Last updated on February 1st, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Here’s how to get a driver’s license in California. Follow these steps and save HOURS of your time at the DMV.

The 7 Steps to Get a Driver’s License in California 

1. Find and establish a California residency
2. Make an appointment at your DMV
3. Complete Form DL-44 at the DMV
4. Prove your identity
5. Pay the driver’s license fee, $33
6. Take the written test
7. Take an eye test

Let’s dig into each step.

Find and establish a California residency 

You’re required to apply for a California driver’s license within 10 days of entering the state. To do so, this requires an address, i.e., a place of residence.

(Need help moving to California? Check out guides to moving to Los Angeles and the best places to live in LA.)

Choose your DMV and make an appointment

Without an appointment, you’ll sit on those pinewood benches for a while. Click here to book your DMV appointment.

Complete Form DL-44 

This form can’t be downloaded online. You must pick it up at the DMV office.

Prove your identity

You must prove your identity to get your driver’s license in California. You can use your social security card, a birth certificate, a passport, a certificate of naturalization, or a permanent resident card. These all must be original documents.

Pay the driver’s license fee

It costs $39 and you can pay in cash, debit, or check.

Take the written test

This is a 30 question exam. Strong recommendation: review the California Driver’s Handbook beforehand. If you’ve come in with an out-of-state license, there’s no in-the-field Driver’s Test).

Take an eye test

“Can you read that first line?”

What are the California Driver’s License Requirements?

Here’s what you should bring to the DMV:

1. Social Security Card (proves your social security number)
2. A valid out-of-state license (proves you know how to drive)
3. Birth certificate or passport (proves of your true full name, birth date, and legal presence)
4. Utility bill, mortgage bill or lease agreement (proves LA residency, needs to have your address and name)

If you’ve followed the steps above and fulfilled the California driver’s license requirements, you’ll get a temporary California license. The real one will be mailed to your address in a few weeks.

What about Registering a Car in California From Out of State?

Your next step towards becoming a contributing member of sunny California is registering your car.

1. Make another appointment with the DMV
2. Complete the smog check
3. Collect the required paperwork
4. Go to your appointment and complete your vehicle verification
5. Complete another form and submit all paperwork
6. Switch out your plates

Here’s how to register a car in California from out of state:

Make another appointment with the DMV

Book your DMV appointment here.

Complete the smog check

You can find smog check sites at gas stations and auto shops. It takes about 30 minutes and costs about $50.

Collect the required paperwork 

You’ll need your temporary license or regular license, your out-of-state title, and money for the registration fee. Use the New Resident Fee calculator to calculate your fees. The fee can be in Cash, Debit, or check

Go to your appointment and complete your vehicle verification

Someone will check your VIN, your odometer, and your paperwork.

Complete another form and submit all paperwork

In exchange, you’ll get your California plates.

Switch out your plates

Certain states require you to return your old plates — check your local DMV regulations.

Switching Over Your Insurance

If you had to send your plates back to the DMV, you’ll get a confirmation (a form called an FS6) and once you receive it, you can go ahead and call your insurance provider to switch over their coverage to your new state.

Note that your premiums are likely to go up when switching over to coverage in California.

What is the Penalty for Not Registering My Car in California?

If you don’t get caught — nothing happens. You’ll keep driving your out-of-state car with out-of-state plates and no one will be any the wiser. You’ll probably save some money by not switching over to the higher California insurance premiums.

If you get pulled over, and you want to take your chances lying to a cop, you can tell them you’re from out-of-town and just visiting friends. I wouldn’t advise this, but it’s an option. If cited, you’ll have to pay a nominal fee plus a penalty assessment.

The biggest risk? Getting into an accident, and your insurance company finding out that you’ve been living out of state. They may decide they’re not responsible for covering any of the property or bodily injury damage. Which, depending on the accident, could be a significant amount of money. It’s a risk you have to decide for yourself.

Getting a driver’s license in California and sorting out the driver’s license requirements can feel overwhelming. Everyone’s experience is slightly different, but be patient and you’ll be cruising on the 405 in no time.

Resources

Looking for additional help to move to Los Angeles?

Check out the full archive of posts on moving to Los Angeles here. You’ll get the inside scoop on everything you need to successfully make your move to LA.  

Questions? Leave a comment or feel free to message me on Twitter. I’ll respond to everything I can.