Your driver’s license is one of the most important things on the long to-do list that comes with moving to California. You can first drive legally if you have a valid license from another state. However, the regulations change once you become a resident.
Ten days are allowed for new residents to transfer their out-of-state license to a California license. In order to continue driving without any issues, you need to move fast to collect documentation, complete a DMV application, and pass a knowledge test.
How long you can drive with an out-of-state license
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) makes a big difference between visitors and residents.
If you have a valid driver’s license from your home state or country, are 18 years of age or older, and are only visiting the golden state, you can drive in it as long as the license remains valid.
However, If you relocate though and become a resident, things are different: You will only be given 10 days to change to change your out-of-state license to a California license. Driving with just your previous license is no longer considered as valid for residents after those ten days.
The state divides licenses into two main categories:
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Non-commercial licenses (for personal, everyday driving)
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Commercial licenses (for larger or work vehicles)
Types of California driver’s licenses
Non-commercial licenses
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Class C – Basic Driver License: For personal transportation. Using a regular car or a pickup.
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Class A (non-commercial) – Travel trailer / fifth wheel: For towing a fifth wheel or large travel trailer:
- Over 15,000 pounds GVWR, or
- Tow vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVWR, when not being used for employment.
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Class M1 or M2 – Motorcycle: For two-wheel motor vehicles.
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Class B (non-commercial) – Housecar / Motorhome: For a motorhome or housecar that is more than 40 feet but not more than 45 feet, with authorization.
Commercial licenses
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Commercial Class A: When the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds GVWR, or any legal combination of vehicles weighing at least 26,001 pounds.
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Commercial Class B: Any vehicle towing another vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds GVWR, or a single vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds GVWR.
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Commercial Class C: For Class C vehicles with one or more of these:
- Hazardous materials (HazMat)
- Passenger vehicle (PV)
- Tank vehicle
How to transfer your license to the golden state.
1. Confirm that you are a California resident:
- You live in California at least six months a year.
- You are a registered voter in California.
- Your employer is located in California, or you work there.
- You pay in-state tuition at a California college or university.
- You have kids or dependents in primary, middle, or high school in California.
- You either rent a place in the state or own a home that is exempt from property taxes.
2. Complete the California driver’s license application: Fill out the online form. To store your information on the DMV website, you need an ID.me account.
3. Prepare your documents
- Proof of identity (valid passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of California residency with your full name and address (lease, mortgage statement, utility bill, etc.)
4. Study for the written test: A DMV knowledge test is required for new residents. You will have to consult the California Driver Handbook and official materials to learn about road signs, rules, and safety laws.
5. Visit a California DMV office
- Present your identity and proof of residency.
- Give your Social Security number.
- A non-refundable application fee must be paid.
- Get a scan of your fingerprints
- Examine your vision.
- Get a picture taken of you
- Pass the written knowledge test.
After these procedures, you are given a temporary driver’s license. A few weeks later, your official license will be mailed to you.