Upon Arrival

Obtaining a Driver License

If you are employed here or become a resident, you will need to obtain a California driver license within 10 days. 

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

If you are an international postdoc or visitor at Caltech but are receiving your income directly from an outside source, the procedures for obtaining a driver license will be different. Please contact the ISS office for more information.

In order to obtain a driver license, you will need to take both a written and driving test. You may contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is located in Pasadena at 49 S. Rosemead Blvd. We highly recommend that you schedule an appointment, otherwise, the wait is extremely long. For an appointment and other information, visit the DMV site or call 1-800-777-0133.

Driver training classes are available for a fee. Go to the Pasadena.com page and type "Driving Schools" in the keyword search for a current list.

Applying for a California Driver License

• Make an appointment by phone 1-800-777-0133 or via DMV.
• Complete an original DL 44 form. You will need to go to the DMV office to obtain this form. Downloaded, faxed or other copies will not be accepted.
• Have your picture and thumb print taken.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence. Bring your passport and other immigration documents such as DS-2019, I-797, etc. Bring any other additional document (marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage or name change document), if your name is different).
• Pay the application fee.
• Pass a vision exam.
• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. The California Driver Handbook can also be obtained at the local DMV office. There are 36 questions on the test. You must answer 31 correctly in order to pass the test. You have three chances to pass.
  
  If you have a license from another country, you will be required to take a driving test to obtain a California driver license. If you have a license from another U.S. state, the driving test can be waived. 
  
  To take your driving test you will need to:
  1) make an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133
  2) have a licensed driver take you to the drive test site and 
  3) provide California-proof of financial responsibility
  
  After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Verify your address before you leave the DMV. If you do not receive your license within 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to verify the status.
  
  You have three chances to pass the driving test. You may take the driving test again by making another appointment.