If you expect to drive while in the U.S., we recommend you obtain a California driver’s license (DL). A California driver’s license is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance and is also a useful form of identification for instances in which you require a “government-issued ID.” A California driver’s license is valid throughout the United States.
If you don’t expect to drive but want an additional form of identification to carry, you can instead consider obtaining a California State ID. Like the driver’s license, the state ID can be used as a “government-issued ID” at banks, stores, airports (domestic flights only), and other businesses that need proof of name and age.
This page will go over how to obtain either form of identification.
Applying for a State ID
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the state agency responsible for issuing state IDs.
1. Wait for your SEVIS record to be registered.
New students and scholars will have their SEVIS records registered by the ISSS Office within 30 days of their program start date.
2. Make an appointment.
Visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to apply for a state ID and schedule an appointment. There are a number of nearby DMVs, the closest being the Pomona DMV Field Office.
3. Attend your appointment with the required materials.
You will need to bring the following items to the appointment.
- Passport and visa
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Your most recent I-94 information
- Your social security card (if you have one)
- Two proof of California residency documents (see list of the acceptable documents on the DMV’s website)
- If you are living on on-campus housing, please consult with the Housing Office for assistance with residency documents.
If your application is approved, you will receive your state ID in the mail in about 4 weeks.
Applying for a Driver’s License
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is also responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration. If you would like to obtain a California driver’s license, you will need to apply and take several tests with them.
1. Wait for your SEVIS record to be registered.
New students and scholars will have their SEVIS records registered by the ISSS Office within 30 days of their program start date.
2. Make an appointment for the written test.
Visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to apply for a driver’s license and schedule an appointment for the written test. There are a number of nearby DMVs, the closest being the Pomona DMV Field Office.
When preparing for the test, the California Driver’s Handbook will be important resource. The DMV website also has sample tests that you can use to practice.
3. Attend your appointment with the required materials.
You will need to bring the following items to the written test appointment:
- Passport and visa
- I-20 or DS-2019
- Your most recent I-94 information
- Your social security card (if you have one)
- Two proof of California residency documents (see list of the acceptable documents on the DMV’s website)
- If you are living on on-campus housing, please consult with the Housing Office for assistance with residency documents.
After you pass the written test, you will receive a CA Driver’s Permit, which is a restricted license that will allow you to drive while accompanied by someone with a valid CA license. The license is only valid for one year. It is illegal to drive alone with a CA Driver’s Permit.
4. Make an appointment for the driving test.
After receiving your Driver’s Permit, you must take the behind-the-wheel driving test within one year. Schedule your driving test appointment on the DMV website.
5. Attend your driving test.
For the driving test, you must provide your own car and show proof that the car is properly registered and insured. You can borrow a car from a friend, sign up with a local driving school, or rent a car specifically for the test. During the test, you will be accompanied by an examiner who will evaluate your driving skills.
After you pass, you receive a temporary license as you wait for your license to arrive in the mail. It takes about 1-3 months for your license to arrive.
Renewing a Driver’s License or ID after Program End Date
The end date of both your driver’s license or ID is typically tied to your program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019. You will be able to receive a new card if you are able to provide documentation of an extension of your legal status. For example: the DMV will typically expect F-1 students on OPT to present their EAD card.
The ISSS Office recommends consulting with the DMV directly regarding the procedures to renew a license or ID after a program end date.
Access on E. Bonita Ave., across from Wig Hall