What You Need to Do to Transfer Your License in California

To transfer an out-of-state driver license to California, you will 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 take a written or road test unless the DMV finds a problem with your driving record or your license has been expired for more than five years. The whole process usually takes one visit, though the DMV may mail your new license to you rather than hand it over the counter.

California treats transfers differently depending on whether your current license is still valid. If your out-of-state license is current and you have held a valid license for at least one year without a suspension or revocation, the transfer is straightforward. If your license has expired, been suspended, or you have held it for less than a year, you may face additional requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a California DMV office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof of California residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You will pass a vision test at the DMV, but you will not take a written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and current.
  • The transfer fee is the same as a regular license renewal and varies based on the type of license you hold.
  • Your new California license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks, or the DMV may hand it to you on the spot depending on the office.
  • If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to take the written test and may need to take the road test as well.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring your current out-of-state driver license and at least one document proving you live in California. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and California address. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card works, but so does a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, or a passport, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a document showing your lawful presence in the country. The DMV will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified.

The Vision Test and Medical Clearance

At your DMV appointment, you will take a vision test. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue your license and will tell you to see an eye doctor.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving—such as epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition—the DMV may ask you to have a doctor fill out a medical evaluation form. You do not need to bring this form with you; the DMV will tell you if one is required after reviewing your driving record and process. If a form is needed, you will have a set number of days to return it before your transfer can be completed.

When You Will Need to Take the Written Test

You will not take the written test if your out-of-state license is current and you have held a valid license for at least one year. However, you will take the written test if your out-of-state license expired more than five years ago, or if the DMV discovers a problem with your driving record during the transfer process.

The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is the same test that new drivers take. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass.

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, though the DMV may ask you to study the handbook before your next try.

When You Will Need to Take the Road Test

You will not take a road test during a license transfer unless your out-of-state license has been expired for more than five years, or the DMV finds a serious problem with your driving record. Most people transferring a current, valid out-of-state license will not need to drive with a DMV examiner.

If the DMV requires a road test, you will schedule it at your local office. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills such as starting, stopping, turning, and parking. You must pass the test before your California license is issued.

Fees and How Long the Process Takes

The transfer fee depends on the type of license you are getting and how long it is valid for. A standard Class C driver license valid for five years costs one amount; a license valid for ten years costs more. The DMV website lists current fees by license type. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.

After you complete your appointment, the DMV will mail your new California license to the address you provide. The license usually arrives within two to three weeks. Some DMV offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use while you wait for the plastic card. Ask the DMV representative whether your office does this.

If you need your license sooner, you can request an expedited license at the DMV office for an additional fee. An expedited license arrives within one week instead of two to three weeks.

What Happens If Your Out-of-State License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked, California will not transfer it. You will have to clear the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it before you can transfer to California. Contact the DMV in the state where your license was suspended to find out what you need to do.

Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can return to a California DMV office and explore for a transfer. You will need to bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been cleared, such as a letter from the state DMV or a copy of your current, valid out-of-state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to transfer my license at the California DMV?

Yes. You must schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Appointments can usually be scheduled several weeks in advance, though some offices have earlier slots.

Can I transfer my license if I just moved to California last month?

Yes, as long as your out-of-state license is still valid and current. You do not have to wait any length of time after moving. Bring proof of your California address, such as a lease or utility bill dated within the last 60 days.

What if my out-of-state license expires before my DMV appointment?

Contact the DMV and reschedule your appointment before your license expires. If your license expires before you can transfer it, you will need to take the written test and possibly the road test as part of the transfer process, even if your license was valid when you first scheduled the appointment.

Will my out-of-state license be taken away when I transfer to California?

Yes. The DMV will keep your out-of-state license when you complete the transfer. You will receive only your new California license. If you need the out-of-state license for identification purposes, ask the DMV whether you can keep it before you turn it in.

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. California requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to transfer an out-of-state license. You must pass the vision test in front of a DMV employee, and the DMV must verify your identity and documents in person.