New to California

Welcome to the Golden State! If you’re new to California, learn how to get your driver’s license and register your vehicle.

New to driving in the Golden State? See the California Driver’s Handbook to learn all there is to know about driving in California!

You are considered a resident of California if you are present in this state for six months or longer within a 12-month period, California Vehicle Code (CVC) §516 and you are not visiting on a temporary or transient basis.

• You are registered to vote in California.
• You are gainfully employed in California.
• Your place of business is located in California.

This does not include military personnel.

• You pay resident tuition at a public institution of higher education such as a university or college.
• You have dependents who attend a primary or secondary school.
• You are a homeowner with a property tax exemption.
• You rent a property in California.
• You have claimed residency to obtain a license, privilege, or other benefit that non-residents cannot obtain.
• You have a current California driver’s license or ID card.
• You are determined to be a resident because of acts, occurrences, or events that indicate that your presence in the state is more than temporary or transient.

Everything you need to get set up in California

Getting a California Driver's License

If you become a California resident, you must get a California DL within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

Driver's License and Identification (DL/ID) Cards

You need a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle in California. Learn more about the types of DL and ID cards available, and how to apply.

AB 60 Driver's Licenses

AB 60 driver’s licenses are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States, but who meet California DMV requirements and are able to provide proof of identity and California residency.

Registering Your Vehicle

A nonresident vehicle is a vehicle last registered in another state or country. Registration fees for nonresident vehicles must be paid to DMV within 20 days of the date they become due.

REAL ID

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will be required to present a federal compliant ID such as a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or REAL ID DL/ID card in order to board a domestic flight and enter federal facilities like military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal sites.

License Plates, Decals, & Placards

Vehicles registered in California need California license plates. Learn more about the types of plates, decals, and placards that identify vehicles on California roads.

• About
  • The History of the Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Department of Motor Vehicles Strategic Plan: 2021-2026
  • Rulemaking Actions
  • Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program
  • Processing Times
  • Customer Service
    • Vehicle or Driver’s Records Requests
    • Payments & Refunds
    • Interpreter Services
    • Filing a Complaint For Unlawful Activities
    • Natural Disaster Assistance
    • Research & Reports
      • Research Studies & Reports
      • Reports to the California Legislature
      • Department of Motor Vehicles Field Office Wait Times Reports
      • Department of Motor Vehicles Performance Reports
      Copyright © 2024 State of California

      Google™ Translate Disclaimer

      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:

      • Forms
      • Publications
      • Field Office Locations
      • Online Applications