California DMV

California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a state agency that provides services for vehicle registration, driver's licenses and identification cards, and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). The DMV also manages driver administrative hearings, departmental re-examinations, services for business license applicants, investigative and audit services, and co-locate industry services.

Not all services are offered at every DMV location. DMV Public Offices handle vehicle registration and processing driver's license and ID cards. The state has three DMV Dedicated License Processing Centers (DLPCs) for driver's license transactions. DMV Commercial Driving Test Offices issue CDLs and process renewals. The state also operates 12 DMV Drivers Licenses Safety Offices and 19 Occupational Licensing Inspector Offices through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, there are DMV Investigations Offices and DMV Service Centers located throughout the state.

If you are between the ages of 15 ½ and 18, you can apply for a provisional permit with an appointment at a DMV Public Office. Applicants over the age of 18 can apply for a driver's license. Appointments are made by phone or online and are not required at the DLPCs. For both applications, you must complete a Driver's License or Identification Card Application Form (DL 44) and provide your Social Security Number, birth date verification, and proof of residence. Provisional permit applicants must also complete a Driver's Ed program and have a parent or legal guardian sign the DL 44. You will also need to pay an application fee and pass the vision test, written exam, and a driving test. The requirements for a motorcycle or moped license are the same, except that instead of the driving test, you need to submit a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) from an approved training facility if you are under 21 years old.