Transfer an Out-of-State License to California

Photo: David Brown, Pexels

Moving to California with a license from another state or country? You must switch to a California driver’s license within 10 days of becoming a resident, and register any out-of-state vehicle within 20 days. This guide covers who counts as a resident, which tests you take, what to bring and how foreign license holders differ.

Key facts (California DMV, checked November 2026)

License deadline: within 10 days of becoming a California resident (DMV Fast Facts 5, rev. 6/2020).
Vehicle registration deadline: within 20 days of becoming a resident or getting a job in California.
Out-of-state license holders: application, vision exam and knowledge test. The DMV’s steps list no drive test for them.
Foreign license holders: the same steps plus a behind-the-wheel drive test.
Three attempts per test. Fail the same test three times and you reapply.

When do you become a California resident?

The DMV’s New California Resident page says you are a resident if you intend to live in the state for six months or more in one year. Signs of residency include registering to vote in California, taking a job in the state, paying resident tuition and filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption.

Visitors aged over 18 with a valid license from their home state or country may drive in California while that license stays valid (Fast Facts 5).

How to transfer an out-of-state license to California

Start the Driver’s License or ID Card Application online on the DMV website.
Visit a DMV office. Bring your Social Security number, an original or certified identity document and California residency documents.
Bring your current license. Fast Facts 5 asks for any license or permit previously issued by any state.
Pay the non-refundable fee, give a thumbprint, and take the vision exam and photo. The original Class C fee is $46 (DMV Licensing Fees page, November 2026).
Pass the knowledge test. 80% to pass. Holding a license elsewhere does not waive it. Study the California rules that differ from your old state: see the California DMV knowledge test.

The DMV’s steps for out-of-state holders do not list a drive test, but Fast Facts 5 says a driving test is taken “if necessary”, so the DMV can still require one.

Transferring a foreign license

If your license is from another country, follow the same steps and then pass a behind-the-wheel drive test. For the test:

Schedule it in advance. Drive tests are by appointment only.
Bring proof of insurance that meets California requirements and the vehicle’s registration.
Have an accompanying driver travel with you to and from the test.

Prepare with what the California examiner scores and the critical driving errors. For driving in the US before you switch, see driving in the US on a foreign license.

Out-of-state and foreign license holders compared

Step	Out-of-state US license	Foreign license
Online application and DMV office visit	Yes	Yes
Vision exam, thumbprint, photo	Yes	Yes
Knowledge test	Yes	Yes
Behind-the-wheel drive test	Not listed (DMV may require one)	Yes
Residency documents	Yes, if never held a California license or ID	Yes, if never held a California license or ID

Documents and REAL ID

Identity: an original or certified document. Your current name must match it, or bring a legal name change document.
Social Security number (exceptions may apply).
Residency: the handbook lists two residency documents. Fast Facts 5 (2020) says one for a standard license and two for a REAL ID. Check the current list on the DMV website.

A REAL ID compliant card has a grizzly bear and star in the upper-right corner. Since May 2025 you need one to board domestic flights and enter most federal facilities. See REAL ID explained.

Registering an out-of-state car in California

Register within 20 days of becoming a resident or getting a job in California.
Every vehicle registered in California must meet California requirements, including emission controls. The DMV cannot register a vehicle that does not qualify.
Check the DMV’s out-of-state vehicle registration page for the inspections and fees that apply to your car.
Get insurance that meets California’s minimums: see California insurance minimums.

Moving with a learner’s permit or as a teen

Under 18? You apply for a California provisional permit or license, and the teen rules apply, including driver education and a parent or guardian signature. Start with what teens need for a California permit and ask the DMV how your out-of-state training and permit time will be treated. Adults who have never been licensed follow the adult route.

After you move: change of address

Once licensed in California, tell the DMV within 10 days whenever you move, online or by mail.

Common questions

How long do I have to get a California license after moving?

10 days from becoming a resident, according to DMV Fast Facts 5.

Do I have to take the written test to transfer my license to California?

Yes. The DMV’s steps for out-of-state license holders include passing the knowledge test.

Do I need a drive test with an out-of-state license?

The DMV does not list one for out-of-state holders, but it can require a driving test if necessary. Foreign license holders must take one.

Can I drive in California on my foreign license?

As a visitor over 18, yes, while your home license stays valid. Once you become a resident, you need a California license.

How long do I have to register my car in California?

20 days from becoming a resident or getting a job in California.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it. After three failed attempts at the same test, your application is no longer valid and you reapply.

Sources

California DMV, “Driver’s Licenses” (dmv.ca.gov)
California DMV, “New California Resident Portal” (dmv.ca.gov)
California DMV, “Fast Facts 5: Requirements for a California Driver License” FFDL 5, rev. 6/2020 (dmv.ca.gov)
California DMV, “Section 1: The California Driver’s License” (dmv.ca.gov)
California DMV, “Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License” (dmv.ca.gov)
California DMV, “Section 4: Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver’s License” (dmv.ca.gov)
California DMV, “Section 11: Vehicle Registration Requirements” (dmv.ca.gov)
California DMV, “Licensing Fees” (dmv.ca.gov)

Transfer an Out-of-State License to California: New Residents