Driving Tests

What to Bring to the California DMV: Permit, Drive Test, REAL ID

informational·how to guide·Published May 24, 2026

What do I need to bring to the California DMV for a permit or license?

Bring one proof of identity (for example a U.S. passport, a certified U.S. birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card), two proofs of California residency and your Social Security number if you have one. For the drive test, add your permit, a safe car with valid insurance and registration, and a licensed driver if you are not licensed. A REAL ID is optional.

Where these rules come from

This guide uses the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document list for standard cards, its REAL ID page and the testing process chapter of the California Driver Handbook, as of 2026. It also uses other DMV pages (permit, driver license, teen driver, online application, fees, insurance and REAL ID uploads), the DMV REAL ID flyer, Handbook section 2 and Vehicle Code sections 12509 and 12814.6. Confirm the rules with the California DMV (dmv.ca.gov) before you go.

Documents to bring for a California permit or license

Proof of identity. One document, for example a certified U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a valid Permanent Resident Card, or a valid foreign passport with an approved I-94 arrival and departure record.
Proof of California residency. For example a mortgage bill or a home utility bill (a cell phone bill counts). Each document must show your first and last name and the California mailing address on your application, with some exceptions.
A legal full name document, if the name on your identity document is not the name on your application.
Your Social Security number. If you have one, the law requires you to give it on the application.
If you are under 18: bring your Certificate of Completion or Enrollment of Driver Education, unless you are over 17 1/2 and apply for a permit. A parent or guardian signs your application and comes with you to your permit appointment.

How many proofs of California residency do you need?

The Driver Handbook lists two proofs of residency for a permit or license, and exceptions may apply. The DMV document list for a standard card says DMV will not accept an application without one residency document. A REAL ID needs two different residency documents. Bring two to be safe, for any card. Try the free practice question on proofs of California residency.

Special document cases: no Social Security number, a parent's bills, teens

You are legally present in the U.S. but not eligible for a Social Security number

You are exempt from the Social Security number requirement for a standard card.

Your residency documents are in your parent's name

A minor can use them. Bring a document that shows the relationship, such as your birth certificate. This works for a standard card and for a REAL ID.

You are over 17 1/2 and under 18, with no driver education certificate

You can get a permit, but you cannot take the drive test until you turn 18.

You are 16 or 17 and apply for your license

You must also prove that you finished driver education and driver training. The permit rules for drivers under 18 explain each step.

Do you need a REAL ID to drive in California?

No. A REAL ID driver license or ID card is optional. It is for boarding domestic flights within the U.S. and entering secure federal facilities. If you use a valid U.S. passport or passport card for those, you do not need a REAL ID. If you choose not to get a REAL ID, DMV gives you a license or ID card that reads "Federal Limits Apply".

Standard card or REAL ID: what to bring

Standard card or REAL ID: what to bring
What you bring	Standard card	REAL ID
Identity	One document, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or a Permanent Resident Card	One original or certified copy with your date of birth and true full name
Residency	At least one document; bring two	Two different documents with the name and mailing address that will show on the card
First application	Start online, then finish at a DMV office	In person at a DMV office; upload images of your documents online and bring the originals
Flights and federal buildings	No	Yes

Steps for an adult permit visit, from application to knowledge test

1
Start the application online
Fill in the driver license or ID card application online, then finish it at a DMV office.
2
Schedule an appointment
Book a DMV office appointment.
3
Bring your documents
Bring your California ID card, or your proof of identity and residency.
4
Pay the application fee
The DMV fee page lists USD 46 for an original Class C application (as of 2026). The fee is non-refundable.
5
Pass the vision exam and have your photo taken
Both happen at the DMV office.
6
Take the knowledge test
A passing score is 80%. Tests are not available at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m., so arrive early.

What to bring to the California drive test

An appointment. Drive tests are not given without an appointment.
Your instruction permit or driver license, if you have one.
A vehicle that is safe to drive, with valid proof of insurance and valid vehicle registration.
A California-licensed driver, unless you are already licensed to drive.
A rental car: your name must be on the rental contract, and the contract must not exclude drive tests.

Insurance for the drive test car

California's minimum liability limits are USD 30,000 for injury or death to one person, USD 60,000 for injury or death to more than one person and USD 15,000 for property damage. Comprehensive or collision insurance alone does not meet this rule. Your insurance card must show the insurance company's name and address, the period of coverage and the policy number.

Car checks before the California drive test

Windows and mirrors: the driver window must open. The car needs at least two rear-view mirrors, one on the left side.
Windshield: it must give you and the examiner a full, clear, unblocked view. Cracks may postpone your test.
Brake lights: the left and right brake lights must work.
Tires: each tire needs at least 1/32 inch of tread depth. A donut spare tire is not allowed.
Foot brake and horn: a pressed brake pedal must stay at least 1 inch above the floorboard. The horn must be loud enough to hear from at least 200 feet.
Controls you show the examiner: the parking brake, the turn and arm signals and the wipers. All seat belts must work.
If your car does not meet the requirements, DMV reschedules your drive test.

Which licensed driver must come with you to the drive test

You are 18 or older and hold an instruction permit

Bring a California-licensed driver who is 18 or older, holds a valid license of the right class and is not on probation (Vehicle Code 12509).

You are 16 or 17 and apply for an original license

Bring a California-licensed driver who is 25 or older and not on probation. Under Vehicle Code 12814.6, the age rule does not apply if the driver is your parent, spouse or guardian, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.

You hold a valid license from another country

DMV requires an accompanying driver to and from the drive test.

Key takeaways

Bring one proof of identity, two proofs of California residency and your Social Security number if you have one.
A REAL ID is optional. It is for domestic flights and secure federal facilities, and it needs two residency documents.
For the drive test, bring your permit or license, a safe car with valid insurance and registration, and a qualified licensed driver if you are not licensed.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian signs your application and comes with you.
Next step: practice on the free California Class C permit practice test.

California DMV visit: common questions

Can I wear glasses for the DMV vision test?

Yes. You can take the vision test with glasses or contact lenses. If you do, your license will have a corrective lenses restriction. If you do not pass the vision test, DMV asks your eye doctor to complete a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62).

Can I use a photocopy of a bill as proof of residency?

Yes. For a standard card, DMV accepts photocopies, "informational copies" and computer-generated documents as proof of residency. For a REAL ID, copies of residency documents are accepted, but they must be printed. Proof of identity for a REAL ID must be the original or a certified copy.

Can a parent or friend sit in the car during my drive test?

No. Only the examiner may ride along. DMV makes exceptions for training, service animals and certain law enforcement situations. The licensed driver you bring does not ride along on the test.

Can I use my backup camera on the California drive test?

Yes. Backup cameras and blind spot monitors may be used, but they do not replace a visual check of your mirrors and blind spots. Driver assistance features such as automated parallel parking, lane departure and adaptive cruise control are not permitted during the drive test.

Can I get a REAL ID with an AB 60 license?

No. A person who applies for or renews an AB 60 driver license is not eligible for a REAL ID driver license or ID card. For flights and secure federal facilities, use another federally accepted ID. The AB 60 driver license guide explains the documents and tests for that license.