It is important to know that Indian driving licenses are not recognized by the California DMV, which means that your license cannot be used as a valid form of identification when you head out into traffic. To be able to drive legally with an Indian driving license, drivers must apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your IDP will usually arrive within 5-14 business days.
Drivers from different countries around the world can have a difficult time driving in California. Some states have exemptions to this, and California is one of those states allowing international drivers to get a state license without getting an American license first.
The DMV will ask for proof of your identity and date of birth before issuing you an international driver’s license. This will usually be your valid foreign driver’s license or other such documentation.
In California, drivers are required to obtain a license before they’re allowed to drive on public roads. This includes getting a Class C driver’s license and undergoing the following tests: Â Â Â vision exam, written exam, road test, and knowledge examination.
The first step for getting your Class C license involves taking a vision exam at an approved medical facility. Then, you have to pass the written test at DMV or any other agency before going for the road.
Step By Step Guide To Get A Driver License In California For Indian Citizen
1. Complete the application form: Please go tohttps://www.dmv.ca.gov/ and fill out the online application for a new driver’s license.
2. Take the written test in English
3. Take the oral test in English
4. Take a photo
5. Pass the background check
6. Obtain an appointment
7. Meet with the service representative
8. Pay the fee
9. Apply for your permit
10. Obtain a temporary permit
List Of Requirements To Get A Driver License In California For Indian Citizen
To get a California driver’s license, an Indian citizen will need to carry it in India.
Before visiting the DMV for the first time, check that you have all of the following:
1. An approved and current Indian passport with an expiry date greater than six months from your visit to California
2. A country visa from your country of residence
3. A completed Application for Foreign Applicant for Driver License or Non-driver ID Card (DL/ID)
4. Proof of a Social Security Number (SSN)
5. If you are ineligible for a Social Security Number, you will need additional documents such as:
6. Evidence of financial responsibility in the form of a current bank account statement
7. Evidence that you are employed by an organization with whom we have an agreement
8. To apply for a new driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number or be a lawful U.S. permanent resident.
9. To apply for an interim driver’s license prior to the issuance of your permanent driver’s license, you must first be certified by the DMV.
FAQs
How Long Can You Drive In California With A Foreign License?
As a US state, California has a strict driving law requiring drivers to have a valid US license. However, foreign licenses are also accepted and can be used in limited areas of the state.
The boundaries on where you can drive with an international license vary depending on what country you hold your license in. If you hold your international driver’s permit in Canada, then you can drive within the borders of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. However, if you hold your permit in Italy then the only states that will accept it are Arkansas and Mississippi.
One thing to note is that even though foreign licenses are allowed within certain states, they do not count as valid for drivers who need to take a written test for their license renewal or get their first US license.
Foreign nationals can legally drive in California for a period of six months with an international driver’s license, but they should also carry their home country’s driver’s license and proof of insurance.
California is one of the most popular states to live in, so many people who are non-US citizens want to move there and live the American Dream. However, driving in California is hard. To be able to drive on the state’s roads legally, you must first get a license from your own country.
Can I Drive In California With An Out Of State License?
An out-of-state driver’s license is not valid in California, but a California license can be issued to a non-resident.
It is possible to drive in the state with an out-of-state ID, but some states do not recognize certain licenses. For example, if you have a New York driver’s license, it may be possible for you to drive in Florida but not in California.
There are also some states that only recognize their own licenses and will not accept any other ones. For example, if you have an Ohio driver’s license and try and drive in New York, they will not accept it because their law doesn’t recognize it as valid proof of driving privileges.
It is important for people driving across borders to know which states they can drive with their licenses before they leave home so that they don’t get stuck without a valid license at the border.
Can A Foreigner Get A California Driver License?
In California, a foreigner can get a California driver’s license after passing the required tests. In order to get a driver’s license in California, you must be at least 18 years old and have held your U.S. or foreign country’s driver’s license for at least one year.
This is because it is not possible to transfer any of your driving privileges from your home country to the United States without first becoming a resident of the State of California for at least one year.
As long as you are legally allowed to drive in your home country, you should be able to drive in the state of California without having to change any other licenses or classes of vehicles that you may hold if they are from different countries.
California is known for its “California Dreamin'” motto. Moving to the state and getting a driver’s license is one of its most important milestones.
Is It Illegal To Drive In California Without A California License?
It is not illegal for a driver from another state to drive in California. However, they need to obtain a California license in order to legally drive on the road.
For those driving from out of state, it is best that you make sure that all of their documentation is up-to-date and in order before they travel.
Do I Need To Change My Drivers License When I Move To California?
If your drivers’ license is from the state of New York, then yes, you must change it when you move to California. Otherwise, your license will not be valid for driving in California.
It is important to note that if your license was issued by any other state and not from New York before moving there, then you should not need to take any action on changing it.
Do I Need Proof Of Residency To Get A California Drivers License?
California driver’s licenses are issued to people who live in the state. People need to provide proof of residency when they apply for a driver’s license.
This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some examples of acceptable documents that show proof of residency:
1) A current utility bill showing your name and address;
2) A lease agreement;
3) A property deed; or
4) An eviction notice.
Can You Register A Car Without A License In CA?
In some states, you can register your car without a license. However, it is important to know that this is not the case in California.
In order to register a car in California, you will need a driver’s license with an image of your face on it unless you want to go through the added process of getting an official hologram.
How Can I Get A California ID Fast?
California requires a valid state ID to vote, open a bank account, obtain certain benefits, and more. In order to get your ID quickly, it is important to know which documents you need in order to apply for one.
The first step in getting a state ID is finding the closest office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV doesn’t issue IDs or accept applications over the phone so the next step is finding their physical address. Once you have found that, make sure that you bring all required documentation and then proceed with applying for your new ID.
In order to expedite this process, it is likely best for you to visit your local DMV office or use their online services instead of waiting on hold over the phone. If you cannot locate the DMV office near you then using online services is also a viable option.
Hi, I’m Robert D. Max, a seasoned traveler, author, and photographer from the USA. With a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, I currently serve as Tourism Manager at Advance Travel and Tourism, a division of Advance Local. Outside of work, I’ve explored over 40 countries in my 7+ years of travel, documenting my adventures on my blog, AroundUniverse.com. Through my writing and photography, I aim to inspire others to discover the beauty of our world.