California state ID card
Get a California ID card so you can stop carrying your passport.
The short answer
Getting a California ID card means proving who you are, proving you live in California, and finishing the application at a Department of Motor Vehicles office.1, 2, 3 The card costs $40.4 An unexpired foreign passport with an approved I-94 arrival record proves who you are, and so does an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (I-766).1, 5 California issues the card only to someone who is legally present in the United States.6 If you are legally present but cannot get a Social Security Number yet, California exempts you from the requirement.7
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to California and you need ID you can carry.
- 2Your documentsYou gather proof of who you are, where you live, and your status.
- 3You applyYou take them to the office that issues ID cards.
- 4Your cardYour ID card is issued, and your passport stays at home.
What it costs
Whether you can get one
If you are not a US citizen
California issues an ID card only to someone who is legally present in the United States.6
Documents you need
Your Social Security Number
If your status has an end date
When your card expires
To extend a limited-term ID card, your legal presence document has to run 60 or more days past the day you apply.9
Where to go
Other states
Sources
Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
- 1
“Valid/unexpired foreign passport with an approved Record of Arrival/Departure (I-94).”
dmv.ca.gov/…/federal-non-compliant-dl-id-card-documents-list-pdfChecked August 25, 2026
- 2
“Federal Non-Compliant applicants must submit acceptable proof of residency in California.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/federal-non-compliant-dl-id-card-documents-list-pdfChecked August 25, 2026
- 3
“After submitting your application, you will need to visit a DMV office to complete it.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/dl-id-online-app-edl-44Checked August 25, 2026
- 4
“Regular ID card / Application– Original / Fee$40”
dmv.ca.gov/…/licensing-feesChecked August 25, 2026
- 5
“Valid/unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766).”
dmv.ca.gov/…/federal-non-compliant-dl-id-card-documents-list-pdfChecked August 25, 2026
- 6
“California law does not allow for an ID card to be issued to individuals who are not legally present in the United States.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/real-id-info-non-u-s-citizensChecked August 25, 2026
- 7
“If you are legally present in the U.S., but ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from SSN requirements.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/federal-non-compliant-dl-id-card-documents-list-pdfChecked August 25, 2026
- 8
“All applicants must submit to DMV their social security number (SSN).”
dmv.ca.gov/…/federal-non-compliant-dl-id-card-documents-list-pdfChecked August 25, 2026
- 9
“If your limited-term DL/ID card expires and you need an extension, you must provide a BD/LP document that expires 60 or more days from the day you apply.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/limited-term-for-legal-presenceChecked August 25, 2026
- 10
“Apply for, replace, or update your driver's license, identification card, or learner's permit”
dmv.ca.gov/…/dl-id-online-app-edl-44Checked August 25, 2026
Applying for a state ID card in California?
Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.