The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires California Residents to have a California driver’s license even if the resident possesses a valid international driver’s license.
The DMV requires a written test and a road test. No appointment is necessary for the written test, but an appointment and car are required for the road test. If you are eligible for a U.S. Social Security number, you will be required to obtain one before getting a driver’s license. Currently, a temporary license will be issued pending USCIS confirmation of an applicant’s I-94 status in the USA. It may take as long as nine months to receive the actual driver’s license in the mail. Temporary permits can be renewed until the card is received.
DMV offices in San Diego are located at 4375 Derrick Dr, San Diego, CA 92117 and 3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website has information pertaining to license or state identification card applications, as well safety tips, laws and rules, insurance requirements, and vehicle registration requirements. If you have never applied for a driver’s license in the United States, start by clicking on the Driver License tab of the website and follow the steps.
Take all required documents when you go to the DMV. If you schedule an appointment (recommended), arrive early to be able to complete the form(s) on time for your appointment.