Your guide for all your licensing needs.

California License
Easy Guide
TM

In California, the DMV handles all your licensing needs. As long as youre prepared and well-informed of your states
individual requirements and procedures, you should have everything you need to apply for, renew, replace or amend
your California drivers license.
Our Easy Guide provides information on the following services:

RENEWING YOUR LICENSE

PAGE 5

OBTAINING A NEW LICENSE

PAGE 6

REPLACING YOUR LICENSE

PAGE 7

CHANGING THE ADDRESS ON YOUR LICENSE

PAGE 8

CHANGING THE NAME ON YOUR LICENSE

PAGE 9

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

PAGE 11

DRIVING RECORDS

PAGE 14

REINSTATE YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE

PAGE 20

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

PAGE 23

FEES

PAGE 27

DMV LOCATIONS & HOURS

PAGE 3

Your guide for all your licensing needs.

WHEN TO RENEW

Your drivers license expires every five years on your birthday.

If you wish to renew your license by mail, you must do so within 60 days before expiration.
f you wish to apply online or in person you may renew your license at any time
Ibefore
the expiration of your current license.
Note: The state of California does not offer a grace period following expiration.
It is illegal to drive once your license has expired.

HOW TO RENEW
Each state has its own unique renewal process. In the state of California, you have the option of renewing online,
by mail or in person at a DMV office.

RENEWING ONLINE
You are eligible to renew your license online if youve received aRenewal By Mail(RBM) notice
with aRenewal Identification Number(RIN) and if the following apply to you:

You have access to the Internet

You have not had a change of address or information
You have a verified Social Security Number on the DMV record
You have a valid credit card
If you qualify, go to

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/online/dlrbi/dl_top2.htm

RENEWING BY MAIL
You may apply via mail if the following apply:
Your license expires in less than 60 days.
You are under the age of 70 upon the date of expiration.
You are not on any type of driver probation or suspension.
You have not violated any type of written promise
to appear in court within the last two years.
You have not renewed your license via mail
more than two consecutive times.
You do not have a drivers license
from more than one state or jurisdiction.
If all these apply to you and you have not received a renewal notice in the mail,
complete aCalifornia Driver License Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information form
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dl/dl410.htm) and mail it in with a check for$31to the following address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
P.O. Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 942900001





RENEWING IN PERSON
To renew your license in person, you must complete the following:
isit a DMV office. Making an appointment is recom Vmended
for faster service. You can do so athttp://apps.
dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm.

a Drivers License or Identification Card Applica Ctionomplete

form (DL 44 or DL 44C). You may call 1-800-7770133 to request one via mail or fill one out at the DMV.

Give a thumb print

Have your picture taken

Pay the $31 renewal fee

Pass a vision exam
f your renewal notice requires you to do so, you must
Iretake
the written exam. The exam includes questions on
traffic laws and signs. The DMV will not issue tests after
4:30 p.m.

Be sure your address in the DMV database is correct.

After youve completed the preceding requirements you will be issued an interim license valid for 90 days
until you receive your photo license in the mail.
If youve not received your photo license after 60 days, call 18007770133 to check the status.
Have your interim license with you to provide any information requested.

To obtain a permit if you are 18 years old or older you must:

Complete a Drivers License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44). To obtain this form by mail,
call DMVs automated phone service 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-777-0133.

Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document. (See Below)

Provide your Social Security number (See Below)
Provide your full name (See Below)
Pay the application fee
Pass the written test.(http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/exam.htm)
Pass a vision test
At this point you will be issued a driving permit. You will then:

Make an appointment to take the driving exam (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/foa/welcome.do)

Once you pass the driving exam you will be issued a California Drivers License.

HOW TO GET YOUR LICENSE

You must be at least 15 years old, but under 18 years to get a permit. To obtain a permit you must:

Complete a Drivers License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44) including your parents or

guardians signatures. To obtain this form by mail, call DMVs automated phone service 24 hours a day,
seven days a week at 1-800-777-0133.

Provide your Social Security number (See Below)

Provide your true full name (See Below)
Present an acceptable birth date and proof of legal presence document. (See Below)
Submit proof of driver education completion
Pay the application fee
Study for the written test

To replace your California drivers license, you have to visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location.
To make this as easy as possible, follow these steps:

Make an appointment at the DMV Office ahead of time:

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm

Bring valid proof of identification (Social Security Card, Military ID, etc.)
If you are under 18, bring both parents or legal guardians
Fill in the Drivers License Application (DL-44). This needs to be done in person,
and the form cannot be found online or mailed to you.

