What Do I Need to Take to the California DMV To Get My License?

You've finally arrived at the big moment. You've taken Drivers Ed, received your driver's permit, completed your behind-the-wheel driving lessons, and finished your 50 hours of driving practice. It's now time to head to the California DMV for your driving test and get your driver's license! You don't want to forget anything at home, so make sure you check off every item on our list of documents you need to bring with you to the DMV during the licensing process.

Bring Just in Case!

While you have already submitted your identification documents to the DMV to get your permit, it's always a good idea to have them on your person when you arrive for your road test, just in case there are any questions about your application! To review, when you first apply for your license, you will need the following:

Proof of Identity

You want a drivers license in California? Well, then you are going to have to prove to them that you are actually who you say you are. This has to be an original or certified document that establishes your birth date, full name and identity.

The California DMV will turn you away if you arrive with a photocopy of these documents. It has to be an original copy or a certified copy of the original. Examples of acceptable documents include:

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen
• Naturalization certificate
• Permanent Resident Card
• Official U.S. Armed Forces Identification Card
• Passport from another country or Mexican Border Crossing Card (with a valid I-94 form)

Social Security Number

For the drivers license application, you will need to provide your social security number.

Two California Residency Documents

For the REAL ID, you must also provide two California residency documents. The California DMV will accept copies of these documents, unlike the proof of identity documents. These documents need to include your first and last name, as well as your California address. This address must match the address you listed on your drivers license application.

These are some examples of acceptable documents you could provide:

• Medical document
• Cell phone or home utility bill
• Insurance document, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
• Rental agreement that includes signatures of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
• Court document where the applicant is listed as a resident of California
• Any school document issued by a U.S. educational institution and it must include the applicant’s date of birth. If it is a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.

If your legal name does not appear on any of these documents, the California DMV will allow you to use your birth certificate to show proof that your parents or guardians are legal residents of the address you provided on your drivers license application.

License Fee

You will be responsible for paying the fee associated with the drivers license application. For an original Class C license, the fee is currently $45. If you happen to require any other services, those extra charges can be found on the California DMV website.

For the in-person payment, the California DMV will accept cash, an ATM/debit card, credit card, digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay), a cashier's check, or money order made payable to DMV.

Make Sure to Have These For Your Drive Test!

It's time for your behind-the-wheel exam! Make sure you bring all the documents listed below to the exam. You will not be allowed to test without these!

Classroom Driver's Education & Driving Lesson Completion Certificates

You will need to bring proof of completion of a classroom Driver's Ed course (in-person or online). You may recognize this as your pink certificate. You will need proof of completion of your six hours of behind-the-wheel driving lessons with a professional instructor. You may recognize this as your yellow or golden certificate.

Note that drivers over the age of 18 are not required to submit these documents at the time of testing.

Current Proof of Insurance and Registration

Since you will be completing your driving test while at the DMV, you will need to bring in proof of insurance and proof of registration for the vehicle you will be using for that driving test. Also, know where these documents are in the car in case you are asked to provide them during your test.

Valid License of Your Accompanying Driver

Because you have not yet been issued your driving license, you must be accompanied to your drive test by a licensed driver 25 and over. This driver must be able to show a valid license to the DMV representative before the driving test can be administered. Note, if the driver testing for their license is over 18, their accompanying licensed driver may be 18 or over.

Signed Permit

Last, but not least, you will need your signed learner's permit. Be certain the following three signatures are present on your permit before taking off for the DMV:

• Your signature on the first page of your permit (required for all applicants)
• Your instructor's signature and instructor license number on the first line of the second page of your permit (required for applicants under 18 only)
• Your parent or guardian's signature and California license number on the second line of the second page of your permit (required for applicants under 18 only)

These signature will show the DMV that you have met the requirements of your driving lessons and your practice of at least 50 hours behind the wheel.

You've worked hard to get to this point, so make sure you don't forget anything at home; otherwise you will have to reschedule your appointment! Get all of your documents organized the night before to reduce that pre-test anxiety. And of course, the best of luck at your appointment!