The summer months may seem like a time where more people vacation and take breaks, but it often is a very busy time for people. That is true for the Department of Motor Vehicles also, as all these teenagers are working to get their driver's license and the DMV fills up quickly.

To help ease that, the California DMV announced they will open 64 field offices across the state an hour earlier. This will be for the summer months and the earlier hours started on Thursday, June 2, and will run through Friday, September 30.

What Field Offices Have The Extended Hours?

As the DMV stated in their press release, 64 field offices will have these extended hours for the summer months. These field offices will open at 7 a.m. every weekday, except Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, the offices will open at 9 a.m. and they close at 5 p.m. daily. The office locations are:

We have seen the DMV make a lot of shifts to offering more digital services. Because of that, a lot of DMV tasks do not require an office visit. The DMV encourages all customers to use its online services, and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to complete DMV tasks.

DMV Director Steve Gordon said, “While most folks no longer need to visit us at the office, for the rare times they do, we’ve extended our hours. Giving customers an extra hour to complete their DMV transactions is just another way the DMV is making things convenient for our customers. The extra hour also allows more customers to complete their REAL ID application now instead of waiting until next spring as the federal enforcement date nears.”

You can apply for a REAL ID by filling out the online application and upload your documents. A visit to a DMV office is required to complete the application. Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved documents, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's license journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.

The California DMV will be extending their hours at select locations this summer to help serve more customers during these busy months.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced certain locations will be extending their hours during the summer to help serve more customers.

California DMV Extends Office Hours At Select Locations For The Summer

The Colorado DMV has made changes to their requirements and students of third-party driving schools, like Coastline Academy, must pre-register online for their driver license appointment. This is for any applicant that needs to take a written or driving test at the DMV. This pre-registration allows you to start an application for a Colorado driver license, ID or instruction permit online. We give you the steps on how to pre-register for that driver license appointment in Colorado below.

For this pre-registration, the Colorado DMV has provided very clear steps on getting through the process. Those steps are:

Answer the first question and enter Date of Birth and click "Next"

Select which document you are applying for and click "Next"

Enter information and click "Click to Verify Address," select the verified address, and click "Next"

Answer mailing address question and click "Next"

Answer Prior Out of State License question and click "Next"

Answer Emergency Contact question and click "Next"

Answer Demographic questions and click "Next"

Answer Citizenship status question and click "Next"

Select which document you will produce at the DMV to validate your Full Name and click "Next"

Select which document you will produce at the DMV to validate your Social Security Number from the drop-down menu and click "Next"

Select two different documents you will produce at the DMV to validate your address and click "Next"

This screen will show you the documents you have chosen to bring to the DMV to validate your information. Click "Next"

Select if you would like to receive a reminder 45 days before your ID or license expires and click "Next"

Enter and re-enter your email address and click "Next"

Review the information that was entered and Click "Submit" if everything is correct. If any information is not correct, click "Previous" to get to the screen with incorrect information.

Once you have completed this pre-registration, you will be given a pre-registration number. You need to give this number to the driving school you are attending or if you are going straight to the DMV, provide the technician with the confirmation number.

During this process, the Colorado DMV states you will be asked for:

Your basic information (name, date of birth, address, sex, hair color, etc.)

Which documents you are planning on bringing to the DMV to meet identification requirements

Which documents you are planning on bringing to the DMV to meet Social Security/ITIN requirements

Which documents you are planning on bringing to the DMV to meet residency requirements

After completing the pre-registration process:

You will receive a confirmation that will list the exact documents you need to bring to the driver license office to get your driver license or instruction permit, along with the fees you can expect to pay.

Print or retain the email confirmation electronically and bring it, along with the specified documents, with you when you visit the driver license office.

The driver license technician will scan the barcode on the confirmation, which will pre-populate the information you entered into the system.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.

Applicants in Colorado must pre-register for their driver license appointment at the Colorado DMV office, so we go through the steps for you here.

The Colorado DMV now requires any applicant taking a written or driving exam to present a pre-registration number. We let you know how to get that number here.