Pay the fee of $23 (credit cards not accepted at most locations).

Prices may sometimes vary. It is recommended you contact your local DMV for verification.

You will be issued a temporary license. Your new license will arrive in the mail.

In California, you must notify the Driver License Division of a change of address within 10 days of moving.
You can change the address on your non-commercial license by mail, phone, or online, or by visiting your local office.
If youre a commercial license holder, you will need to apply for a change of address in person at your local office.

ONLINE
Many California residents can change the address on their drivers license online via the states online change of
address system:http://www.dmv.ca.gov/online/coa/welcome.htm
You cannot use this system if you:

Do not have a California Drivers License and/or California Identification Card

Do not have a Social Security Number
Have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) issued by California and your residence address is in another state
Have an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office address
Have an address outside of the United States
Make sure you also have yourlast issued Vehicle or Vessel Registration Card on hand before undergoing this process.

BY MAIL
To process your change of address by mail, you must download a Change of Address Form
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dmv/dmv14.pdf), fill it out, and mail it to the following address:
DMV Change of Address
P.O. Box 942859
Sacramento, CA 94259-0001

IN PERSON
If you wish to complete your change of address in person, simply report to your local DMV office and request
a Change of Address Form, fill it out, and you will then receive aChange of Address Certificate card.
You can find contact information for local DMV offices here:http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm

People seek a name change on their drivers licenses for various reasons, including marriage, divorce and adoption.
To change your name on your license in California, you must complete the following:

Make sure you have first changed the name on your Social Security card by contacting
theSocial Security Administration(http://www.ssa.gov/)

After youve waited at least 48 hours for the SSA to process your name change,
report to your local DMV branch (http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm)
At the DMV office, you will be required to:
Complete and submit application form DL 44, (an original, no copies).
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee. This fee varies, contact your local DMV for more details.
Submit the required documents proving your identity and verifying your legal change of name
You will receive a temporary license which is valid until your new license arrives in the mail.
If you have not received the license within 60 days, call (800) 777-0133 to check on its status.

PRIMARY DOCUMENTS:
U.S. birth certificate or registration of birth (Must be issued by an authorized U.S. government agency such as the
Bureau
of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health)

Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card

foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by
Uthenexpired
approved I-94 form documenting applicants most recent admittance to the U.S.

(See additional document requirements listed in the Non-U.S. Citizen section below).

Valid U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents

Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Permanent Resident Card
SECONDARY DOCUMENTS:

Valid U.S., U.S. Territory or Canadian photo drivers license which must be surrendered
out-of-state or Canadian-issued photo learners permit must be surrendered
VAalid
non-driver identification card which must be surrendered when drivers license is issued
photo learners permit which must be surrendered when drivers license is issued.
AMilitary
ID or dependent card with photograph

Military discharge/separation papers (DD-214)

ourt Order: Must be original or certified copy and contain full name and date of birth. Examples include
Cname
change, adoption, marriage or civil union certificate, marriage or civil union dissolution, gender change.
(Does not include abstract of criminal or civil conviction)

Marriage license (certified copy issued by town/city)

Pilots license (issued by the U.S. DOT Federal Aviation Administration)
Certified school record/transcript (School photo IDs arenotacceptable)
Social Security card (laminated or metal cards not acceptable)
A State Department of Social Services (DSS) issued photo public assistance card

PROOF OF RESIDENCY:

Utility bill or credit bill within the last 90 days

Federal, state or local government documents, such as receipts, licenses or assessments
Other documents containing your name and address may be accepted with manager approval.
Account statement from a bank or other financial institution issued within the last 90 days.
SOCIAL SECURITY DOCUMENTS (MUST CONTAIN THE SSN):
Your proof of SSN document must display your name, and all nine digits of your SSN.
DMV will verify all social security numbers with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If the information (name, date of birth, and SSN) you present does not match the information on file
at the SSA, DMV cannot issue you a drivers license, learners permit, CDL, or CDL instruction permit.

Social security card (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are not accepted.)
Annual social security statement
U.S. Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form or 1099 form
Payroll check stub issued by employer
U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card (DD-2 or Common Access Card)
U(IDnexpired
cards of military dependents are not accepted.)

