A California driver’s license (DL) is a card which gives you permission to operate a motor vehicle. A DL includes your true full name, birthdate, mailing address, signature, photograph, and physical description. The card must be in your possession anytime you operate a motor vehicle.

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Does California issue a driver license/identification card that shows I am a Veteran? Starting November 12, 2015, a new law allows DMV, upon request, to mark a DL/ID card with the word 'Veteran' to indicate a person served in the United States (US) Armed Forces. In the state of California, you can only obtain a hardship license, also known as a restricted license, when your drivers license suspension is the result of driving under the influence or lack of car insurance. City Capitol City. State WAZip code 9. Customer ID number (license number) DOE8. Document discriminator DOE8. State Driver License Formats STATE FORMAT ALABAMA AL 7 Numeric ALASKA AK Up To 7 Digits ARIZONA AZ 1 Alpha 8 Digits; or 9 Numeric (SSN) ARKANSAS AR 9 numeric (SSN); or 8 Numeric CALIFORNIA CA 1 Alpha 7 Numeric COLORADO CO CT. Document Number On California License Or Permit Should you have more questions about filling out required CA DMV forms, leave us a comment below or can contact the CA DMV at (800) 777-0133. Note that there are other documents that are not available online, which means that you may be required to pick them up in person.

Planning future travels? As of the new May 3, 2023 deadline, you will not be allowed to use your driver’s license to board a domestic flight unless it is REAL ID compliant. Learn More.

Important Information

California has extended noncommercial driver’s licenses (including AB 60 and limited-term) expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• License holders 69 and younger (Beginning March 1, 2020): Most drivers now qualify for online renewal.
• License holders over the age of 70 (March-December 2020 expirations): Extension valid for one year from original expiration date. Beginning December 6, 2020, eligible to renew online or by mail for expirations March 2020 through the COVID-19 pandemic.

You need a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle. Learn about the types of DLs offered and the requirements for applying for one.

You can start your application for a DL online and finish the process at a DMV office. There’s an application fee for original, renewal, and duplicate DLs.

License Types

There are two main categories of DLs: noncommercial and commercial. Within the noncommercial category, there are sub-types of licenses that authorize drivers to operate specific types of motor vehicles. Details about the categories and sub-types of licenses can be found below, as well as in the California Driver Handbook.

There are four types of noncommercial DLs:

• Basic DL (Class C): A standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways.
• Motorcycle (Class M1 or M2): 2-wheel motorized vehicle. Learn how to apply for a motorcycle license.
• Travel trailer/fifth wheel (Noncommercial Class A): Over 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or a trailer coach over 10,000 pounds GVWR (when the towing is not for compensation).
• Housecar/motorhome (Noncommercial Class B): Over 40 feet, but not over 45 feet (with endorsement).

All noncommercial DLs are available as either REAL ID compliant or federal non-compliant cards.

Once you complete the requirements of your provisional instruction permit, you are eligible to take your driving test. You must:

• Be between 16-18 years old.
• Have held your provisional instruction permit for a minimum of six months.
• Have completed driver education.
• Have completed six hours of professional driver training.
• Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years old or older who has a valid California DL and can certify that you completed the 50 hours of practice.
• Practice driving at night for at least 10 of the 50 practice hours.

To take your driving test:

• Schedule a driving test appointment (driving tests are not given without an appointment). You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during regular business hours to make an appointment.
• Provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance) that meets or exceeds California insurance requirements.

If you fail your drive test, you must wait 14 days (not including the day the test was failed) before you may take the test again. There is a fee of $7 to retest. If you fail the driving test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply.

Once you pass the driving test, DMV will issue you a temporary DL until you receive your new DL in the mail. The temporary DL is valid for 60 days. You will receive your DL via mail within 3-4 weeks. If you haven’t received your new DL after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

All California residents need to have a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle. Application requirements vary based on your individual situation (see below).

Situation #1: “I’ve never had a DL.”