How To Pre-Register For Driver License Appointment At Colorado DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is taking another step to reduce its carbon footprint, as well as making it more convenient and easy for Californians. The latest step is an announcement by the California DMV that California drivers can now opt to receive vehicle registration renewal notices by email instead of a paper notice sent through traditional mail.

In a press release, California DMV Director Steve Gordon said, "Customers can get an email renewal notice and immediately renew their vehicle registration from the comfort of their own home. Choosing the paperless option will save paper and save time, so it’s a win-win for the environment and our busy customers.”

Back in July 2021, the DMV started offering driver's license renewal notices by email. To sign up for these paperless vehicle registration and driver's license renewal notices, customers will have to sign in or create a secure online account on the California DMV website and then opt in for the paperless option. The DMV does not share customer email addresses with private companies.

So, when will the paperless option begin for vehicle registration renewals? The DMV announced it will begin sending out these electronic renewal notices to eligible customers who opt in beginning this month for vehicle registrations expiring in May. Normally the DMV will send out renewal notices at least 60 days before a registration expires.

The California DMV has taken several steps to offer more of their services digitally. Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit. Because of that, the DMV is encouraging customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions when possible, including eligible driver's license and vehicle registration renewals. They also recommend using the Service Advisor on the DMV website to help you learn your options to complete DMV tasks.

Californians may now opt in to receive vehicle registration renewal notices by email instead of a paper notice by traditional mail. 

Drivers in California can now opt in to receive email reminder instead of mail when it is time to renew their vehicle registration.

California DMV to Offer Paperless Notices for Vehicle Registration Renewals 

If you are wanting to officially get behind the wheel in Colorado and you are ready to obtain your driver's license, then you know you have to take a driving test at your local DMV office. So, how much does a driving test cost in Colorado? Arrive prepared, as we tell you below!

Before you can get your driver's license, there are some steps you have to complete first:

If you are under 18 years of age, then the State of Colorado requires you to:

Hold your Colorado Instruction Permit for one full year. This is from the original date the Colorado Instruction Permit was issued to you by the DMV.

If you are under 16.5 years of age, you must complete six hours of behind-the-wheel driving lessons with a state-certified instructor, which Coastline offers.

Have a completed and signed (by the parent or legal guardian that signed the Affidavit of Liability for the Instruction Permit) the Drive Time Log sheet with a total of 50 hours of drive time, which includes at least 10 hours of driving at night.

Pass the Behind-The-Wheel Driver’s Test.

If you are 18 years of age or older, then the State of Colorado requires you to:

Pass the written Instruction Permit exam.

As you can see, the final step for both age groups is to pass the behind-the-wheel driver's test. At this time, you will be applying for a Minor Driver License and then taking the driver's test. If you pass, then you will be the official holder of a driver's license! There is a fee associated with this, which is currently at $30.87 in Colorado. If you do not pass the driving test on your first attempt, you are allowed to do a retest and there is a $15 fee for that.

How much does a driving test cost in Colorado? Find out how much you need when heading to the DMV for that driving skills test!

If you are in the process of getting your driver's license in Colorado, you might be wondering how much does a driving test cost in Colorado? We answer that here!

How Much Does A Driving Test Cost In Colorado?

If you are a new driver looking to start your driver's license journey or just looking to renew your driver's license or get a REAL ID, you may be wondering where to go. Each state has a different department that deals with motor vehicle information - we've complied a list of the website, address, and contact number of the main licensing office of each state (and DC) below!

Alabama Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicles Division
2545 Taylor Road
Montgomery, AL 36117
Telephone Number: (334) 242-9000

Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
Telephone Number: (855) 269-5551

Arizona Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicles Division
MVD Office Locations
Telephone Number: (602) 712-7355

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Office of Motor Vehicles
Ragland Building
1900 W 7th St, Ste 1010
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone Number: (501) 682-4692

California Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 1st Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
Telephone Number: (800) 777-0133

Colorado Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
1881 Pierce St.
Lakewood, Colorado 80214
Telephone Number: (303) 205-5600

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Telephone Number: (860) 263-5700

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
303 Transportation Circle
Dover, DE 19901
Telephone Number: (302) 744-2500

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
2900 Apalachee Pkwy
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Telephone Number: (850) 617-2000

Georgia Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicles Division
4125 Welcome All Road
Atlanta, GA 30349
Telephone Number: (855) 406-5221

Hawaii Department of Customer Services
Mission Memorial Building
550 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Telephone Number: (808) 768-4385

Idaho Transportation Department
Division of Motor Vehicles
3311 W. State Street
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129
Telephone Number: (208) 334-8000

Illinois Secretary of State
213 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62756
Telephone Number: (800) 252-8980

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Indiana Government Center North
Room 402
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Telephone Number: (888) 692-6841

Iowa Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicles Division
6310 SE Convenience Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50021

Kansas Department of Revenue
Division of Vehicles
Zibell Building
300 SW 29th Street
Topeka, KS 66611
Telephone Number: (785) 296-3671

Drive Kentucky
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Telephone Number: (502) 564-1257

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
7979 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Telephone Number: (225) 925-6146

Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0029
Telephone Number: (207) 624-9000

Maryland Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Telephone Number: (410) 768-7000

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205
Telephone Number: (857) 368-8080

Michigan Secretary of State
430 W. Allegan St.
Richard H. Austin Building - 4th Floor
Lansing, MI 48918
Telephone Number: (888) 767-6424

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190
Town Square Building 
Saint Paul MN 55101-5190
Telephone Number: (651) 297-3298

Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
Telephone Number: (601) 987-1212

Missouri Department of Revenue
Harry S Truman State Office Building
301 West High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Telephone Number: (573) 526-2407

Montana Department of Justice
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 201430
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59620-1430
Telephone Number: (406) 444-3933

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94789
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4726
Telephone Number: (402) 471-4435

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
Telephone Number: (702) 486-4368

New Hampshire Department of Safety
Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
Telephone Number: (603) 227-4000

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Customer Advocacy Office
P.O. Box 403
Trenton, NJ 08666-0403
Telephone Number: (609) 292-6500

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
Joseph Montoya Building
P.O. Box 1028
1100 South St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe 87504-1028
Telephone Number: (888) 683-4636

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
Telephone Number: (518) 486-9786

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
3101 Mail Service Center
1515 N. Church St.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Telephone Number: (919) 715-7000

North Dakota Department of Transportation
608 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND  58505-0700
Telephone Number: (701) 328-2500

Ohio Department of Public Safety
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1970 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Telephone Number: (844) 644-6268

Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
3600 North Martin Luther King Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Telephone Number: (405) 425-2300

Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR 97314
Telephone Number: (503) 945-5000

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Telephone Number: (717) 412-5300

Rhode Island Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920-3024
Telephone Number: (401) 462-4368

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard
Building C
Blythewood, SC 29016
Telephone Number: (803) 896-5000

South Dakota Department of Public Safety
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Telephone Number: (605) 773-6883

Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243
Telephone Number: (615) 251-5166

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
4000 Jackson Avenue 
Austin, Texas 78731
Telephone Number: (888) 368-4689

Utah State Tax Commission
Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Telephone Number: (800) 368-8824

Vermont Agency of Transportation
Department of Motor Vehicles
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05603-0001
Telephone Number: (802) 828-2000

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
Telephone Number: (804) 497-7100

Washington State Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
Telephone Number: (360) 902-3900

Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles
95 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024-3622
Telephone Number: (202) 737-4404

West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Telephone Number: (800) 642-9066

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Division of Motor Vehicles
Hill Farms State Office Building
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Telephone Number: (608) 264-7447

Wyoming Department of Transportation
Wyoming Driver Services Program
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340
Telephone Number: (307) 777-4375

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support team. If you want to start your driver's training with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Driver's Ed and book your driving lesson today.

Looking for the contact information for your state's main Motor Vehicle and Licensing Office? We have it here!

State Licensing Contact Information By State

If you are ready to get behind the wheel in Colorado and start your driver's license journey, you may be wondering what are the driving age requirements in Colorado? Coastline Academy takes on that question, so find out the Colorado teen driving rules right here!

The regulations listed below will only hold true until January 1, 2027. After that date, Colorado's driver's education requirements will change drivers of all ages. More information about HB24-1021 may be found here.

The first step to getting your driver's license in Colorado is to obtain your Instruction Permit. The requirements for this change according to your age as follows:

Attend and complete an approved 30-hour Driver's Ed course.

