How to get a driver's license in California as an immigrant
Everything a new arrival in California needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.
Quick answers
- Drive on a foreign license?
- Visitors from abroad may drive with a valid foreign license; California does not require an International Driving Permit.
- Deadline after moving
- Not stated in official sources
- License exchange without tests
- No exchange agreements
- License without immigration status
- Yes
- No SSN?
- Provide your SSN if you are authorized to work; AB 60 applicants without a verifiable SSN use other identity documents (e.g. foreign passport).
Driving on a foreign license
Visitors from abroad may drive with a valid foreign license; California does not require an International Driving Permit.
Exchanging a foreign license
No exchange agreements
California has no foreign license reciprocity; AB 2196 (2026), which would have allowed exchanges, died in committee. The foreign license must be surrendered when the California license is issued.
If your country is not on the list
All foreign license holders take the vision test, the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel drive test, like any first-time applicant.
Foreign nationals, regardless of their country of origin, are required to take both the written and behind-the-wheel portion of the exam. atrn.assembly.ca.gov
Documents for non-citizens
Examples of accepted immigration documents:
- Permanent Resident Card
- Temporary resident cards or other official travel papers
- USCIS documents showing how long you may legally stay
License validity: If your legal presence document expires in less than 5 years, you get a limited-term license.
License regardless of immigration status
AB 60 driver license: for California residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.; requires proof of identity and California residency and passing the knowledge and drive tests.
California offers driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status. dmv.ca.gov
Social Security number
Provide your SSN if you are authorized to work; AB 60 applicants without a verifiable SSN use other identity documents (e.g. foreign passport).
you must provide your BD/LP document and your Social Security Number (SSN), if you are authorized to work. www.dmv.ca.gov Proof of residency
1 document proving California residency (e.g. lease, utility bill) for AB 60 applicants.
The applicant must submit one (1) of the following documents. www.dmv.ca.gov
Step by step
- Complete the Driver's License & ID Card Application (online or at the DMV).
- Gather identity/legal presence documents (or AB 60 identity documents), your SSN if authorized to work, and 1 California residency document.
- Visit a DMV office: pay the $46 application fee, give a thumbprint and photo, and pass the vision test.
- Pass the knowledge test (offered in many languages) to get an instruction permit.
- Practice driving on the instruction permit.
- Schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel drive test; surrender any foreign license.
- Receive your license by mail (AB 60 and limited-term licenses carry their own limits).
Fees
$46 for an original Class C license application.
Fee$46 dmv.ca.gov
Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in California
Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.