If you are over 18 years of age and you have never had a DL in any state or country, you may obtain an instruction permit until you are ready to take your driving test.

A provisional instruction permit is only for drivers under the age of 18. An instruction permit would be issued to a person over age 18.

Once you complete the requirements of the instruction permit, you can take the driving test to get a California DL.

Situation #2: “I have a DL issued by another state.”

Here’s how you apply for a California DL if you already have a valid DL that was issued by another state:

• Complete a Driver’s License or Identification (DL/ID) card application.
• Visit a DMV office, where you will:
  • Provide your social security number (SSN).
  • Prove your identity with an acceptable identity document (original or certified copy) for either a Federal Non-Compliant or REAL ID Compliant DL/ID Card. Your current name needs to match the name on the identity document (see the FAQs below for more information).
  • Present acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California DL/ID).
  • 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, we do not administer knowledge tests within 30 minutes of closing.

Situation #3: “I have a DL issued by another country.”

If you have a DL issued by another country, follow the application process listed above for “I have a DL issued by another state.”

You’ll also need to pass a driving test to obtain an original California DL.

To take your driving test:

• Schedule a driving test appointment (driving tests are not given without an appointment). You may also call 1-800-777-0133 during the regular business hours to make an appointment.
• Provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance) that meets or exceeds California insurance requirements.

Your application fee allows you three attempts to pass the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new driving test on another day and pay a $7 retest fee. If you fail the driving test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply.

Situation #4: “I am ineligible for a DL, but can prove legal presence in California.”

Any Californian who can prove their current legal presence in the United States (U.S.) with one of the accepted identity documents (original or certified copy) is eligible to receive a standard or REAL ID driver license or identification (DL/ID) card. This includes all U.S. citizens, permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens (Green Card holders), and those with temporary legal status, such as recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and holders of a valid student or employment visa. For Californians with temporary legal status, their DL/ID card will expire depending on their immigration status, will expire on the same date as their U.S. legal presence document, and they can receive a new card with a documented extension of their legal status.

See the full list of acceptable identity documents for a Federal Non-Compliant or REAL ID Compliant DL/ID card.

There are many other ways to prove that you are legally present in the United States:

• If you were born in the U.S., you may provide a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or passport card.
• If you are an immigrant to the U.S., you may provide a U.S. citizen naturalization or citizenship document, or a Permanent Resident Card.
• If you are a non-immigrant, but are authorized to be in the U.S., you may present a Temporary Resident Identification card or other temporary resident documentation.

Your DL will remain valid until the expiration date printed on the card.

If you no longer maintain U.S. legal presence, you can convert your DL to an AB 60 DL.

About REAL ID DLs

REAL ID compliant DLs are noncommercial or commercial licenses that also allow you to board domestic flights, enter military bases, and enter most secure federal facilities.

All California REAL ID compliant DL cards contain a California grizzly bear and a star on the front upper-right corner of the card.

Individuals applying for a DL through AB 60 are unable to apply for a REAL ID compliant card.

Additional Card Markings

• Veteran designation: Eligible veterans can add the word “VETERAN” to the front of their DL to indicate that they served in the United States (U.S.) Military. This designation may grant individuals access to certain privileges, benefits, or compensation associated with being a veteran without having to carry and produce a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).
  • You must provide a completed Veteran Status Verification Form (VSD-001) (issued by a County Veterans Service Office) and pay an additional $5 fee at the DMV office to receive the veteran designation on your DL.
• Organ and tissue donor: When you add your name to the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, you’re legally authorizing the recovery of organs and tissues in the event of your death. A pink “DONOR” dot will be printed on your DL.

Need something else?

Renew Your DL/ID Card

Is the expiration date on your DL/ID card approaching? Learn how to renew your current DL/ID.

Replace Your DL/ID Card

Find out how to replace lost, stolen, or damaged DL/ID cards.

Update Information on Your DL/ID Card

Learn how to change your name, address, or gender on your DL/ID card.

If you need an official driving record for employment purposes or information regarding points on your license or license status, you can order driving records directly from the California DMV.

