California DMV · Checked against dmv.ca.gov on October 9, 2026
I have a foreign driver's license. How do I get a California license?
California doesn't exchange a foreign license for a California one. You apply as a new applicant: application, documents, the $46 fee, a vision exam and the knowledge test. You also have to pass the behind-the-wheel drive test, which needs an appointment and proof of insurance, and a licensed driver has to come with you to and from it.
Can I drive on my home-country license?
Visitors 18 or older with a valid home-country license may drive in California while that license stays valid, according to DMV's Fast Facts (2020). Once you become a California resident, you need a California license.
Documents for visa holders
An unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and an approved I-94 is an accepted identity document. Include your Social Security number if you have one, and bring proof of California residency. With a student or work visa, your license expires on the same date as your U.S. legal-presence document.
The drive test
Book it ahead of time; DMV doesn't give drive tests without an appointment. Bring proof of insurance and registration for the car. Because your license is from another country, a licensed driver has to drive you to and from the test.
If you fail
Book a new test on another day and pay the $9 retest fee. After 3 failures you have to reapply.
Free practice by topic
The full bank has 1,000+ questions across 15 topics, each explained option by option and available in 8 languages beside the original English.
See the full step-by-step guide →Free practice by topicSee plans
FAQ
Do I need an instruction permit first?
DMV's adult permit rule is for people who have never had a license in any state or country. With a valid foreign license you follow the foreign-license steps instead; staff will tell you at the office if they issue you a permit.
Can I take the written test in my language?
Yes. DMV offers the knowledge test in more than 40 languages.
Do I need a Social Security number?
Include it if you have one or are eligible for one. DMV's pages don't spell out the rules for students without an SSN, so check with DMV before your visit.
Official sources
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/driver-licenses-dl/ ↗
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/what-is-real-id/real-id-info-non-u-s-citizens/ ↗
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/preparing-for-knowledge-and-drive-tests/ ↗
- dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/licensing-fees/ ↗