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| URL | https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/the-california-driver-license/ | |||||||||||||||
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| Boilerpipe Text | Section 4 of 22
A California driver’s license allows you to drive on public roads.
Before you can get a driver’s license in California, you are required to pass the knowledge and behind-the-wheel drive tests based on information in this handbook.
You must have the correct license to drive your vehicle type. Most people need a noncommercial Class C driver’s license. To operate commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles, you must have a different class of license.
For information on vehicles covered by a Class C, visit
dmv.ca.gov/dl
.
Card Designations
REAL ID Driver’s License
Beginning May 2025, your driver’s license or identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to:
Board an airplane for domestic flights.
Enter military bases.
Enter most federal facilities.
Visit
dmv.ca.gov/realid
to learn more about applying for a REAL ID.
Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents
California offers driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status. For more information, visit
dmv.ca.gov/dl
.
Organ and Tissue Donor
For information, visit
donateLIFEcalifornia.org
.
Veterans
Visit
dmv.ca.gov/veterans
to learn more about the requirements and benefits of a Veteran designation.
ID Cards
ID cards are issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any age. They do not permit you to drive. To get an ID, you must provide your identity document, residency documents, and social security number.
Visit
dmv.ca.gov/id-cards
to complete an ID card application and get information on current acceptable documents and reduced-fee, no-fee, or senior ID cards. | |||||||||||||||
| Markdown | Ask DMV
Ă—
[Skip to content](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/the-california-driver-license/#main)
- [ State of California](https://www.ca.gov/)
- [ State of California Department of Motor Vehicles](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/)
[Menu](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/the-california-driver-license/#js-site-header__main-nav)
- [REAL ID](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/)
- [Online Services](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-online/)
- [Translate](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/the-california-driver-license/)
- [MyDMV](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/mydmv)
- [Vehicle Registration](https://dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/)
- ## Renew Registration
- [Renew Registration](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/vehicle-registration-renewal/)
## New Registration
- [New Registration](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/)
## Replace Registration
- [Replace Registration](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/online-replacement-sticker-or-registration-card/)
## Submit Proof of Insurance
- [Submit Proof of Insurance](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/suspended-vehicle-registration/)
## Request Vehicle Record
- [Request Vehicle Record](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-vehicle-record-request/)
## Plates, Stickers, Placards
- [Plates, Stickers, Placards](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/)
- [Driver's Licenses & IDs](https://dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/)
- ## Renew DL/ID
- [Renew DL/ID](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/driver-license-id-card-online-renewal/)
## New DL/ID Card Application
- [New DL/ID Card Application](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/dl-id-online-app-edl-44/)
## Replace DL
- [Replace DL](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/replace-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/online-duplicate-driver-license-request/)
## Join the mDL Pilot
- [Join the mDL Pilot](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/california-mdl/)
## Request Driver Record
- [Request Driver Record](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/)
- [Make a Payment](https://dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/payments-refunds/)
- ## Payments & Refunds
- [Payments & Refunds](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/payments-refunds/)
## Pay Late Registration Fee
- [Pay Late Registration Fee](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/vehicle-registration-renewal/)
## Pay Reinstatement Fee
- [Pay Reinstatement Fee](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/suspended-vehicle-registration/)
## Dishonored Check Payment
- [Dishonored Check Payment](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/dishonored-check-payment/)
## Fee Calculator
- [Fee Calculator](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/registration-fees/vehicle-registration-fee-calculator/)
## Shopping Cart
- [Shopping Cart](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/shopping-cart/)
- [Appointments](https://dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments/select-appointment-type)
- ## Locations & Hours
- [Locations & Hours](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations/)
## Get in Line Now
- [Get in Line Now](https://mt-cadmvoas.us.qmatic.cloud/branches)
## Schedule Appointment
- [Schedule Appointment](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments/)
- [Testing](https://dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/)
- ## Online Testing
- [Online Testing](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/online-learning-and-tests/)
## Driver Handbooks
- [Driver Handbooks](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-handbooks/)
## Specialty Driver Guides
- [Specialty Driver Guides](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/)
## How-To Videos
- [How-To Videos](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/videos-2/)
## Practice Tests
- [Practice Tests](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/sample-driver-license-dl-knowledge-tests/)
- [Check Status](https://dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-online/)
- ## Change of Address Status
- [Change of Address Status](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/mydmv/)
## Virtual Office Case Status
- [Virtual Office Case Status](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/case-status/)
## Driver Safety Case Status
- [Driver Safety Case Status](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-safety-portal/)
## Registration Renewal Status
- [Registration Renewal Status](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/vehicle-registration-status/)
## DL/ID Renewal Status
- [DL/ID Renewal Status](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/drivers-license-id-card-status/)
## IBC Case Status
- [IBC Case Status](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/ibc-case-status-request/)
- [Home](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal)
- [California Driver’s Handbook](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/)
# California Driver’s Handbook
Section 4 of 22
Close Table of Contents
- [DMV Services](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/dmv-services/)
- [Copyright](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/copyright/)
- [Disclaimer](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/disclaimer/)
- [Section 1: The California Driver's License](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/the-california-driver-license/)
- [Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/getting-an-instruction-permit-and-drivers-license/)
- [Section 3: The Testing Process](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/the-testing-process/)
- [Section 4: Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver’s License](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/changing-replacing-and-renewing-your-drivers-license/)
- [Section 5: An Introduction to Driving](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/introduction-to-driving/)
- [Section 6: Navigating the Roads](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads/)
- [Section 6: Navigating the Roads (Continued)](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads-cont1/)
- [Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road/)
- [Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued)](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1/)
- [Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued)](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont2/)
- [Section 8: Safe Driving](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving/)
- [Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued)](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving-cont1/)
- [Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued)](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving-cont2/)
- [Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/alcohol-and-drugs/)
- [Section 10: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/financial-responsibility-insurance-requirements-and-collisions/)
- [Section 11: Vehicle Registration Requirements](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/vehicle-registration-requirements/)
- [Section 12: Driver Safety](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/driver-safety/)
- [Section 13: Seniors and Driving](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/seniors-and-driving/)
- [Section 14: Glossary](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/glossary/)
## Section 1: The California Driver’s License
- [Previous Section](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/disclaimer/)
- [Next Section](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/getting-an-instruction-permit-and-drivers-license/)
A California driver’s license allows you to drive on public roads.
