Many international students will want to get a car and learn to drive here in Southern California. If you decide that you want to do that, you will need to visit the DMV, or Department of Motor Vehicles. The closest office is in Whittier. You can take the bus there (go to the public transport link for more information) if you do not have a ride from a friend or classmate.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/fo.cgi?fo=whittier591


Getting a Drivers License

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

To apply for an original driver permit if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:
• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence
• Provide your true full name
• Pay the $24 application fee (the application fee for a commercial driver license is $57)
• Pass a vision exam
• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 31 correct answers. You have three chances to pass.

ID Cards

DMV issues ID cards to persons of any age. The ID card looks like a driver license, but is used for identification purposes only. A regular ID card is valid for six years, and a senior citizen ID card is valid for 10 years. To qualify for a senior citizen ID card, you must be age 62 or older.

How to apply for or renew an identification (ID) card

To apply for an ID card you will need to do the following:
• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license)
• Pay the $20 regular or no fee senior citizen application fee

Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Your new ID will be mailed to you within 60 days. If you have not received your ID after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. Have your receipt and/or old ID card with you to provide information when requested.