In the Driver's Licenses guide
California driver's license types
Reviewed by the DMVCA editorial team · Content last verified November 6, 2026
California issues 15 driver’s license and ID card types - from the standard Class C to specialized commercial CDLs, motorcycle classes (M1 / M2), the federally compliant REAL ID, and the AB 60 license for residents without legal presence. Each type has different eligibility rules, document requirements, and uses.
Not sure which one you need? The decision guide below maps situations to license types in about 30 seconds. For deep instructions on how to apply, see our first-license guide.
License/ID types
15
Standard fee
$46
Class C, M1/M2, A, B, AB 60
Standard adult license
Class C
Min age (Class C)
16
with 6-mo permit if under 18
CDL fee
$100
A/B original; $59 to renew
REAL ID enforced
May 7, 2025
No SSN required
AB 60
country-of-origin docs OK
Free ID option
No-Fee ID
McKinney-Vento eligible
All 15 California license & ID types
Every option in this guide - compare side by side. Tap any name to open the guide.
TypeWho it's forAgeTestFeeValidity
Class C Cars, pickups, vans ≤ 26,000 lbs16 (with permit)Written + road$465 yrs Class M1 / M2 Motorcycles & motor-driven cycles15½ permit · 16Written + skills$465 yrs Class A non-comm. Trailer > 10,000 lbs GVWR (5th-wheel > 15,000)18Written + skills$465 yrs Class B non-comm. Housecar over 40 ft, up to 45 ft18Written + skills$465 yrs CDL Class A Combinations ≥ 26,001 lbs18 / 21ELDT + written + skills$1005 yrs CDL Class B Single vehicles ≥ 26,001 lbs18 / 21ELDT + written + skills$1005 yrs CDL Class C Hazmat or passenger commercial18 / 21ELDT + endorsement$595 yrs AB 60 Residents without legal presence16Written + road$465 yrs REAL ID upgrade Anyone with existing CA license/IDAnyNone$46Same as base Federal Non-Compliant Default issuance, no legal-presence docs16+Same as base$46Same as base
California ID Card Non-drivers, photo ID onlyAnyNone$406 yrs Senior ID Card 62+, non-driver62+NoneNo fee8 yrs Reduced-Fee ID Income-eligible (must qualify)AnyNone$116 yrs No-Fee ID McKinney-Vento eligible - incl. fleeing abuseAnyNoneFree6 yrs Veteran-Designated Honorably discharged veterans (add-on)16+Same as baseNo extra feeSame as base
Decision guide
Which California license should I get?
If you… → you need…
Drive a passenger car or pickup truck Class C ›
Want to fly domestically with your CA license REAL ID upgrade ›
Ride a motorcycle on highways Class M1 ›
Ride a moped or motor-driven cycle only Class M2 ›
Tow a trailer over 10,000 lbs GVWR - 15,000 for a fifth-wheel Class A non-comm. ›
Drive a large RV (housecar > 40 ft) Class B non-comm. ›
Drive a commercial truck ≥ 26,001 lbs with trailer CDL Class A ›
Drive a commercial truck ≥ 26,001 lbs single unit CDL Class B ›
Transport hazmat or 16+ passengers commercially CDL Class C ›
Don't have legal presence in the US AB 60 ›
Don't drive but need a photo ID California ID card ›
Are 62+ and don't drive Senior ID card ›
Have low income and need an ID Reduced-Fee ID ›
Are unhoused, or fleeing abuse or a dangerous situation No-Fee ID ›
Are a veteran and want it on your license Veteran designation ›
Still not sure? The comparison table above lists every type side by side - who it is for, the tests, the fee and the term. Most drivers need a Class C.
Common eligibility & requirements
Shared across all driving licenses - the guides go deeper into specifics.
For every license
- Vision test (office or approved provider report)
- Proof of California residency - 2 documents
- Knowledge test - 80% to pass (except REAL ID upgrade)
Adds for under-18
- Six months holding a permit
- 50 hours supervised driving (10 at night)
- Parent/guardian signature
- Completion of driver's education
Adds for CDL
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) - federally required
- DOT medical certificate
- 18+ intrastate, 21+ interstate
Adds for REAL ID
- Proof of legal presence (passport, birth cert, naturalization)
- You provide your Social Security number; the card isn’t required (exceptions may apply).
For AB 60
- No legal presence proof required
- Identity proof from country of origin
Documents required by type
What changes between standard, REAL ID, CDL, AB 60, and ID cards.
