California Driver's License
Do I need a California Driver's License to drive in Los Angeles?
If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home country license remains valid. After that, you must obtain a California Driver's License. However, if you are going to purchase a motor vehicle (a car, scooter or motorcycle), most insurance companies will not provide coverage unless you have a valid California Driver's License.
How do I get a California Driver's License?
You may apply for a California Driver's License at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must first obtain a Social Security number. If you are unable to obtain a social security number, you will need to obtain a "denial notice" (refusal letter, 676-SSAL) from the Social Security Administration, then return to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) so that you may continue with your original request for a driver's license. After you have passed the written test, you will have to show your social security number (or denial notice) and then, after passing the driving test, you will be given an interim driver's license valid for 90 days.
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles at 3615 S. Hope Street to obtain a California Driver's Handbook. This publication describes in detail the application procedures as well as the written test and driving test requirements.
Call the DMV 1-800-777-0133 to make an appointment. The test consists of two parts-a written test and an in-car test. You must bring your own automobile and no official lessons are necessary. You must also present proof of your legal status in the U.S. by showing your valid passport, I-94, and either a copy of your I-20.
DMV offers alternative methods for completing the driver license written examination. The examination may be conducted:
- In a foreign language.
- In American Sign Language.
- By listening to a cassette tape rather than reading the material.
- By having an examiner ask the questions (Oral Examination).
It is advisable for an individual with special needs to discuss those needs with the local driver license supervisor to allow him or her to better assist the applicant.
Besides English, the basic Class C written driver license exam is also available in the following languages: Amharic, Hindi, Portuguese, Tagalog, Armenian, Hmong, Punjabi, Thai, Arabic, Japanese, Russian, Tongan, Cambodian, Korean, Samoan, Vietnamese, Chinese, Laotian, Spanish, and Farsi/Persian.
You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you may practice for a while, then make another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you must make an appointment. As of July 1, 2003, if you fail to successfully complete the driving test on the first attempt, you must pay a $5 fee for each additional driving test that is administered under an application for an original or renewal driver license.
International Driving Permits (IDP)
Despite common misconceptions, the State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. Therefore, getting an IDP is a waste of time and money. California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.
The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person's foreign driver license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database.
Most international students receive temporary paper driver's licenses until the DMV receives a copy of your I-20 from the Department of Homeland Security. Unfortunately, some students experience extremely long delays in receiving their permanent driver's license. Some students graduate before ever getting their permanent driver's license.
What is a California Identification card?
It is very similar in appearance to a California Driver's License, and is very useful for students who do not drive. A driver's license or a California ID card are commonly used for identification purposes. For example, when paying by check, you will be asked to show this kind of identification.
Because citizens and residents of the United States are accustomed to using their Social Security numbers when completing the above transactions, they may be unaware that international students are not automatically eligible for a Social Security Card.
What should you do if someone insists that you show a Social Security Card?
- Show them a copy of this information
- Go to the Social Security Administration Office and request a 676-SSAL, which is a denial letter that says you are not eligible to receive a Social Security number.
A California Driver's License is commonly used as an important form of identification. Students who do not drive should obtain a California Identification card. To obtain California Driver's License or Identification Card, please bring your a Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Office (676-SSAL), passport, and I-94 to the Department of Motor Vehicle Office (DMV).
The nearest DMV office to campus is located at:
3615 S. Hope St.,Los Angeles, 90007
(800) 777-0133
(Map available from OIS at Student Union 300)
The Los Angeles Department of Motor Vehicles, like most of the larger DMV offices, are open for Saturday service once a month (usually the third Saturday of the month). This will allow customers who have difficulty getting to an office during Monday through Friday the option of visiting the DMV on a Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. As part of these new hours, these DMV offices will be closed on the Monday immediately preceding the Saturday service. These offices will open earlier and close later on the Tuesday - Friday of the same week.
