If you are over 18 years old, you may apply for a California Driver's License once your DACA application has been granted and you receive your Social Security Number (SSN). If you are under 18, you may apply for a provisional permit. NOTE: You must obtain an SSN before applying for a Driver's License.
How do I start the process?
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You can start your application as soon as you have your work permit and your Social Security number.
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Your work permit must be valid for 60 days or more from the day you apply.
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Apply for your Driver's License in person at your local DMV office (see list below). Or, to find your local DMV office and for faster service, make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or call (800) 777-0133.
What must I bring to my DMV appointment?
- Your Social Security Number. (NOTE: You do not need to bring your Social Security card).
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An original, paper document verifying your name and birth date and proving your legal presence in the United States. DMV calls this document your “birth date/legal presence document.”
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DMV will accept any document showing approval of your DACA case. Acceptable documents include: Employment Authorization Card (work permit issued by USCIS); or Notice of Action (I-797 Approved Petition) indicating approval of your DACA application.
- A full list of accepted documents is available on the DMV website.
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- The application fee is $32 for a new Driver's License. DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards.
What happens during my DMV appointment?
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You will submit your application and your work permit or DACA approval notice, pay your application fee, have your photo taken, and give a thumbprint.
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DMV will verify your SSN during your appointment. During your first appointment, you will also be given a vision exam and traffic law test.
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Once you pass your traffic law test, you will be given a provisional permit and you may schedule another appointment to take your driving test. For information on what to bring to your driving test, visit: dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm
What happens after I pass my driving test?
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After you pass the required tests, DMV may issue you a temporary license valid for 60 days.
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DMV will mail your Driver's License after verification of your legal presence, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
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If your temporary license is expiring and you have not received your Driver's License, you may contact the DMV Issuance Department at (916) 657-7790 to inquire about the status of your application.
When will my ID expire?
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Your Driver's License will be considered a “limited term” and will expire on the expiration date of your birth date/legal presence document.
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For example, if your work permit expires 1 year from the day you apply for your Driver's License, your Driver's License will also expire in 1 year.
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If your limited term Driver's License expires and you need an extension, you must provide a birth date/legal presence document that expires 60 or more days from the day you apply.
For more information visit: dmv.ca.gov or call (800) 777-0133.
Information Provided by the International Human Rights Law Clinic, UC Berkeley School of Law.