New Residents
When you become a resident and you want to drive in California, you must apply for a California driver license within 10 days.
Residencyis established by: voting in California elections; paying residenttuition at a California college or university; filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption; obtaining a license; or receiving anyother privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.
Adults Visiting California
Visitors over 18 years old with a valid driver license from their home state orcountry may drive in California without getting a driver license as long as their home state license remains valid.