Once you turn 15, you will be allowed to take the written test, which you must pass in order to receive your permit.

Attend and complete an approved four-hour Driver Awareness Program OR attend and complete an approved 30-hour Driver Education course.

Next Step: Get Your Colorado Driver License

The next step in the process is getting your driver's license. Again, the requirements for this step are based on your age.

Be at least 16 years of age or older to be eligible to take your road test.

Now that you have your driver's license, there are some rules you must follow if you are under the age of 18. One of those rules includes everyone in the vehicle must be wearing a seat belt or child restraint seat system. These other rules also apply, but are emergency exempt if an emergency should arise:

You can not drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

You may not use a cell phone while driving a vehicle.

For the first six months of having your driver license, you may not have any passengers under 21 (siblings are exempt).

Between six months and one year of holding your driver's license, you may have only one passenger under the age of 21 (siblings are exempt).

For Colorado, you can start preparing to hit the road at 14.5 years of age, but can't officially get your Instruction Permit until you are 15 years old. Get ready, as this exciting time in your life is about to begin!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support team. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.

Teenagers are asking what are the driving age requirements in Colorado - we have the answer here!

What Are The Driving Age Requirements In Colorado?

Every state is different as far as the age requirements to get behind the wheel and start driving, so you may be wondering what are the driving age requirements in Nevada? Find out the Nevada teen driving rules right here from Coastline Academy.

First step would be the learner's permit, which you must be 15 1/2 years old to get. For this permit, you will need to visit your local DMV office and show them proof of your identity and residential address. For proof of address, you can use items like a report card, student ID or bank statement.

Once you've submitted this paperwork, you will be ready to take your written knowledge exam, which tests you on everything you learned during the drivers education course. The test consists of 50 multiple choice questions about Nevada's traffic laws and highway signs. In order to pass, you need to answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly. The Nevada DMV does provide a free practice test online.

The next step in getting your driver's license in Nevada is to take a Drivers Ed course, if you are under 18 years old. You can begin this course when you turn 15. There are three options:

Attend a classroom course and complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience; or

Complete an online course and 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience; or

Complete 100 hours of driving experience. This option applies only if a classroom course is not offered within a 30-mile radius of your residence and you do not have access to the internet.

While you have your learner's permit, you are only allowed to drive with a licensed motorist in the front seat who is 21 or older. You are not allowed to have any at-fault crashes, moving violations or drug convictions within six months of applying for your license.

Once you have met the 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience and have held your learner's permit for at least six months, it is time to head back to the DMV office for your driving exam. For this appointment, you will need to bring with you:

A certificate of completion from your driver's education program

Your behind-the-wheel driving practice log

A vehicle with proof of insurance and registration

Once everything is verified, you will be approved and ready to take your behind-the-wheel road test!

Final Step: Nevada's Minor Driving Restrictions

You may have your drivers license already when you get to this final step, but you should know Nevada's minor driving restrictions. Otherwise, your driving privileges could be revoked!

New drivers in Nevada who are under 18 years of age must follow a set of driving restrictions and rules. These include:

For the first six months you have your license, you are not allowed to drive with anyone under the age of 18 unless they are immediate family.

You are not allowed to drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are going to or from work or a school-related event.

You are not allowed to drive after 9 p.m. on the Las Vegas Strip or in the Reno Gaming District unless you are accompanied by an adult.

If you follow these rules and regulations and drive safely, then you should have no issues obtaining an unrestricted driver's license when you turn 18.

Find out the driving age requirements that the Nevada DMV has imposed for new drivers.

Each state is different, so what are the age requirements for driving in Nevada?

What Are The Driving Age Requirements In Nevada?

You may be working your way through the driver's license process in the state of California and have come across some words or phrases that don't make sense to you. What's the difference between a provisional and full license? Are practice driving hours the same as my lessons? There are many common terms or phrases that throw people off during the licensing process. We've done the research and come up a resource sheet of the top most commonly asked about terms so you don't have to! Learn more below.

