California DMV · Checked against dmv.ca.gov on October 9, 2026

I just moved to California. How do I transfer my driver's license?

Apply for a California license soon after you become a resident; DMV's Fast Facts (2020) give a 10-day deadline. With a valid license from another U.S. state, you complete the application, show identity, your SSN and residency, pay $46, and pass the vision exam and the written test. DMV's steps for out-of-state license holders don't include a drive test.

When am I a California resident?

DMV says you're a resident if you intend to live here six months or more in a year. Registering to vote, taking a job here or paying resident tuition are examples.

What to bring

An identity document (original or certified copy, with your current name matching), your Social Security number, and proof of California residency. One residency document is enough for a standard license; REAL ID needs two different ones.

Yes, you still take the written test

Same handbook, 80% to pass, 3 attempts. In the office, the test has to start before 4:30 p.m.

Your car has its own deadline

A vehicle you bring from another state has to be registered in California within 20 days of becoming a resident.

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FAQ

Do I have to take the drive test?

DMV's steps for drivers with a valid out-of-state license don't include one. Drivers with a license from another country do take it.

Can I get a REAL ID at the same time?

Yes. Choose it on the same application and bring two residency documents instead of one.

Can I take the written test online?

As of October 2026, DMV's online testing is only for eligible renewals, so new residents test at an office.

Official sources

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