Does California issue driver licenses for free?

[kyrax12]

I just passed my road test today and they took away my permit and gave me my provisional license.

They said that they will mail my driver's license to me and that the picture on it will be the same as it is in my permit.

Also I don't need to pay for it.


I keep hearing that it cost money to get a driver's license and was wondering if they driver licenses are free now..

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

No, California does not issue free drivers licenses. Somewhere along the way you payed for it. Did you pay for the road test?

 

[kyrax12]

No, California does not issue free drivers licenses. Somewhere along the way you payed for it. Did you pay for the road test?

Nope.

I did pay for to renew my permit though.

 

[Capt Caveman]

You paid before you took the test.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/fees/driverlicense_fees.htm

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two500

How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

Visit a DMV office (make an Appointment(s) for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
Verify your birth date and legal presence If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document, see “True Full Name” and “How to Change Your Name” for more information.
Provide your true full name
Pay the application fee
Pass a vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.(Sample Test)

 

[Monkeywrench]

You paid when you applied for your permit. Well, your Mom or Dad did anyway.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Nope.

I did pay for to renew my permit though.

You paid to take the written test?

 

[DCal430]

Nope.

I did pay for to renew my permit though.

That includes the fee for the license.

 

[kyrax12]

That includes the fee for the license.

Ah ok!

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[kyrax12]

You paid to take the written test?

After my last permit expired, yes.

 

[Baked]

Why would you think anything in this fucking country is free? This ain't a socialist country like fucking Canada.

 

[Drako]

Only if you are a non-resident alien. :biggrin: