California Residents

California Residents who drive on public roads or in public parking facilities must have a valid California driver license.  There are only a few exceptions and they are as follows:

• Members of the Armed Forces or United States (U.S.) Government civilian employees who only drive vehicles owned or controlled by the on federal government business.
• People who drive farming vehicles not normally used on public highways.
• People who drive legally registered off-highway vehicles or snowmobiles straight across a highway

Certain exceptions are also made for active duty military personnel.

 New Residents

When you move to California to live or get a job here you must obtain a California driver license within 10 days.  Examples of residency are as follows:

• Voting in California elections
• Paying resident tuition at a California college or university
• Filing for a home owner’s property exemption
• Obtaining a license
• Or receiving any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents

 Adults Visiting California

If you are over 18 years old and visiting the state with a valid drive’s license from another state may drive in California without getting a driver’s license as long as their state license remains valid.

Minors Visiting California

Visitors to California between the ages of 16 and 18 years old are permitted to drive with their home state license or instruction permit for only 10 days after arriving in California.  After this time they must have either a:

• California driver license, or
• Nonresident Minor’s Certificate which is issued by the DMV to a minor who has provided proof of financial responsibility.