Every Driver's Education Course and School course must legally be certified by the California DMV. If your course isn't certified, your completion certificates will not be considered valid and you will need to retake your coursework. Coastline Academy is a DMV-certified school. Search for our official listing on the California DMV website here.

2. Noncommercial Class C Driver's License

There are several different classes of driver's licenses in California, but the most common is the noncommercial Class C driver's license. This license will allow you to operate a standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways.

REAL IDs are driver's licenses that are also a federally-accepted form of identification. The REAL ID can be used to board a domestic flight within the U.S. and allows the owner to enter secure federal facilities, like military bases and federal courthouses. A California REAL ID is marked with a golden bear and star in the top right corner. Note that REAL IDs will become mandatory to board domestic flights beginning in 2025. When applying for your license, make sure to get a REAL ID!

The California Driver's Handbook is a guide to all the rules and regulations of the roadways in California. This is a great resource to use when studying for the written knowledge test or just something to refer to if you have questions during the driver licensing process.

The written knowledge test is given to you by the California DMV after completing your Driver's Ed course. The test will cover a variety of topics you learned during Drivers Ed. The test consists of 46 questions and you can miss up to eight questions and still pass.

After taking your Driver's Ed course, you'll head to your local California DMV office. Once you pass the written knowledge test, you will be granted a provisional instructor permit, which is just a fancier name for your learner's permit. This is what you will use to practice your driving skills before taking your behind-the-wheel test.

After receiving your provisional instructor permit (learner's permit), you will be able to begin your professional instructor driving hours, other known as your behind-the-wheel lessons. In order to get your driver's license, you will need to complete six hours of driving lessons with a professional instructor. These lessons must be done in three separate driving sessions lasting 2 hours each. Coastline Academy offers driving lessons throughout the state of California.

In addition to the six hours of professional instructor driving hours, you will also need to complete at least 50 hours of practice driving with a parent, guardian or adult over the age of 25 with a valid driver's license. You may begin these 50 hours of practice after completing your first driving lesson with an instructor, as they will sign off on your permit allowing you to practice driving. Ten of these 50 hours must be done at night. 

After successfully completing your classroom Driver's Ed course, a pink certificate of completion will be mailed to you free of charge. If you need it faster than standard mail, you can pay for expedited shipping. You will need to bring this certificate with you when you go to the DMV office to get your learner's permit.

After successfully completing your six hours of driving lessons, you will be given a yellow or golden certificate of completion. You will need to take this with you to the DMV office when taking your behind-the-wheel driving test to show proof you completed the professional instructor driving hours.

Once you have completed all of your requirements, including classroom driver's education, the Written Test, and your driving lessons and practice, you'll be ready to schedule an appointment for your behind-the-wheel drive test at the DMV. The test will take between 10 and 20 minutes, and the DMV Examiner will test you on basic driving maneuvers in residential and commercial areas, including turning and lane changes.

Before you can begin the behind-the-wheel drive test, the DMV Examiner will conduct a pre-drive checklist. During this section of the test, you will need to locate and/or demonstrate the vehicle and driver safety items listed here. If certain items on the list do not pass the criteria requirement, you will have to reschedule your driving test. If you cannot locate and/or demonstrate certain items from the list, you may end up failing the test and be forced to choose another time.

The DMV Examiner is an employee of the California DMV. They will be the person that conducts the behind-the-wheel drive test with you and will determine if you will receive your driver's license.

After completing all the requirements to obtain your driver's license in California - including passing your driving test - anyone under the age of 18 will be issued a provisional driver's license. This means you will be allowed to drive alone, but have certain restrictions on your license for the first 12 months.

Once you turn 18 years old, the provisional status is dropped and you are then issued a full California driver's license. This means you license has no restrictions, so you can drive whenever you want and with whoever you want, as long as you are being a safe driver and following the rules and laws of the road.

Getting your driver's can be stressful! If you ever have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out to our friendly Support Team for help.

Seeing some confusing words or phrases? We'll shed some light on those terms here!

14 Terms You May Not Know: Getting Your Driver's License in California 

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.

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:

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. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen

Official U.S. Armed Forces Identification Card

Passport from another country or Mexican Border Crossing Card (with a valid I-94 form)

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

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:

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.

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.

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