Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
For US Citizens | For Foreign Nationals
The Department of Motor Vehicles is the California state agency that is responsible for processing and issuing your driver license or your Identification Card (ID) which identifies who you are.
International driver licenses can be used in California for automobile rental only.
However, if you want to purchase a vehicle, you must have a valid California Drivers License. You will figure out quickly that life in California, especially when you have a family with children, becomes almost impossible if you don’t drive a car.
A California driver license can be obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The DMV office closest to Caltech is at: 49 South Rosemead Boulevard, Pasadena and is open from 8am to 5pm.
The Written Test
If you already have an out-of-state license, you have to go to the DMV to take and pass a written driver’s test to get a California’s Driver License. The cost is $28. We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment (call1-800-777-0133) as soon as possible or, if you walk-in the wait can be extremely long. You can also schedule an appointment online. So the process is:
- Bring your out-of-state license
- Complete form DL44, Application for Driver License. This form is not available on line. Please call the DMV Automated Telephone Service to have a form mailed to you, 1-800-777-0133 (24 hours a day, 7 days per week) or visit your local DMV office to pick one up.
- Bring your birth certificate, passport and social security number
- Pay a $28 application fee
- Pass a vision test
- Have your picture taken
- Give a thumbprint
- Pass a “traffic laws and sign” test
The California Driver Handbook helps you learn and study for the tests. There are also many corrected sample tests. This handbook can also be obtained at the local DMV office. The test takes some preparation as it is easy to fail even if you know how to drive. You need to answer correctly 35 questions out of 38; if you fail, you have two more chances.
The driving test for holders of out-of-state or US territory licenses is normally waived.
Automobile Registration
In California, cars need to be registered, insured, and must pass emissions inspections (smog certificate). Residents who come from out-of-state need to register their vehicles in California within 20 days of their arrival. Take your most recently issued auto registration, smog certificate and purchase information to the DMV office. A smog certificate is required by the state (cost is $10). To get the certificate, a smog test must be performed (the costs vary from shop to shop).Various fees are due upon registering your vehicle (registration fee, California Highway Patrol fee, license plate fee, vehicle license fee: total cost is approximately $50.
For Foreign Nationals
If you plan to drive a car, you must get a California driver license within 10 days of your arrival to the US. A California driver license is valid for up to 5 years (a renewal notice is sent two months before the expiration date).Remember that you can also get only the California ID if you do not plan to buy a car.
The Written Test
To obtain a California driver license you have to go to the DMV to take and pass a written driver’s test. The cost is $28. We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment (call 1-800-777-0133) as soon as possible or, if you walk-in the wait can be extremely long. You can also schedule an appointment online. So the process is:
- Bring your birth certificate, passport and social security number
- Pay a $28 application fee
- Pass a vision test
- Have your picture taken
- Give a thumbprint
- Pass a “traffic laws and sign” test
The California Driver Handbook helps you learn and study for the tests. There are also many corrected sample tests. This handbook can also be obtained at the local DMV office. The test takes some preparation as it is easy to fail even if you know how to drive. You need to answer correctly 35 questions out of 38; if you fail, you have two more chances.
The Driving Test
After you have passed the written test, you will need to make an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133 for a driving test. The DMV does not provide cars to take the test, so have a friend drive you in their car. Because you do not have a valid driver license, don’t forget to have a licensed driver take you to the DMV office. If you have attended a driving school, they can lend you a car for the driving test. Driver training classes are available for a fee. Go to the DMV Website and search for driving schools. The driving test is usually 30 minutes long and you are allowed to 15 minors mistakes. If you fail, you have two more chances to take it. After you pass your driving test, you will be issued a temporary license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Verify your address before you leave the DMV. If you do not receive your license within 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to verify the status.