10

There are many reasons why it is important to get a copy of your California driving record. You may want to check if
you have a suspended license, or in some cases, you may need to provide a copy of your record to show an employer
or an auto insurance company.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHECK YOUR DRIVING RECORD:

Drivers license status and license suspension

Drivers license violation codes and points
Traffic tickets, fines and violations
Auto accidents reported on your license
Drivers license authorizations and classification
Auto insurance rates may be affected
In order to obtain a copy of your records, you must be a certified user. You can register to be a user by going to:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/SelfHelp/Registration.jsp

NOTE: The online driver record is not an official document; you will need to request a certified copy
when you fill out the request form.

11

REQUIREMENTS:

To obtain an official record you must fill out the INF1125 form (http://dmv.ca.gov/forms/inf/inf1125.pdf)
O n top of the form, you will need to write that you are requesting a Certified Driver Record.
P rinter
Fee of $2
Check (not a deposit slip) with your bank routing number and account number
Enter your account number (DO NOT include the check number)
E-check customers cannot purchase more than one item per transaction
B usiness checks not acceptable for e-checking
O r one of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
O r ATM/Debit card with a Visa or MC logo from the participating networks: Star NYCE & Pulse Accel
CALIFORNIA RECORDS INCLUDE:

Traffic tickets and convictions, including DUI

D rivers license status valid, revoked or suspended
O utstanding reinstatement fees
D riving record points

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HOW LONG DO THESE CONVICTIONS STAY ON YOUR RECORD?

Some convictions stay on your record for three years or 10 years

Convictions with one point minor traffic violations or issues with defective equipment
stay on your record for three years

Convictions with three points DUI, driving with a suspended license and reckless driving
stays on your record for 10 years

Accidents stay on your record for three years from the date of the accident
License suspension and revocation stays on your record for three years
Failure to appear in court will result in 10 years; (DUI) or five years in other cases.
To obtain a copy of your DMV Record (Drivers license/identification card and/or vehicle/vessel
registration information) please visit any DMV office.

REQUIREMENTS:

Make an appointment with your local DMV office (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/foa/welcome.do?localeName=en)

Complete Driver Record form INF 1125 (http://dmv.ca.gov/forms/inf/inf1125.pdf)
Show ID
Pay Fee (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/fees/dl_fees.htm)
If you are out of state and cannot go into a local DMV office, you may request your record by mail. Complete the INF
1125 form with a written request, including your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, California drivers license
number and your signature with a check or money order for $5, and mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Office of Information Services
Public Operations Unit G199
P. O. BOX 944247
Sacramento, California 94244-2470

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Your license may be suspended for a variety of reasons. Some situations are clear, while others are vague, with some
drivers unaware that their license is suspended at all. In this guide youll find information on the steps necessary to
reinstate your license, no matter what your violation was.

DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE OR WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA MAY INCUR FINES,
MISDEMEANORD OR EVEN FELONY CHARGES.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - DUI

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will result in suspension of your driving privileges for a period
determined by the number of similar violations and the time between violations. A suspension due to DUI for a first
conviction is equivalent to six months. A DUI program must be completed in order for your license to be reinstated.
Depending on the degree of your violation, you may be able to apply for a restricted license in some cases, which
allows you to drive to school or work. Additional DUI offenses may result in a license suspension for several years.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

Pay a reissue fee and fines to the court

File proof of financial responsibility
Complete your mandatory suspension period DUI treatment program
File a Notice of Completion Certificate
At this time, you will have to request a new license from the Administrative Review Office
Loss of Driver License DUI Information http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
DUI Reissue Fees http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/fees/miscDL_fees.htm#misc_duireissue
Make sure to visit your local county website for further information on reinstatement requirements.

NOT COMPLETING TRAFFIC SCHOOL

14

Failure to complete court-ordered traffic school will result in a suspension of your driving privileges.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

Complete traffic school requirements

Contact the traffic court in the county where you received the violation
Use the link below in your web browser to find contact information for traffic courts in California
California Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/

FAILURE TO APPEAR ON A TRAFFIC SUMMONS OR PAY FINE

Failure to comply with a traffic summons, to appear on a traffic summons or to pay a fine will result in an indefinite
suspension of your driver license.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

Satisfy the traffic summons or pay fine

Contact the traffic court in the county where you received the violation with proof of the above
Each traffic court accepts different types of payments
Use the link below in your web browser to find contact information for traffic courts in California
California Department of Motor Vehicles http://www.dmv.ca.gov/

LACK OF AUTO INSURANCE

15

California requires that owners of motor vehicles maintain a minimum level of insurance. Failure to have adequate
insurance on your vehicle may result in suspension of your driver license.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

