Get or renew a driver's license
Licenses are issued by each state; California and Texas are shown here.
What you need
- Your Social Security number
- An acceptable identity document
- Residency documents, if you have never had a license in that state
- Application fee (California: valid for 12 months)
Step by step
- Fill out the application online
- Visit a DMV office: thumbprint, vision exam and photo
- Pass the knowledge test (in California, 3 attempts per test)
- If you have never had a license, or your license is from another country, schedule and pass the driving test
- Renew online when your state allows it
Where to apply
California DMV: driver's licenses · dmv.ca.gov
The app helps with
Tips to get it right the first time
- In California, bring proof of insurance and an accompanying driver to the driving test if your license is foreign.
- Ask for a REAL ID at the same visit to use it for domestic flights.
- Rules vary by state: check your state's DMV.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: dmv.ca.gov. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.