As of the new May 7, 2025 deadline, you will need a REAL ID if you want to use your license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.
It’s important to renew driver’s licenses, ID cards, and provisional instruction permits before they expire. The expiration date is noted on the card.
If your driver’s license, ID card, or commercial driver’s license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you may request a replacement.
Change is inevitable, we know…which is why we’re committed to making it easy for you to ensure your driver’s license/ID card accurately reflects who (and where!) you are.
An instruction permit is for individuals who are learning to drive and are working on fulfilling the requirements to get a driver’s license.
Identification (ID) cards are used to prove your identity or age (like driver’s licenses) but they do not allow you to operate a motor vehicle.
AB 60 driver’s licenses are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States (U.S.), but who meet California DMV requirements and are able to provide proof of identity and California residency.
It takes special skills, training, and aptitude to safely operate large trucks and buses. We issue commercial driver’s licenses to ensure that drivers meet our high standards for operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
Before you can get a California driver’s license of any kind, you will need to pass knowledge and driving tests. Here are resources to help you prepare.
You need a valid California driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Learn more about the types of driver’s licenses and how to apply.
A California motorcycle driver’s license authorizes you to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle, motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor.
Find fees for applying for, renewing, changing, or replacing your driver’s license or ID card.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. Google™ Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google™ Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool.
The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version.
The following pages provided on the DMV website cannot be translated using Google™ Translate: