Driver’s Licenses

Online Forms

A California driver’s license (DL) is a card which gives you permission to operate a motor vehicle. A DL includes your true full name, birthdate, mailing address, signature, photograph, and physical description. The card must be in your possession anytime you operate a motor vehicle. 

Planning future travels? As of the new May 7, 2025 deadline, you will not be allowed to use your driver’s license to board a domestic flight unless it is REAL ID compliant. Learn more.

You need a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle. Learn about the types of DLs offered and the requirements for applying for one.

You can start your application for a DL online and finish the process at a DMV office. There’s an application fee for original, renewal, and replacement DLs.

License Types

There are two main categories of DLs: noncommercial and commercial. Within the noncommercial category, there are sub-types of licenses that authorize drivers to operate specific types of motor vehicles. Details about the categories and sub-types of licenses can be found below, as well as in the California Driver Handbook.

There are four types of noncommercial DLs:

  • Basic DL (Class C): A standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways. With a Class C driver’s license, you may tow:
  • A single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less (including a tow dolly).
  • With a vehicle weighing 4000 lbs. or more unladen, a:
    • Trailer coach or fifth-wheel travel trailer under 10,000 lbs. GVWR when towing is not for compensation.
    • Fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 lbs. but under 15,000 lbs. GVWR, when towing is not for compensation, and with endorsement.
  • Motorcycle (Class M1 or M2): 2-wheel motorized vehicle. Learn how to apply for a motorcycle license.
  • Travel trailer/fifth wheel (Noncommercial Class A): Over 15,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or a trailer coach over 10,000 pounds GVWR (when the towing is not for compensation).
  • Housecar/motorhome (Noncommercial Class B): Over 40 feet, but not over 45 feet (with endorsement).

All noncommercial DLs are available as either REAL ID compliant or federal non-compliant cards.


About REAL ID DLs

REAL ID compliant DLs are noncommercial or commercial licenses that also allow you to board domestic flights, enter military bases, and enter most secure federal facilities.

All California REAL ID compliant DL cards contain a California grizzly bear and a star on the front upper-right corner of the card.

Individuals applying for a DL through AB 60 are unable to apply for a REAL ID compliant card.

Additional Card Markings

  • Veteran designation: Eligible veterans can add the word “VETERAN” to the front of their DL to indicate that they served in the United States (U.S.) Military. This designation may grant individuals access to certain privileges, benefits, or compensation associated with being a veteran without having to carry and produce a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).
    • You must provide a completed Veteran Status Verification Form (VSD-001) (issued by a County Veterans Service Office) at the DMV office to receive the veteran designation on your DL.
  • Organ and tissue donor: When you add your name to the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, you’re legally authorizing the recovery of organs and tissues in the event of your death. A pink “DONOR” dot will be printed on your DL.

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