However, if you are looking for publicly available driving history information such as convictions, court records, or tickets, please continue below and our partner TruthFinder may serve your needs.

Search Driving History & More

Instantly access all types of publicly available information in one place in just a few seconds.Search almost anyone at any time with this background check subscription service to obtain information on:

• Convictions, court records, and in many cases tickets
• Unlimited access to public records

Disclaimer: Truth Finder cannot be used for employment or tenant screening. Truth Finder is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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• Online using the DMV's Driver Record Request page.
• By mail or in person with the DMV.

What Are Driving Records?

Your driving record shows your driving history in the state. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) refers to these records as driver license records and DMV records.

People often obtain copies of their driving records to:

• Ensure the information is correct, especially since your driving record may be used to determine your car insurance rates.
• Monitor for identity theft.
• Submit to an employer (see Employer, Insurance & Attorney Requests below).
• Submit to a court when requested.

Types of CA Driver License Records

The CA DMV provides the following types of driving records to perform a California license check:

• Unofficial: This is the copy you'll see if you order online.
• Official: You can request this copy in person or by mail.

California also provides instructions on how to request a copy of your own or someone else's National Driver Register (NDR) record check. (See “National Driver Register Records' below for details.)

Info Shown on Your CA Driver Record

Your CA driving record includes information regarding:

• Traffic tickets and convictions, including DUI.
• Your driver license status, including whether:
  • Your license is or was ever suspended, revoked, or canceled.
  • You owe any license reinstatement fees.
• The DMV Point System (See “DMV Points' below).

Your driver record also includes the same kinds of personal information associated with your driver's license, including your:

• Name and age.
• Address.
• Social Security number.

DMV Points

You accumulate driving record points for each driving- and vehicle-related violation. Most offenses stay on your record for either 3 years or 10 years.

3 years:

• Convictions worth 1 point.
  • These include minor traffic violations or faulty equipment.
• Car accidents.
  • These stay on for 3 years from the date of the accident.
• License suspension and revocation.

10 years:

• Convictions worth 2 points.
  • Examples include DUI and reckless driving.
• DUI “failure to appear' offenses.
  • All other “failure to appear' or 'failure to pay' offenses stay on your record for 5 years.

Learn more about the California Point System at our DMV Point System in California section.

Employer, Insurance & Attorney Requests

While you may want to view your CA driver license record for personal reasons, your driving record might also be requested by an employer, an insurance company, or a court/attorney:

• Employers – Employers often want to see driving histories of potential employees or those who are required to drive on the job.
• Insurance companies – Your driving history can be factored into your insurance premiums.
• Attorneys – Courts or attorneys may request your driving records, especially in­­­­­­ the case of a traffic violation.

DMV Records & Your Car Insurance

Did you know car insurance companies check your driver history when determining your rates?

A less-than-perfect driving history doesn't mean you have to settle for sky-high auto insurance rates. You may be able to keep points off your record by attending a defensive driving course.

Ordering a California Driving Record

Online

You can order an online driver record, but understand online driving records aren't official documents. If you need an official document, order in person or by mail.

To order your unofficial record online:

• Visit the state's Driver Record Request page.
• Provide the required information.
• Pay the applicable fee. (See “Fees for Your CA Driver License Record' below.)

NOTE: You must be a Certified User to use this option. That just means you have to register, which you can do via the state's Certified User Registration page.

In Person

To order your CA driving record in person:

• Visit your local DMV office.
  • The DMV recommends making an appointment for faster service.
• Complete the Request for Your Own Driver License Information Record (Form INF 1125).
• Show identification.
• Pay the required fee. (See “Fees for Your CA Driver License Record' below.)

By Mail

To order your driving record by mail:

• Complete the Request for Your Own Driver License Information Record (Form INF 1125).
  OR
  
• Complete a written request that includes your:
  • Name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Social Security number.
  • CA driver license number.
  • Signature.
• Provide a check or money order for the $5 fee.