Before you can get a driver’s license in California, you are required to pass the knowledge and behind-the-wheel drive tests based on information in this handbook.
You must have the correct license to drive your vehicle type. Most people need a noncommercial Class C driver’s license. To operate commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles, you must have a different class of license.
For information on vehicles covered by a Class C, visit [dmv.ca.gov/dl](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/driver-licenses-dl/).
## Card Designations
### REAL ID Driver’s License
Beginning May 2025, your driver’s license or identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to:
- Board an airplane for domestic flights.
- Enter military bases.
- Enter most federal facilities.
Visit [dmv.ca.gov/realid](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/) to learn more about applying for a REAL ID.
### Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents
California offers driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status. For more information, visit [dmv.ca.gov/dl](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/driver-licenses-dl/).
### Organ and Tissue Donor
For information, visit [donateLIFEcalifornia.org](http://donatelifecalifornia.org/).
### Veterans
Visit [dmv.ca.gov/veterans](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/veterans-and-active-duty-military/) to learn more about the requirements and benefits of a Veteran designation.
### ID Cards
ID cards are issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any age. They do not permit you to drive. To get an ID, you must provide your identity document, residency documents, and social security number.
Visit [dmv.ca.gov/id-cards](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/identification-id-cards/) to complete an ID card application and get information on current acceptable documents and reduced-fee, no-fee, or senior ID cards.
## Additional Formats
- PDF Select & Download
Open selection options
[Download PDF]()
- American Sign Language Video
[Play Video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2ZduCrEeD5yon5twvvlkNBJQ7FHO4D7l)
- [Previous Section](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/disclaimer/)
- [Next Section](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/getting-an-instruction-permit-and-drivers-license/)
Was this page helpful?
👍
👎
Copyright © 2026 State of California
- [About DMV](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/about-the-california-department-of-motor-vehicles/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/privacy-and-security/)
- [Cookie Policy](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/cookie-policy/)
- [Conditions of Use](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/conditions-of-use/)
- [Site Map](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/site-map/)
- [Accessibility](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/accessibility/)
- [Forms](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/forms/)
Ă—
## 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
***
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Ă—
# Please install the Google Toolbar
Google Translate is not support in your browser. To translate this page, please [install the Google Toolbar (opens in new window)](https://support.google.com/toolbar/answer/81376) .
Close Form Filler | |||||||||||||||
| Readable Markdown | Section 4 of 22
A California driver’s license allows you to drive on public roads.
Before you can get a driver’s license in California, you are required to pass the knowledge and behind-the-wheel drive tests based on information in this handbook.
You must have the correct license to drive your vehicle type. Most people need a noncommercial Class C driver’s license. To operate commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles, you must have a different class of license.
For information on vehicles covered by a Class C, visit [dmv.ca.gov/dl](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/driver-licenses-dl/).
## Card Designations
### REAL ID Driver’s License
Beginning May 2025, your driver’s license or identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to:
- Board an airplane for domestic flights.
- Enter military bases.
- Enter most federal facilities.
Visit [dmv.ca.gov/realid](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/) to learn more about applying for a REAL ID.
### Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Residents
California offers driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status. For more information, visit [dmv.ca.gov/dl](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/driver-licenses-dl/).
### Organ and Tissue Donor
For information, visit [donateLIFEcalifornia.org](http://donatelifecalifornia.org/).
### Veterans
Visit [dmv.ca.gov/veterans](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/veterans-and-active-duty-military/) to learn more about the requirements and benefits of a Veteran designation.
### ID Cards
ID cards are issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any age. They do not permit you to drive. To get an ID, you must provide your identity document, residency documents, and social security number.
Visit [dmv.ca.gov/id-cards](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/identification-id-cards/) to complete an ID card application and get information on current acceptable documents and reduced-fee, no-fee, or senior ID cards. | |||||||||||||||
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