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.
If you have a social security number (SSN) and plan to drive, you must apply for a driver's license within 10 days after your arrival in California. If you do not plan to drive, you need to apply for a California ID within 10 days. The 10 days requirement does not apply to a foreign national who is waiting for the issuance of a SSN. He/she should apply for a driver's license or California ID as soon as a SSN is issued.
California law allows you to drive a rental car with a valid driver's license from your home country. But when you purchase a car, you must have a California driver's 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. Please check the DMV web site for opening hours.
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. We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment (call 1-800-777-0133) or apply online as soon as possible. If you walk-in for a same-day appointment, be prepared to wait.
- 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 an 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 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.Please refer to the DMV web site for more details.
For Foreign Nationals
If you plan to drive a car, you must get a California driver license. A California driver license is valid for up to 5 years (a renewal notice is sent two months before the expiration date).If you do not plan to drive, you still need to go to the DMV to apply for a California identification card.
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. We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment (call 1-800-777-0133) as soon as possible or, if you walk-in for a same-day appointment, be prepared to wait. You can also schedule an appointment online.
- Bring your birth certificate, passport and social security number
- Pay an 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 Driving Test
After you have passed the written test, you will need to make an appointment for a driving test by calling 1-800-777-0133 or apply online. 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 Web site 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. Verify your address before you leave the DMV. You will receive your new photo license in the mail. If you do not receive your license within 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to verify the status.