Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide valid proof of identity, such as a foreign passport with a valid visa or an approved immigration document like Form I-94. They also need to present proof of California residency, which can include utility bills, rental agreements, or official mail showing their name and address. Additionally, applicants must submit their Social Security number or provide a document from the Social Security Administration stating they are ineligible for a number.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a California Driver’s License?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AB 60 License Documentation | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license under AB 60 must provide proof of identity and California residency, such as a valid passport or consular ID and utility bills or rental agreements. Additional documents may include immigration status verification and a Social Security Number (SSN) waiver if the applicant is ineligible for an SSN. |
| 2 | Proof of Legal Presence | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide valid proof of legal presence, such as an unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or valid foreign passport with an approved I-94 form. These documents confirm legal status and eligibility for a standard or REAL ID-compliant driver's license under California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations. |
| 3 | Consular Identification Card (CID) | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license can use a Consular Identification Card (CID) as a valid form of identification to establish identity and residency. The CID, issued by the applicant's home country consulate, must be accompanied by other documentation such as proof of California residency and Social Security number verification or a declaration of ineligibility. |
| 4 | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as proof of identification in lieu of a Social Security Number (SSN), provided they submit valid immigration documents such as a valid foreign passport and visa. The ITIN allows non-citizens without SSNs to comply with California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements while verifying identity and residency documents required for license issuance. |
| 5 | Out-of-Country Passport Verification | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide an out-of-country passport as primary identification, verified by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm authenticity and identity. This passport must be valid and accompanied by additional documents such as a US visa or proof of legal presence to satisfy DMV requirements for license issuance. |
| 6 | Proof of California Residency (Non-Standard) | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide non-standard proof of California residency such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or official correspondence from a government agency displaying their name and California address. These documents verify residency when standard proofs like mortgage statements or bank documents are not available. |
| 7 | Certified Foreign Birth Record | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license need to provide valid identification documents, including a Certified Foreign Birth Record, which serves as official proof of identity and birth. This document must be an original or a certified copy issued by the foreign government and translated into English if necessary to meet California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements. |
| 8 | I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must present the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as proof of lawful entry and current immigration status. This document verifies the individual's authorized period of stay, which is crucial for license eligibility and processing under the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) guidelines. |
| 9 | Deferred Action Documentation (DACA) | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must present valid DACA approval notices, such as Form I-797, along with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Proof of California residency, identity verification through passports or consular IDs, and Social Security Number documentation or ineligibility letters are also required for license issuance. |
| 10 | Secondary Review Process (SRP) Documents | Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide Secondary Review Process (SRP) documents, including proof of lawful presence such as valid immigration status, Social Security verification, and residency evidence like utility bills or rental agreements. These documents ensure compliance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles' stringent requirements to verify identity and legal status for license issuance. |
Introduction to California Driver’s License Requirements for Non-Citizens
What documents does a non-citizen need for a California driver's license? California requires non-citizens to provide valid proof of identity, California residency, and legal presence in the U.S. Your application must include documents such as a passport, visa, and proof of address to meet the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) standards.
Proof of Identity and Legal Presence
To obtain a California driver's license as a non-citizen, you must provide valid proof of identity and legal presence. Documents such as a valid passport, consular ID card, or a foreign birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID serve as acceptable proof of identity. Proof of legal presence can include an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a valid visa, or an approved immigration status from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Acceptable Immigration Documents
Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide acceptable immigration documents to verify their legal presence. These documents confirm the applicant's immigration status and eligibility for licensing under state law.
Acceptable immigration documents include a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or an I-94 arrival/departure record. Some applicants may use valid foreign passports with appropriate visa stamps accompanied by approved USCIS documents. All documents must be current, original, and authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Department of Homeland Security.
Social Security Number Requirements
Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must meet specific Social Security Number (SSN) requirements to verify their eligibility. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses SSN validation to confirm legal presence and employment authorization.
- Providing a Valid SSN - Applicants must submit their Social Security Number as part of the application process to ensure accurate identity verification.
- Exceptions for Ineligible SSN Holders - Individuals not eligible for an SSN must provide a DMV-issued denial letter before their license application proceeds.
- Verification Through SSA - The DMV cross-checks the provided SSN with the Social Security Administration to confirm the number's validity and the applicant's authorized status.
California Residency Documentation
Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide proof of California residency to meet state requirements. These documents verify that you live within California and are eligible to receive a license.
- Utility Bills - Recent utility bills such as electricity, water, or gas demonstrating your California address.
- Rental or Lease Agreements - A current lease or rental contract listing your name and California residence.
- Bank Statements - Bank or credit card statements showing your California address within the past 60 days.
Application Forms Needed
Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must complete specific application forms issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The primary form is the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44), which is not available online and must be obtained in person.
Completing the DL 44 form requires providing accurate personal information, including proof of identity and residency documents. Additional forms may be needed depending on the applicant's immigration status and eligibility verification requirements under the California Vehicle Code.
Translations and Certified Documents
Non-citizens applying for a California driver's license must provide original documents or certified copies to verify identity, residency, and lawful presence. If any documents are not in English, you must submit certified translations completed by a qualified translator.
Certified translations must include the translator's name, signature, and contact information to be accepted by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failure to provide accurate, certified translations of foreign-language documents can delay the licensing process or result in application denial.
Fees and Payment Methods
To apply for a California driver's license as a non-citizen, you must pay the application fee, which typically ranges from $38 to $93 depending on the type of license. Accepted payment methods include cash, credit or debit cards, checks, and money orders at the DMV office. Make sure to bring proof of payment and confirm the current fee schedule on the official California DMV website before your appointment.
Special Considerations for Visa Holders
Non-citizens must provide specific documents when applying for a California driver's license, especially if they hold a visa. Understanding the special requirements for visa holders ensures a smoother application process.
- Valid Passport - Presents official identification and proof of nationality required by the California DMV.
- Valid Visa - Confirms legal entry and authorized stay in the United States.
- I-94 Form or I-797 Approval Notice - Verifies your legal status and duration of stay relevant to your visa type.
Preparing these documents in advance helps streamline your application and prevents delays at the DMV.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a California Driver’s License? Infographic
