What to bring to the California DMV for your first license

For a first California Class C instruction permit, prepare your documents before arranging the DMV office visit. The packet depends on whether you want a standard federal non-compliant license, a REAL ID, or an AB 60 license.

Identity and current legal name

For a standard or REAL ID application, bring an accepted original or certified identity document. Examples include a valid U.S. passport, a birth certificate certified by the issuing vital-records office, a Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. A hospital birth record or ordinary photocopy is not a substitute. Choose from the standard document list or REAL ID checklist.

If your identity document does not show your current legal name, bring the marriage, adoption, divorce or court documents needed to connect each name change. AB 60 applicants should use the separate AB 60 document wizard.

Social Security number and residency

Provide your Social Security number if you have one. DMV verifies it electronically. A person legally present in the U.S. but ineligible for an SSN is exempt from the SSN requirement for a standard license; follow DMV’s requirements for your application type.

• Standard federal non-compliant: the document list requires one accepted California residency document. It permits photocopies and computer-generated residency documents.
• REAL ID: bring two different printed residency documents showing your first and last name and the California mailing address on your application. Follow the checklist’s special instructions if you use a P.O. Box.
• AB 60: use its own accepted identity and residency documents.

A utility bill, qualifying bank record or signed lease may work, depending on the list. Applicants using a family member’s residency documents need documents that establish the relationship and any name changes; use DMV’s instructions for that situation.

Application, payment and glasses

Complete the driver license/ID application and save its confirmation number. Bring the documents even if you uploaded them. The current fee schedule lists $46 for an original Class C application. The fee is nonrefundable; the application and fee are valid for 12 months.

At the office, expect a thumbprint scan, photo, vision screening and the required knowledge test. Bring your glasses or contacts. If you use corrective lenses for the vision test, your license will carry that restriction.

Additional documents for minors

A parent or guardian must approve the application; both must sign if they share joint custody. Applicants aged 15½–17½ need proof of completed driver education or enrollment and participation in an approved integrated driver education/driver training program. The permit FAQ allows applicants over 17½ but under 18 to obtain a permit without DE/DT certificates, but they cannot take the driving test until 18 through that route. See the complete teen timeline.

Leave enough time for testing

In-office knowledge tests must start before 4:30 p.m. DMV also does not administer them within 30 minutes of closing, so check local hours and allow time for processing. The official permit page lists an 80% passing score. Use the handbook and official sample tests to prepare; phones, handbooks and other test aids are prohibited during the test.

US DMV provides independent study material. DMV makes the licensing decision.