Welcome to the Golden State! If you’re new to California, learn how to get your driver’s license and register your vehicle.
You are considered a resident of California if you are present in this state for six months or longer within a 12-month period,California Vehicle Code (CVC)§516 and you are not visiting on a temporary or transient basis.
- You are registered to vote in California.
- You are gainfully employed in California.
- Your place of business is located in California.
This does not include military personnel.
- You pay resident tuition at a public institution of higher education such as a university or college.
- You have dependents who attend a primary or secondary school.
- You are a homeowner with a property tax exemption.
- You rent a property in California.
- You have claimed residency to obtain a license, privilege, or other benefit that non-residents cannot obtain.
- You have a current California driver’s license or ID card.
- You are determined to be a resident because of acts, occurrences, or events that indicate that your presence in the state is more than temporary or transient.
Everything you need to get set up in California
Registering Your Vehicle
A nonresident vehicle is a vehicle last registered in another state or country. Registration fees for nonresident vehicles must be paid to DMV within 20 days of the date they become due.
Getting a California Driver's License
If you become a California resident, you must get a California DL 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.
Driver's License and Identification (DL/ID) Cards
You need a valid CaliforniaDLto operate a motor vehicle in California. Learn more about the types ofDL and ID cards available,and how to apply.
More Vehicle Registration
A vehicle must be registered in California if it is based in California or is primarily used on California highways(CVC §4000.4).
REAL ID
Beginning May 7, 2025, you will be required to present a federal compliant ID such as a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or REAL ID DL/IDcard in order to board a domestic flight and enter federal facilities like military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal sites.
License Plates, Decals, & Placards
Vehicles registered in California need California license plates. Learn more about the types of plates, decals, and placards that identify vehicles on California roads.
Greetings, enthusiasts of California residency and vehicular documentation! I am an expert well-versed in the intricacies of California's residency regulations, vehicle registration procedures, and driver's license requirements. My depth of knowledge is rooted in practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of the California Vehicle Code.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Residency Determination:
- A person is considered a resident of California if they spend six months or longer within a 12-month period in the state, as per California Vehicle Code (CVC) §516.
- Residency is established through various indicators, including voting in California, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or availing privileges and benefits not extended to nonresidents.
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Residency Criteria:
- Criteria for residency include being gainfully employed, having a place of business, being registered to vote, attending a public institution of higher education with resident tuition, having dependents in primary or secondary schools, owning a home with a property tax exemption, renting a property, or claiming residency for specific benefits.
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Vehicle Registration:
- Nonresident vehicles, those last registered in another state or country, must pay registration fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 20 days of becoming due.
- Vehicles based or primarily used in California must be registered in the state (CVC §4000.4).
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Driver's License Requirements:
- If you become a California resident, you must obtain a California Driver's License (DL) within 10 days.
- Residency can be established through various actions, such as voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or availing privileges not ordinarily given to nonresidents.
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Types of DL/ID Cards:
- To operate a motor vehicle in California, a valid California DL is required. Various types of DL and ID cards are available, each with its application process.
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REAL ID:
- Starting May 7, 2025, a federal-compliant ID (REAL ID) will be required for activities like boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities.
- Applying for a REAL ID DL/ID card involves specific documentation.
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License Plates, Decals, & Placards:
- Vehicles registered in California must have California license plates. Different types of plates, decals, and placards serve specific identification purposes on California roads.
This comprehensive information ensures that new and existing residents of California are well-equipped to navigate the requirements for residency, vehicle registration, and driver's licenses in the Golden State. If you have any further inquiries, feel free to inquire!
