Updated August 2021
Here's the ultimate guide to transferring your out-of-state license to a California driver license. This is specifically if you have a US driver's license from another state and want to change it to California driver license. If you have a driver license from another country, check out getting a driver's license in California.

Welcome to the Contractors State License Board. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects California consumers by licensing and regulating the state's construction industry. CSLB was established in 1929 and today licenses about 290,000 contractors in 44 different classifications. The fee for your license depends on your age and type of license. Beginning on October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license, permit or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.), or enter military bases and certain federal facilities. In fact, some states will allow you to use your old driver’s license. However, most states will require you to apply for a new license and take the road test before being permitted to operate a motor vehicle. Also, some states will require you to pass a written knowledge test at the time of your license transfer.

What You’ll Need Transfer your Driver License to California

Stat/Transfer Licensing and Prices. We offer single-user licenses, volume single-user licenses, annual subscription and Network/Lease licenses. All licenses can be used interchangeably on Windows, Mac, or on Linux. Single-user licenses allow you to install Stat/Transfer on up to three machines, as long as you are the primary user of those machines. For instance, you can install Stat/Transfer on your office computer, your home computer and your laptop. If you have recently moved to New Jersey, you must transfer your out-of-state license and vehicle title/registration within 60 days of your move (120 days during a Public Health Emergency), or before your current license and vehicle registration expires, whichever occurs first.

Debit card or cash to make $36 payment

Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or Military ID)

Proof of your birth date and legal presence (U.S. passport or birth certificate)

Proof of your California residency

• Mortgage bill;
• Utility bill; OR
• Rental or lease agreement signed by your landlord

A valid out-of-state driver’s license

What You’ll Need To Do

1. Make an appointment for earlier than 4:30 pm at your nearest DMV office
2. Fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (form DL 44 - now available online!) for a Class C (non-commercial) driver’s license
3. Prepare for the written test by completing a practice exam
4. Provide required identification documents
5. Complete the vision and written tests (not administered later than 4:30pm)
6. Have thumbprint and ID photo taken
7. Pay $36 fee (cash, check or debit card)
8. Receive a temporary license that is valid for 90 days
9. Receive your new CA license via U.S. mail (within a few weeks)

Caveats and Exceptions

• Is your license from abroad?If you have a non-US driving license, you'll have to take the road test, aka the behind-the-wheel test as well. This concierge service can help you with that.

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A new state requires a new drivers license. Depending on the status of your current driver license, the process - regardless of state - is generally easy.

Still, you'll need to act fast. Most states require new licenses for new residents within a designated period of time after establishing residency. Tennessee, for example, gives new residents a 30-day window, North Carolina 60 days, and Texas 90 days.

Transfer a Valid Out-of-State Driver License

To transfer a driver's license that's valid (meaning, not expired), visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

(Not sure where that is yet? We can help you find your local DMV.)

Bear in mind that requirements vary by state, but in most cases some or all of the following requirements will apply:

• Your current driver's license (the out-of-state one). Without it, the DMV will consider you unlicensed and you'll have to start from scratch. This means taking - and passing - the written and driving exams.
• Proper identification. In some cases, your current drivers license will suffice. This will depend on the DMV. Otherwise you'll need to present at least one form of primary identification. This usually entails a passport or birth certificate.
• Provide proof of your Social Security number. Or, if you don't own a number, present a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.
• Provide proof of residency. Some states may require two proofs of this.
• Pass a vision test.
• Have payment for new driver license.

Find a list of acceptable proofs of ID and residency on your state's DMV website.

Teen Drivers

If you're younger than 18 you may face additional requirements.

For example, some states require teen drivers to complete their state-approved driver education courses or training programs before they'll issue a driver's license (or, for that matter, learner's permit).

Find out your new state's requirements for transferring teen driver licenses.

Transfer Stata License Massachusetts

Expired Licenses

If your driver license has been expired for an extended period of time, you will not be allowed to transfer your license. Instead, you must apply for a new license, which most likely will require passing a vision test, written exam, and driving test.

A Word on Foreign Driver License Transfers

If you're a foreign traveler with a visitor's vista, you may drive in the U.S. provided you have a valid driver license from your home country and an International Driver Permit. Generally, this is valid for one year, before you must transfer your drivers license.

In most states, you will follow the same driver license transfer procedures as described above if you have a valid license from any one of the following countries or territories:

• American Samoa
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Guam
• Northern Mariana Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Yukon Territory
• Puerto Rico

Transfer Stata License

Otherwise, in addition to all of the requirements described above, you will also need to apply for a new license. This means passing a vision screening, a driving test, and a skills test. To prepare, study your state's driver manual and take several DMV practice tests.

There may be other requirements specific to your state, too, such as taking a drug and alcohol awareness program. Some states mandate these.

Do you have any tips for making the drivers license transfer process easier? Share with our community in the comments below!