What you need to do to switch your license to California

To transfer an out-of-state driver license to California, you visit a DMV office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of California residency, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. You do not retake the written or driving test unless California has reason to suspect your out-of-state license was obtained fraudulently or you have a suspended or revoked license in any state. The California DMV will cancel your old license and issue you a California license with a new number.

The process takes one visit if you have all required documents. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally in California on your out-of-state license until the California license arrives, as long as you are not under suspension or revocation in any state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a California DMV office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof of California residency to transfer your license.
  • California does not require you to retake the written or driving test when transferring from another state unless your license is suspended, revoked, or obtained fraudulently.
  • You will pass a vision test at the DMV office as part of the transfer process.
  • Your new California license arrives by mail in two to three weeks; you can legally drive on your old license until it arrives.
  • The transfer fee varies depending on your license type and expiration date, but typically ranges from $35 to $70.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring your current out-of-state driver license, even if it is expired. The DMV uses it to verify your driving history and confirm you held a valid license before moving to California.

You also need two documents proving California residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or vehicle registration. The documents must show your name and current California address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have two separate documents, a single document plus a declaration of residency (Form DL 44) signed in front of a DMV employee can work, though this takes longer.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will also need proof of legal presence in the United States if you are not a U.S. citizen. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. Check the California DMV website for the full list of acceptable documents for your immigration status, as requirements vary.

What happens at your DMV appointment

Go to any California DMV office during business hours. You do not need an appointment in most counties, but some offices use an online reservation system. Check your local DMV's website before you go to see if reservations are required or recommended in your area.

At the office, a DMV employee will review your documents, verify your identity, and check your driving record in California's system and in other states through the National Driver Register. If your record is clean, you move to the vision test. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test.

After you pass the vision test, you pay the transfer fee and have your photo taken. The DMV will issue you a receipt and tell you when to expect your new license by mail. Your out-of-state license is surrendered and cancelled at this point.

Transfer fees and license validity

The fee to transfer your license depends on your age and how long you want your new license to be valid. A standard driver license for someone under 70 costs $35 to $40 and is valid for five years. A license valid for ten years costs more. Senior licenses (age 70 and older) have different pricing. Exact fees change annually, so check the California DMV website or call your local office for the current amount.

Your new California license will expire five or ten years from the date you receive it, depending on which term you chose to pay for. You cannot choose an expiration date that extends beyond your current out-of-state license's expiration date if that date is sooner.

When you may need to retake a test

California will require you to retake the written test, the driving test, or both if any of the following explore: your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked in any state; you have been convicted of certain traffic violations in the last three years; the DMV suspects your out-of-state license was obtained fraudulently; or you are transferring from a country or territory that does not have a reciprocal agreement with California.

If you are required to retake a test, the DMV will tell you at your appointment. You will schedule a separate appointment to take the written test, the driving test, or both. The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle.

Your new license and what comes next

Your California driver license arrives by mail at the address you provided at the DMV office. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary license at the DMV office, though not all offices issue them. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent license.

Once your California license arrives, your old out-of-state license is no longer valid. Destroy it or return it to the state that issued it. If your California license does not arrive within four weeks, contact your local DMV office to report it.

Special situations: Suspended, revoked, or expired licenses

If your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to California. You must clear the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it before you can transfer. Contact the DMV in that state to find out what steps are required and what fees explore. Some states require you to pay fines, complete a driver improvement course, or wait a set period before the suspension is lifted.

If your out-of-state license is expired but was valid when you moved to California, you can still transfer it. Bring the expired license to the DMV along with your other documents. The DMV will verify that it was valid at the time you established California residency.

If your out-of-state license expired after you moved to California and you have been driving without a valid license, you may face penalties. Bring your expired license to the DMV and explain the situation. The DMV will determine whether you can transfer or whether you must take the written and driving tests as a new driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to transfer my license to California, or can I keep my out-of-state license?

California law requires you to transfer your license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state. Establishing residency means you intend to live in California and have taken steps to do so, such as renting or buying a home, registering to vote, or registering a vehicle. Driving on an out-of-state license after you are required to transfer is a violation and can result in a fine.

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. California requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to transfer your license. You must pass a vision test and have your photo taken, both of which must happen at the office. There is no mail-in or online transfer process.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you have neither, you may still be able to transfer your license, but you will need to bring additional documents proving your identity and legal presence. Contact your local DMV office to find out what documents are required for your situation.

Can I get a REAL ID compliant license when I transfer?

Yes. A REAL ID compliant license requires additional documents proving your identity, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and legal presence. Bring your passport, birth certificate, or other acceptable identity document along with your residency proof. The fee is the same as a standard license transfer. Your REAL ID license is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.

What if my name has changed since I got my out-of-state license?

Bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name in the system and issue your California license under your current legal name. You do not need a separate name change process.