Obtain the proper amount of insurance for your automobile

Contact the traffic court in the county where you received the violation with proof of all the above
Use the link below in your web browser to find contact information for traffic courts in California
California Department of Motor Vehicles

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/

INADEQUATE VISION
If your vision is poor, your license may be suspended indefinitely. Your drivers license may be reinstated if minimum
vision standards are met.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

Submit a report of eye exam to a California drivers license office

A driving test or special test may be conducted
You are responsible to have eye exams conducted by a licensed medical professional, including any costs
Report of Vision Examination http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dl/dl62.pdf

SUSPENSION FOR POINTS

16

If you accrue too many points on your license in a short period of time, it will be suspended for at least 30 days and
up to 12 months. These points will remain on your driver record for 36 months, starting from the date of conviction.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

Complete the time required by the terms of the suspension

Complete any required examinations as dictated by the terms of your conviction
HARDSHIP LICENSE
You may also apply for a hardship license for work or rehab purposes.
The number of points assigned depends on the type of violation. These points will remain on your record
for at least 36 months beginning the date of your conviction. For more information on points see links below.
California Department of Motor Vehicles http://www.dmv.ca.gov/

TRAFFIC VIOLATION RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH NO DUI

If your traffic violation resulted in death or serious bodily injury, but did not involve Driving While Under the Influence
(DUI), your license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days to six months.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

Complete the time required by your suspension

Complete any required examinations as dictated by the terms of your conviction
Pay a reckless driving fine

HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER - HTO

17

If you are consistently involved in traffic violations, you will be listed as a Habitual Traffic Offender and will have your

license revoked for up to three years. You may receive imprisonment in the county jail, as well as be required to pay
fines.
Habitual Traffic Offender Information http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d06/vc14601_3.htm

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE YOU MUST:

After completing your suspension period, you will have to request a new license
from the Administrative Review office

VANDALISM/GRAFFITI
Your drivers license will be suspended for up to one year if you engage in vandalism this includes graffiti.

POSSESSING FIREARMS
Any minor convicted of possessing a concealable weapon or live ammunition will have his or her drivers license
suspended.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITION OR AILMENT

A physical or mental condition may lead to the suspension of your license.

TO REINSTATE YOUR LICENSE:

Submit a satisfactory Driver Medical Evaluation (DS 326) and other necessary medical information
that ensures you can safely operate a motor vehicle.

HELPFUL LINKS
Below are links where you may find more information.

18

Copy and paste these links into your browsers address bar.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
FIND YOUR LOCAL OFFICE

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm
DUI REISSUE FEES

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/fees/miscDL_fees.htm#misc_duireissue
REPORT OF VISION EXAMINATION

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/forms/dl/dl62.pdf
HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER INFORMATION

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d06/vc14601_3.htm

19

You may not be qualified for a drivers license, or you may simply choose not to drive. You will, however, need
an identification card. In order to obtain an ID card, you will need to apply in person at your local DMV office.
In California, there are two types of ID cards, a regular ID car valid for up to six years, and a senior-citizen ID card
valid for up to 10 years. (Must be 62 or older to apply.)

NEW ID CARD
To apply for a new ID card, you will need the following:

Go into any DMV office (http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm);

making an appointment is recommended for faster service

Complete application form DL 44 (photocopies of forms will not be accepted); to get a copy of the application,
you must call the automated telephone service at 1-800-777-0133; and a copy will be mailed to you,
or you can pick one up at your local DMV office.

Social Security Number

Verify your birthdate and legal presence
You will need to give a thumbprint
You will have your picture taken
Fee $8; senior citizens have no fee to pay
Cash, ATM/debit card, cashiers check or money order payable to DMV

20

Senior citizens will need to apply for a new ID card with the following requirements:

Go into any DMV office (http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm);

making an appointment is recommended for faster service

Complete application form DL 44 (photocopies of forms will not be accepted); to get a copy of the application, you
must call the automated telephone service at 1-800-777-0133, and a copy will be mailed to you, or you can pick
one up at your local DMV office

You will need to give a thumbprint

You will have your picture taken
No fee
RENEW
For a regular ID, your card will expire every six years, and for a senior-citizen ID card, it will expire every 10 years.
When your ID card expires, you will need to follow the same steps you went through when you first got your ID.
To apply for a renewed ID card, you will need the following:

Go into any DMV office (http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm);

making an appointment is recommended for faster service

Complete application form DL 44 (photocopies of forms will not be accepted); to get a copy of the application,
you must call the automated telephone service at 1-800-777-0133, and a copy will be mailed to you,
or you can pick one up at your local DMV office.

Social Security Number

Verify your birth date and legal presence
You will need to give a thumbprint
You will have your picture taken
Fee of $27; senior citizens have no fee to pay
Reduced fee ID card is $8 (you may apply if you meet income requirements contact your local DMV for further information)
Cash, ATM/debit card, cashiers check or money order payable to DMV

21

Senior citizens will need to apply for a renewed ID card with the following requirements:

Go into any DMV office (http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm);

making an appointment is recommended for faster service

Complete application form DL 44 (photocopies of forms will not be accepted); to get a copy of the application,
you must call the automated telephone service at 1-800-777-0133, and a copy will be mailed to you,
or you can pick one up at your local DMV office

You will need to give a thumbprint

You will have your picture taken
No fee
REPLACE DUPLICATE/COPY

If you have a lost or stolen ID card you will need to apply to get a duplicate copy.

DUPLICATE REQUIREMENTS:

Make an appointment and go into your DMV office (http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm)

Complete an ID Card Application DL 44 or DL 44C (No photocopies will be accepted); to get a copy of the application, you must call the automated telephone service at 1-800-777-0133, and a copy will be mailed to you, or you
can pick one up at your local DMV office

For minors, you will need to complete the form and have your parent or guardian sign the form
You will need to give a thumbprint
You will have your picture taken
Fee of $27
Reduced fee ID card is $8 (you may apply if you meet income requirements;
contact your local DMV for further information)

Cash, ATM/debit card, cashiers check or money order payable to DMV

N O fee for senior citizen ID
For contact information, go to: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/contacts/

22

LICENSE CLASS
Class C

YOUR APPLICATION IS FOR A(N) ...

Original License

FEE
$32

Renewal In Person, Renewal By Mail or Renewal By Internet

$32

Add a Motorcycle Endorsement (class M1 or M2)

$32

Duplicate (replacement) license

$26

Name change

$26

Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest

$6

Class M1/M2 (Motorcycle License)

Original License

$32

Renewal In Person, Renewal By Mail or Renewal By Internet

$32

Add Class C

$32

Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest

$6

Noncommercial Class A

Original License

$39

Renewal In Person, Renewal By Mail or Renewal By Internet

$39

Add a Motorcycle Endorsement (class M1 or M2)

$39

Remove Restrictions (requires diving test)

$39

Duplicate (replacement) license

$29

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LICENSE CLASS

YOUR APPLICATION IS FOR A(N) ...

FEE

Name change

$26

Restricted Firefighter

$29

Duplicate (replacement) license

Name Change
Commercial Class A or B

$26

Original license, with or without a driving test

$68
(You do not currently hold a California drivers license)

Renewal In Person,
Renewal By Mail or Renewal By Internet

$40

Commercial Driving or Skill Retest

$30

Duplicate (replacement) license

$30

Name Change

$26

Remove Restrictions
(does not require diving test)

$12

Commercial Class C

Original license, with or without a driving test

$34
(You do not currently hold a California driver license.)

Upgrade, with or without a driving test

(You currently hold a California drivers license)

$34

Remove an air brake restriction

(Requires a driving test.)

$34

24

LICENSE CLASS

YOUR APPLICATION IS FOR A(N) ...

FEE

Add a tank endorsement (N)

$34

Add a noncommercial Class A

$34

Add a motorcycle endorsement (class M1 or M2)

$34

Renewal In Person, Renewal By Mail or Renewal By Internet

$39

Commercial Driving or Skill Retest

$30

Duplicate (replacement) license

$30

Name change

$26

Regular ID Card

$27

Original ID

Renwal ID

$27

Duplicate (replacement)

$27

Name Change

$27

Emancipated Minor

$27

Senior Citizen ID Card (Age 62 or Older)

Free

Original ID

Renewal ID

Free

Duplicate (replacement)

Free

25

LICENSE CLASS

YOUR APPLICATION IS FOR A(N) ...

Name Change
Reduced-fee ID card

Original ID

FEE
Free
$8

Renewal ID

$8

Duplicate (replacement)

$8

Name Change

$8

26

TO LOCATE YOUR NEAREST DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICE,

visit http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm.
Here, the California DMV provides residents with an office-by-office list
of DMV branch locations and the services they provide.

27