Official links, office finder, fees, and key resources for getting your California permit and driver's license.
Official California Department of Motor Vehicles homepage — services, forms, and information.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/Download the official California Driver's Handbook (2025). All test questions are based on this manual.
Download PDFBook an in-person DMV field office appointment online for your knowledge test, behind-the-wheel drive test, REAL ID, or other services.
dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointmentLocate the nearest California DMV field office by address or ZIP.
dmv.ca.gov/field-office-finderStart your Driver's License & ID Card Application online, then bring the confirmation to your DMV appointment.
dmv.ca.gov/dlRenew your California driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV field office.
dmv.ca.gov/dlservicesRequired starting May 2025 to board domestic flights or enter most federal facilities with a state-issued ID.
dmv.ca.gov/realidNotify DMV within 10 days of moving. You do not automatically receive a new license with your new address.
dmv.ca.gov/addresschangeFile within 10 days of a California collision involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in damage.
dmv.ca.gov/accidentreportParent Teen Driving Contract, Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) score sheet, and GDL rules for drivers under 18.
dmv.ca.gov/teendriverState-sponsored liability insurance program for eligible low-income drivers who cannot afford standard coverage.
mylowcostauto.com · 1-866-602-8861Talk to a representative during business hours, or use automated 24/7 services (vehicle registration renewal, appointments). TTY 1-800-368-4327.
1-800-777-0133California has DMV field offices in every major city. Start with the Field Office Finder above to confirm hours and services — appointments are strongly recommended for knowledge tests and drive tests.
Serves Los Angeles County — the most-visited DMV region in the state.
Confirm hours, appointment availability, and REAL ID services at dmv.ca.gov/field-office-finder.
Serves San Francisco County — busy urban office, bilingual staff for many languages (the handbook is published in 9).
Schedule at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment.
Serves San Diego County — high-volume office for new teen drivers and REAL ID applicants.
Check wait-time estimate before your visit.
Serves the state capital region. Headquarters for Driver Safety, administrative hearings, and DMV corporate operations.
For administrative hearing requests, visit dmv.ca.gov/driversafety.
The California Driver's Handbook (2025) directs drivers to dmv.ca.gov for current fee amounts rather than publishing a fixed schedule in the manual. Always verify the latest fee on the DMV website or by phoning 1-800-777-0133 before your appointment.
| Item | How to Verify |
|---|---|
| Non-refundable application fee (instruction permit & original license) | dmv.ca.gov/dl — paid at the DMV office when you apply |
| Driver's license renewal | dmv.ca.gov/dlservices |
| Duplicate / replacement license | dmv.ca.gov/dlservices — request online when eligible |
| Vehicle registration renewal | dmv.ca.gov/vrservices |
| DUI / SR 22 reinstatement | Call Driver Safety after suspension; provide SR 22/SR 1P insurance proof |
| Out-of-state one-year extension (license) | Email dl-extensions@dmv.ca.gov before expiration |
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual