Use the AB 60 Checklist to see if you have all the documents necessary to qualify for a California driver’s license. You must complete a driver education course if you are age 15 to 17 1/2.
You must complete the application for a driver’s license. Create a MyDMV account to start the application online.
You will need to take and pass a knowledge test. It is available in more than 40 languages. Study the Driver’s Handbook, also available in multiple languages. You can take the test online or in person.
It’s important to bring the correct proof of identity and residency documents with you to your DMV appointment. Without the correct documents, a Secondary Review will be required.
Schedule an appointment to finish the application process at the DMV. If you need an interpreter, call 1-800-777-0133.
Once you arrive for your appointment, go to the Start Here window.
If you were unable to provide acceptable documents, a Secondary Review will be necessary to verify your identity and residency.
Schedule a behind-the-wheel drive test appointment or call 1-800-777-0133. If you have to go through the secondary review process, complete your interview first.
Congratulations! Now that you have successfully completed each step, you will receive your driver’s license from the DMV by mail.
Here are a few tips:
– Always follow the rules of the road and laws you just learned
– Drive safely and defensively
– Do not text and drive
– Do not drink and drive
– If you have a vehicle, renew your registration every year
– Stay up to date on smog certifications
– Renew your driver’s license every 5 years
Now that you have a MyDMV account, you will be able to start or complete most of your business online and on your phone.
When buying a vehicle, know your rights and responsibilities before signing the contract.
What you need to do to register your vehicle depends on how and where you buy it.
When you move to a new address, you will need to request a change of address to let the DMV know.
If your license is lost, damaged, or stolen, request a replacement. If you qualify, you may be able to upgrade to a REAL ID.
You need to renew your vehicle registration card and sticker once a year. Keep your registration current to so that you don’t have late fees and suspensions.
Learn what you need to do to sell your vehicle in California.
DMV has interpreters to help customers handle licensing and registration needs in their language.
Find driver handbooks, sample tests, videos, and more in our educational materials section (many available in other languages, including ASL).
Under California law, you must have insurance for your vehicle to drive it.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Google™ Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google™ Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool.
The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.
The following pages provided on the DMV website cannot be translated using Google™ Translate: