You become a California DMV resident when California becomes your domicile, not when your SSN arrives, and your valid Canadian license then lasts only through the 10-day statutory window.

(a)(1)

For purposes of this division only and notwithstanding Section 516, residency shall be determined as a person’s state of domicile. “State of domicile” means the state where a person has their true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which the person has manifested the intention of returning whenever they are absent.

(c)

A person entitled to an exemption under Section 12502, 12503, or 12504 may operate a motor vehicle in this state for not to exceed 10 days from the date the person establishes residence in this state, except that a person shall not operate a motor vehicle for employment in this state after establishing residency without first obtaining a license from the department.

(a)(1)

(a) The following persons may operate a motor vehicle in this state without obtaining a driver’s license under this code: (1) A nonresident over the age of 18 years having in his or her immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued by a foreign jurisdiction of which he or she is a resident, except as provided in Section 12505.

Establishing Residency

You are employed in California. Your place of business is located in California. You rent a property in California and it is your primary residence. You are determined to be a resident because of acts, occurrences, or events that indicate that your presence in the state is more than temporary or transient.

(a), (b), (d)

Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) and Section 12801.9, the department shall require an application for a driver’s license to contain the applicant’s social security account number and any other number or identifier determined to be appropriate by the department. An applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a social security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver’s license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure. The department shall not complete an application for a driver’s license unless the applicant is in compliance with the requirements of subdivision (a), (b), or (c).

G, COA chart

The following chart lists, by COA code, non-immigrants authorized to work in the U.S. without separate authorization from DHS. The alien's I-94 showing one of the following COAs has employment authorization unless otherwise noted. |TN |Professional businessperson from Canada or Mexico, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). |

Situation #3: I have a DL issued by another country

If you have a DL issued by another country, follow the application process listed above for “I have a DL issued by another state.” Provide your social security number (SSN). Prove your identity with an acceptable identity document (PDF) (original or certified copy) for either a Federal Non-Compliant (PDF) or REAL ID Compliant DL/ID Card. Present acceptable residency documents (PDF) (if you have never had a California DL/ID). Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months). Pass a vision exam. Pass the knowledge test(s ). You’ll also need to pass a driving test to obtain an original California DL.

Driving test and issuance

If you have a valid DL from another country, an accompanying driver is required to and from the drive test. Once you pass the driving test, DMV will issue you a temporary DL until you receive your new DL in the mail. The temporary DL is valid for 60 days. You will receive your DL via mail within 3-4 weeks.

Driver License Fees

License Class Class C | Application – Original – Renewal – Adding a motorcycle license (Class M1/M2) | Fee $46

Two Proofs of California Residency

To prove that you live in California, you must present two documents that contain your California physical address. Both documents must show your first and last names and the same address that is listed on the driver license or identification card application.

Registering Your Vehicle

If you bring a vehicle into California that was previously registered in another state or country, you must register it within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state.