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Get or renew a driver license

Get or renew a driver license.

Before you start

Many routine transactions use online services, kiosks, partners or mail. DMV does not provide counter service for registration renewal, most DL/ID renewals, driver/vehicle records or replacement driver licenses; follow the transaction instructions and your notice.
Choose a county to browse published locations. State DMV services and eligibility are statewide; you may need a location across a county boundary.
Industry business centers and commercial testing locations have different services. Check the office’s listed categories and the exact appointment type before travelling.
Office hours are a dated snapshot. Check the official page for current availability, local lunch closures and testing cutoffs; captured wait times and live badges are not current status here.
Location listings can share an address. Shared state instructions appear once on this statewide view; each county guide retains the instructions, fees, forms and sources.

58 guides with reviewed service links · Reviewed local guides

Choose a county on the map

Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.

California58 counties

County directory Reviewed service guides available

Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.

Map source

U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

Shared official instructions

These links and rules are shared by the county guides. Choose a county for its listed locations and full guide.

Start a DL, ID or learner-permit application

Shared California DMV guidance. Start the state application online, then complete the required DMV office steps.

Requirements & sources · checked October 15, 2026

Shared California DMV guidance — finish application

Starting a new DL/ID application online does not finish it. Complete the required steps at a DMV office.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

After submitting your application, you will need to visit a DMV office to complete it.

Shared California DMV guidance — application account

The online application uses a DMV account and two-factor authentication. Keep the confirmation number for the office visit.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

Be prepared to create a DMV online account, if you have never done so previously. If you have, be prepared to log in to your DMV online account. (DMV uses two-factor authentication to prove your digital identity; it requires an email address and a way to receive a phone call or text message.)

Shared California DMV guidance — application languages

The online DL/ID application is available in these ten languages.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

The application is available in 10 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Shared California DMV guidance — barcode paper

The barcoded paper DL application is obtained at a DMV office; a generic downloadable copy is not a substitute.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

Yes, but because each form has a unique barcode on it, it cannot be downloaded and printed. A new paper version of the driver’s license application is available in field offices for customers who choose not to complete the electronic version.

Shared California DMV guidance — first license

First-time adult drivers use the instruction-permit and driving-test path. Drivers with another state/country license and minors have different instructions.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

If you are over 18 years of age and you have never had a DL in any state or country, you may obtain an instruction permit until you are ready to take your driving test. Note A provisional instruction permit is only for drivers under the age of 18. An instruction permit would be issued to a person over age 18. Once you complete the requirements of the instruction permit, you can take the driving test to get a California DL.

Shared California DMV guidance — non domiciled cdl

DMV currently posts this restriction for non-domiciled limited-term CDLs. It is not a blanket restriction on standard licenses; recheck the notice before a commercial-license transaction.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

Until further notice, the California DMV cannot issue, reissue, or renew limited-term legal presence (non-domiciled) commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

California Department of Motor Vehicles · New DL/ID Card Application (opens in a new tab)

Driver’s License / ID Card Application

Renew a driver license or ID

Shared California DMV guidance. Follow the renewal notice and the state’s channel-specific instructions.

Requirements & sources · checked October 15, 2026

Shared California DMV guidance — senior renewal

Drivers 70+ should follow their renewal notice and the senior-renewal guide; age alone does not mean a knowledge test is required.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

If you are age 70+ and renewing your driver’s license, you might not need to take a test. Check your renewal notice to be sure.

California Department of Motor Vehicles · Renew DL/ID (opens in a new tab)

Driver’s License & ID Card Online Renewal

AB 60 driver-license instructions

Shared California DMV guidance. State guidance for applicants unable to provide proof of legal presence; identity, residency and testing requirements still apply.

Requirements & sources · checked October 15, 2026

Shared California DMV guidance — ab60 eligibility

AB 60 is a separate licensing path with identity and California-residency requirements. It does not establish REAL ID eligibility.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

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.

Shared California DMV guidance — ab60 interpreter

Use the state DMV number to ask about an interpreter for the AB 60 appointment.

Checked October 15, 2026

Official guidance

If you need an interpreter, call 1-800-777-0133.

California Department of Motor Vehicles · Learn More About AB 60 Driver’s Licenses (opens in a new tab)

AB 60 Driver’s Licenses

California state agency · Alameda

California DMV — Alameda County guide

California state DMV services; Alameda is a browsing context, not a county DMV department or a customer-residency restriction. Check transaction channels and the exact location before visiting; locations across a county boundary may be suitable.