record of any state or national banks, state or federal savings associations, trust companies, industrial loan companies, state or federal credit unions, and any institution or entity that has issued a credit card.
- An acceptable No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form.
- Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer.
- Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education located in California.
- An original copy of an approved Claim For Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor.
- Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California.
The following two (2) documents do not need to have the applicant’s address but must list the applicant’s first and last name.
Note: An applicant using one of the two (2) documents listed below can not use a PO BOX as a mailing or residence address.
- Court document that lists the applicant as a resident of California.
- A letter on letterhead from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, nonprofit entity, faith based organization, employer, or government agency within the U.S. attesting that the applicant resides in California.
Important: if an applicant is applying for a Federal Non-Compliant DL card applicant pursuant to AB 60, they may use a California DL/ID card as proof of residency.
Tracing Relationships
If residency document(s) addressed to an applicant are not readily available, the applicant may use an acceptable residency document to trace their relationship to the individual to whom the document(s) are addressed. For example, a child may use residency document(s) in their parents’ name by presenting a birth certificate showing the relationship. The name on the residency document(s) must match the name on the tracing document.
- If the residency document reflects a name that differs from the tracing document due to name change (for example, marriage, divorce, or court order), additional documentation will be required as evidence of the name change. For example, a child may use a residency document with the mother’s name differing from the birth certificate by also presenting a marriage certificate and/or dissolution of marriage document showing the mother’s last name as shown listed on the residency document.
Note: DMV will only accept an original document or a certified copy of the original as a tracing document.
- A parent, legal guardian, or child may use a birth certificate.
- A spouse or domestic partner may use a marriage license or domestic partner registration certificate.
- A minor may use an order of adoption certified and filed by the courts.
- A minor may use one (1) of the following forms approved and issued by the California Department of Social Services and executed by an agency administering foster care duties.
- Agency – Group Home agreement (Form SOC 154),
- Placement Agency – Foster Family Agency Agreement – Child placed by Agency in Foster Family Agency (Form SOC 154A), or
- Agency – Foster Parents Agreement – Child placed by Agency in Foster Home (Form SOC 156).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this requirement apply to me if I am renewing my DL/ID card?
Only original (first-time) DL/ID applicants, applicants who are converting to a REAL ID driver license or identification card, and Commercial DL applicants are required to provide proof of California residency in person. Californians who obtained a federal compliant REAL ID driver license (DL) or identification (ID) card by providing only one proof of California residency when they applied can expect to receive a letter from the DMV explaining how to satisfy the second proof of residency requirement. The DMV began mailing letters in late May 2019.
Only original (first-time) DL/ID applicants, applicants who are converting to a REAL ID driver license or identification card, and Commercial DL applicants are required to provide proof of California residency in person. Californians who obtained a federal compliant REAL ID driver license (DL) or identification (ID) card by providing only one proof of California residency when they applied can expect to receive a letter from the DMV explaining how to satisfy the second proof of residency requirement. The DMV began mailing letters in late May 2019.
Does this new requirement apply if I am correcting information on my DL/ID card or if I am changing my name or getting a replacement DL/ID card?
No. Only original (first-time) DL/ID applicants and applicants who are converting to a REAL ID DL/ID are required to provide proof of California residency.
No. Only original (first-time) DL/ID applicants and applicants who are converting to a REAL ID DL/ID are required to provide proof of California residency.
What if my residency document uses a ‘nickname’?
The applicant’s name on the residency document should be similar to the applicant’s name on his/her acceptable Identity document, true full name document, or DMV record (i.e., Bill Smith or B. Smith for William R. Smith).
The applicant’s name on the residency document should be similar to the applicant’s name on his/her acceptable Identity document, true full name document, or DMV record (i.e., Bill Smith or B. Smith for William R. Smith).
Can I have a different mailing address?
Yes. When a REAL ID applicant’s mailing address is a P.O. Box or general delivery, the applicant must provide a document which shows both the mailing and residency address. The address on the residency document must match the residency address on the DL/ID card application. If the applicant includes a separate California mailing address that is not a P.O. Box on their application, the California address on the residency document must match the mailing address on the application.
Yes. When a REAL ID applicant’s mailing address is a P.O. Box or general delivery, the applicant must provide a document which shows both the mailing and residency address. The address on the residency document must match the residency address on the DL/ID card application. If the applicant includes a separate California mailing address that is not a P.O. Box on their application, the California address on the residency document must match the mailing address on the application.
I don’t want DMV to see personal information like how much I owe to a credit card. Can I black that out?
Yes. Alterations such as blacking out the “amount due” or “balance” of a credit card or home utility bill are acceptable; however, changes cannot be made to the name or address section of the document.
Yes. Alterations such as blacking out the “amount due” or “balance” of a credit card or home utility bill are acceptable; however, changes cannot be made to the name or address section of the document.
Are photocopies acceptable or are original documents required?
Photocopies of proof of residency documents are acceptable.
Photocopies of proof of residency documents are acceptable.
Do the residency documents have to be dated within a certain time period, such as the last six months?
No. There is no limitation regarding the date of an acceptable residency document (i.e., PG&E bill dated 5/29/2001). Again, the California residency documents must match the residence address listed on the driver license application.
No. There is no limitation regarding the date of an acceptable residency document (i.e., PG&E bill dated 5/29/2001). Again, the California residency documents must match the residence address listed on the driver license application.
Are DMV issued documents acceptable?
Yes.
Yes.
- A vehicle or vessel Certificate of Registration
- A vehicle or vessel Certificate of Title
- A DL 933 for a homeless individual
- A prior issued DL/ID card (AB 60 applicants only)