Mail your request to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Information Release Unit G199
P. O. BOX 944247
Sacramento, California 94244

NOTE: Make sure to write “Certified Driver Record' at the top of the application or written request IF you are requesting an official copy.

Ordering Another Person's Record

California considers driving records public information, but that doesn't mean just anybody can order one for just any reason. You can request the driving history, and the DMV will determine whether you receive it.

Begin the process by completing the Request for Record Information (Form INF 70) and mailing it to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Information Release Unit G199
P.O. Box 944247
Sacramento, CA 94244

Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee. (See “Fees for CA Driver License Records' below).

NOTE: Typically, the DMV does not reveal personal and sensitive information on these records; information such as the person's address and Social Security number will be blacked out. Exceptions might be made in legal situations.

Fees for CA Driver License Records

Fees for driver records in CA are:

• Online: $2.
• By mail: $5.
• In person: $5.

Accepted Methods of Payment

The types of payment accepted will vary based on how you request your record.

Online:

If paying online, you'll need to use either:

• A major credit/debit card.
• The system's eCheck feature.

By Mail:

If requesting your CA drivers record by mail, you'll send a check or money order with your request.

In Person:

Your local DMV office accepts:

• Cash.
• Check.
• Money orders.
• Major ATM/debit cards.
  • Credit cards are NOT accepted.

National Driver Register Records

Essentially, the National Driver Register (NDR) is a national database of “problem drivers'—drivers who've had license suspensions or serious traffic convictions, such as DUI.

NDR drivers records include information from every state that's issued you a driver's license, as long as that state has reported the information to the NDR.

You can order your own NDR driving record check or that of an employee, if you're an employer.

When you order an NDR drivers record check via California's application process, the information goes back 3 years from the inquiry date.

Typically, drivers who've ever had suspensions, revocations, or other serious license issues order NDR driving record checks to make sure the information is correct before applying for a license in another state or interviews for jobs that require driving.

Your Own Record

You do not need a request form to order your own record.

Just submit a notarized written request to the Department of Transportation's National Driver Register at:

National Driver Register
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Your request must include your:

• Full legal name and date of birth.
• State and driver's license number.
• Sex, height, weight, and eye color.

Your Social Security number is optional.

Your NDR driving record check is free of charge.

Employer Requests

To order a request for the drivers record of a current or prospective employee:

• Complete a Request for NDR Record Check (Form INF 1301A). Read all of the instructions carefully, but pay special attention to:
  • Having the driver authorize the record check with a signature.
  • Making sure the driver certifies his identity by having the signature notarized.
  • Making the request in the state where the driver is currently licensed.

Mail the form and a check or money order for the $5 fee to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Information Release Unit G199
P.O. Box 944247
Sacramento, CA 94244

Fixing Errors on Your CA Driving Record

You can request to fix incorrect information regarding traffic violations, convictions, and accidents on your driving record in California.

Traffic Violations and Convictions

Complete and submit the Driver License Record Correction Request (Form DL 207).

You also must include appropriate court documents to prove you weren't convicted of the violation:

• The DMV requests a Court Abstract/Document Error (Form DL 157).
• An original signed or certified letter from the court on official letterhead.

You can get both from the court that handled your case.

Mail the Correction Request and applicable documents to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Mandatory Actions Unit, Mail Station J233
P.O. Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290

Traffic Accidents

Complete and submit a Traffic Accident Record Correction Request (Form DL 208).

Be sure to include the original traffic accident report, along with an amended report or correction explanation on official letterhead. You can get these documents from the law enforcement agency that handled the accident.

Mail all forms and documents to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Mandatory Actions Unit, Mail Station J233
P.O. Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290

Filing a Complaint of Illegal Record Access

If someone has accessed your driver's license record illegally, you can make a complaint to the DMV by completing the Complaint Form (INF 1164) and mailing to the address on the form.

Forms

Lost Driver's License California

This form is provided by your state's agency/department.

Document Number On Driver's License California Requirements

Please select one of the below to continue:

Document Discriminator On Driver's License