LicenseIdentitySSNResidency
Class C / M / A / B non-comm RequiredRequired2 docs
REAL ID (any class) Specific listRequired2 docs
CDL RequiredRequired2 docs
AB 60 Country of originNot required2 docs
California ID card RequiredRequired2 docs
REAL ID: the DMV says Californians who “can prove their current legal presence in the United States (U.S.) with one of the accepted identity documents (original or certified copy)” are eligible. DMV – REAL ID Info: Non-U.S. Citizens
Fees by license type
A summary of the main fees.
Class C (new or renew) $46
M1 / M2 standalone $46
Add a motorcycle endorsement (M1/M2) to a license $46
Class A or B (non-commercial) $46
CDL (Class A/B original; renewals & Class C $59) $100
AB 60 $46
REAL ID upgrade $46
California ID card $40
Senior ID card (62+) No fee
Reduced-Fee ID $11
No-Fee ID Free
Veteran designation add-on No separate fee
How to
Apply for any California license
High-level - each step links to the deep guide.
1
Pick the right license type
Use the decision guide or the comparison table above. Most drivers need a Class C.
2
Gather your documents
Based on the type you picked.
3
Apply at a DMV office
With form DL 44 (or DL 44C for ID cards). Find an office ›
4
Pay the fee
For your license type - see the table above.
5
Take any required tests
Vision, knowledge (80% to pass), skills, behind-the-wheel.
6
Receive your temporary paper license
At the office. Physical card mailed to you.
The bigger picture
How these connect to the rest of the DMV system
Your license type determines what you can do across the wider DMV system. A Class C license is the minimum to register a personal vehicle in your name (see vehicle registration). A CDL is required for any commercial driving job. An ID card proves identity at federal buildings and lets you cash checks but does NOT let you drive. Your license type also affects which services you can do online vs. in-office - only certain types are eligible for online renewal.
Frequently asked questions
Comparison and definitional - to help you pick the right type.
What types of California driver's licenses exist?
California issues 15 license and ID types: Class C, M1/M2 (motorcycle), Class A and B (non-commercial), CDL A/B/C, AB 60, REAL ID, Federal Non-Compliant, California ID card, Senior ID, Reduced-Fee ID, No-Fee ID, and the Veteran-Designated add-on. See the comparison table above.
Which license type do I need to drive a regular car?
A Class C license - the standard California driver's license. It covers passenger cars, vans, and pickups up to 26,000 lbs. Most adult drivers hold a Class C.
How much does a California driver's license cost by type?
Most standard types (Class C, M1/M2, A, B non-commercial, AB 60) cost $46. CDL is $100 ($59 to renew or for Class C), a California ID card is $40, the Senior ID is free, the Reduced-Fee ID is $11, and the No-Fee ID is free. See the fees table.
What's the difference between a REAL ID and a regular license?
A REAL ID is federally compliant - required to fly domestically or enter federal buildings since May 7, 2025. A standard "Federal Non-Compliant" license still works for driving and state ID. The cards differ by a gold-bear star in the corner.
What documents do I need for a California license?
Proof of identity, your SSN, and two proofs of California residency for most licenses; for a REAL ID, your identity document must also prove legal presence (you provide your Social Security number; the card isn’t required - exceptions may apply). AB 60 uses country-of-origin identity instead. See the documents matrix above.
Can I apply for a California license online?
First licenses must be applied for in person. Most renewals can be done online if you're under 70, hold a current CA license, and aren't upgrading to REAL ID.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Minimum age 16 for Class C (after a 6-month permit if under 18), 15½ for an M-class permit, 18 for non-commercial Class A/B or intrastate CDL. Vision and knowledge tests are required for all driving licenses.
How long does it take to get a California license?
The office visit is straightforward; the card arrives by mail. First-time drivers under 18 must hold a permit for six months, so the full process takes at least that long.
How do I get a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), get a DOT medical certificate, and pass the written and skills tests.
What happens if I drive without the right license class?
Driving outside your license class is a misdemeanor under the California Vehicle Code - fines, possible impound, and denied insurance claims. Match your license class to what you drive.
Is every license type available at every DMV office?
Most are. Exceptions: CDL and motorcycle skills tests are only offered at certain offices. REAL ID is available at every DMV office.
What's new in California license types for 2026?
The Class C fee is $46, digital driver's licenses are in pilot in several counties, and REAL ID enforcement (May 2025) continues. See the license news.
Sources. California Vehicle Code §§ 12500, 12804.9, 12804.10 · California DMV - Driver's licenses & ID cards · California DMV - Instruction and learner's permits (passing score of 80%) · REAL ID Act of 2005 · 49 CFR Part 37 · AB 60 (2013) - Safe and Responsible Driver Act
Content last verified November 6, 2026.