What a California ID Card Is and Who Needs One

A California ID card is a state-issued photo identification document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is not a driver's license—it does not let you drive. Instead, it proves your identity and age to banks, employers, airlines, and other organizations that need to verify who you are. You can get one whether or not you have a driver's license, and whether or not you can drive legally in California.

You need a California ID if you want a form of government photo ID but do not drive, or if you have lost your driver's license and need identification while you wait for a replacement. Some people get one as a backup ID. Others use it because they are not may be able to access for a driver's license but still need to prove their identity.

The card is valid for six years if you are under 62, and ten years if you are 62 or older. It costs $27 for a six-year card and $12 for a ten-year card if you are a senior.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.
  • The DMV will take your photo and fingerprints at your appointment, so you cannot submit an process by mail.
  • Processing takes about two weeks if you explore in person; you can request a temporary ID to use while you wait.
  • You do not need a driver's license, a valid passport, or any other specific document—the DMV accepts many forms of proof depending on your situation.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a California ID if you have legal presence in the state, such as a valid visa or work permit.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all the same documents as someone explore for a driver's license, and the DMV accepts many different forms of proof in each category.

Proof of identity can be a valid U.S. passport, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of U.S. citizenship, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a school or work ID with your photo. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can use a valid visa, a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), a Temporary Protected Status document, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice.

Proof of California residency must show your current address. The DMV accepts a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a paycheck stub, or a government document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 62 days. If you are homeless, you can bring a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or another organization that serves homeless people, dated within the last 62 days.

Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement saying so, and the DMV will issue you an ID without one.

How to Schedule and Attend Your DMV Appointment

You must explore for a California ID in person at a DMV office. You cannot mail in an process or complete the process online. To schedule an appointment, visit the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov, click "Make an Appointment," and enter your ZIP code. The website will show you available times at nearby offices. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 to schedule by phone.

Book your appointment as soon as you can—wait times vary by location and season, but some offices have openings weeks in advance. When you arrive, bring all your documents in their original form. Do not bring copies unless the DMV specifically asks for them. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged.

At your appointment, a DMV employee will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fingerprints. The photo will be taken against a plain background, so wear clothes that contrast with the background if you can. You will also sign a statement confirming the information on your process. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called.

What Happens After Your Appointment

After your appointment, the DMV will mail your California ID card to the address you provided. Processing typically takes about two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your process on the DMV website by entering your driver's license number or ID number if you have one.

If you need identification before your card arrives, you can request a temporary ID at your appointment. The DMV will print a temporary paper ID on the spot that is valid for 60 days. This temporary ID has your photo and can be used at banks, airports, and other places that accept government ID. Keep it safe—if you lose it, you will need to return to the DMV to get another one.

Once your permanent card arrives, check it for errors. If your name, date of birth, or address is wrong, return to the DMV with your card and proof of the correct information. Corrections are usually free.

Renewing Your California ID When It Expires

Your California ID expires after six years (or ten years if you are 62 or older). The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your card expires. You can renew by mail if your address has not changed, your appearance has not changed significantly, and you still have legal presence in California. If any of those things are not true, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

To renew by mail, follow the instructions on the renewal notice. You will need to include your expired ID card, a new proof of residency document dated within the last 62 days, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address on the notice. Processing by mail takes about four weeks.

If you need to renew in person, schedule an appointment online or by phone the same way you did for your first ID. Bring your expired ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The process is the same as getting a new ID.

Special Situations: Non-Citizens and People Without a Social Security Number

You can get a California ID even if you are not a U.S. citizen, as long as you have legal presence in California. Legal presence means you have a valid visa, a work permit, DACA approval, Temporary Protected Status, or another immigration status that allows you to live and work in the state. Bring your immigration document as your proof of identity.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a California ID. At your appointment, tell the DMV employee that you do not have a Social Security number, and they will have you sign a statement. Your ID will be issued without a number. This is common for non-citizens who do not have work authorization and for people born outside the United States who never applied for a Social Security number.

If you are transgender or non-binary, you can change the gender marker on your ID. You do not need a court order or a letter from a doctor. At your appointment, tell the DMV employee what gender you want on your card, and they will update it. If you are renewing by mail, include a written request with your renewal process.

Costs and Fees

A six-year California ID card costs $27. If you are 62 or older, a ten-year card costs $12. These are the only fees you pay for a new ID. There is no process fee, no processing fee, and no fee for corrections if the DMV makes an error.

If you lose your ID and need a replacement, you pay the same fee as a new card. If you need to change information on your ID before it expires—such as your name or address—you can do that at a DMV office for free if you bring proof of the change. If you want to change your photo, you pay the full card fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a California ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. The DMV accepts many forms of identity proof besides a birth certificate. You can use a passport, a military ID, a school ID with your photo, a tribal ID, or other documents. If you do not have any of those, ask the DMV what documents you can bring—they may be able to work with you.

How long does it take to get a California ID?

Processing takes about two weeks from the date of your appointment. During busy periods it can take longer. If you need ID before your card arrives, request a temporary ID at your appointment—it will be printed on the spot and is valid for 60 days.

Can I renew my California ID online?

You cannot renew online, but you can renew by mail if your address and appearance have not changed and you still have legal presence in California. Follow the instructions on the renewal notice the DMV mails you. If anything has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I lost my California ID?

Schedule an appointment at a DMV office and bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay the same fee as a new card ($27 for six years). Processing takes about two weeks. If you need ID right away, request a temporary ID at your appointment.

Do I need a California ID if I have a driver's license?

No. A driver's license is also a valid form of government ID and serves the same purpose. You would get a California ID only if you do not drive, have lost your license, or want a backup form of identification.