Welcome to the Golden State! If you’re new to California, learn how to get your driver’s license and register your vehicle.
New to driving in the Golden State? See the California Driver’s Handbook to learn all there is to know about driving in California!
You are considered a resident of California if you are present in this state for six months or longer within a 12-month period,California Vehicle Code (CVC) §516 and you are not visiting on a temporary or transient basis.
- You are registered to vote in California.
- You are gainfully employed in California.
- Your place of business is located in California.
This does not include military personnel.
- You pay resident tuition at a public institution of higher education such as a university or college.
- You have dependents who attend a primary or secondary school.
- You are a homeowner with a property tax exemption.
- You rent a property in California.
- You have claimed residency to obtain a license, privilege, or other benefit that non-residents cannot obtain.
- You have a current California driver’s license or ID card.
- 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.
Everything you need to get set up in California