Department of Motor Vehicles

Driver’s License

The DMV (Department of motor vehicles) is a government agency responsible for handling vehicle-related topics such as giving out drivers licenses, dealing with renewals, vehicle registrations, and many more services. Check out what services the DMV offers in detail in the link here: California DMV

Driver’s License for J-1s 

The DMV (Department of motor vehicles) is a government agency responsible for handling vehicle-related topics such as issuing and renewing driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and many more services.  
Exchange visitors are encouraged to obtain a California Driver’s License (DL) if you plan to drive a car in the United States. A California Driver’s License is usually required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance. In general, it is legal for a non-resident visitor to drive a car with a valid foreign driver’s license (Vehicle code Section 12502 and 12505). The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP)/International Driver’s License/International License as a valid form of driver’s license.   
 
Please check in with the RO at TIBI first so we can validate your visa status on SEVIS.  The DMV office will check your status on SAVE program.  You will need a Social Security number before you can apply for a Real ID California driver’s license/ID card.  You will need the following original documents

  • Valid Passport with Visa 
  • Most Recent I-94 
  • DS-2019 
  • 2 documents showing residential address (e.g. bank statement, insurance document, utility bill, tax document, etc.) 

Your passport DS-2019 CANNOT expire less than 60 days from the date of application. If these documents expire in less than 60 days, you cannot apply.  
 

Check out DMV’s Educational Materials: handbook, test preparation, safety videos, etc. before applying for a driver’s license. 
 
California ID card issued by DMV is for people who do not drive.  It could be used for age and residential address verification (e.g. discount for residents, alcohol purchase). 
 
DMV offices nearby: 

Tip: For AAA members, AAA offices also offer limited services, which allow you to skip a long visit to the DMV, such as vehicle registration and vehicle title processing. More info here. 


When you are ready to apply for CA driver’s license, we recommend you make an appointment

At the DMV, you will: 

      • Prove your identity and provide proof of residency by presenting the documents listed above 
      • Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months) 
      • Have your thumbprint scanned. 
      • Pass a vision exam. 
      • Have your photo taken. 
      • Pass the knowledge test(s). You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid, and you will need to reapply. To allow for sufficient testing time, the DMV does not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of the DMV office closing. 
      • The DMV will issue a temporary driving permit upon passing the knowledge test.  
         

Behind the Wheel Driving Test:  

If you have a driver’s license from your home country may be exempt from the driving skills test. Be sure to bring your driver’s license to present to the officer at the DMV. 
The DMV will not provide a car for your driving test.  You need to arrange it on your own.  If you already have a driver’s license from abroad, you may be able to use a rental car.  If you need driving lessons or borrow a car for the driving test, private driving schools may provide the service with fees.  
 

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