Document Number On Drivers License California

I9 form information and FAQ on I-9 CIS regulations. HR staff may list 'Driver's license' for the title space, the state motor vehicles agency for the issuing authority, the document number and the expiration date. The voter registration application asks for your driver license or California identification card number, or you can use the last four numbers on your Social Security card. If you do not have a driver license, California identification card or Social Security card, you may leave that space blank. When you apply for an original California DL, you must present acceptable documents establishing your identity/birthdate, residency, and provide your Social Security Number (SSN), if eligible. When a document is required, with the exception of proof of residency, adhere to the following requirements. Mar 18, 2021 The document number is an 8 or 10 digit alphanumeric number found either on the back of the license or lower right hand corner (depending on the year of your license). It is not the same as the drivers license number. I have included a link to the NY authority that displays images below. Getting your license is supposed to be a breeze but it can get difficult if you forget to bring the right documents! So we’ve made a list of all the documents you need to bring to the California DMV! You will need to provide proof of your Social Security Number; the following are acceptable documents.

  1. Document Number On California License
  2. Document Number On Driver's License California Requirements
  3. Document Number On Driver's License California
  4. California Driving License

Who can get a REAL ID?

Any Californian who can prove their current legal presence in the United States (U.S.) with one of the accepted identity documents (original or certified copy) is eligible to receive a REAL ID driver license or identification (DL/ID) card. This includes all U.S. citizens, permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens (Green Card holders), and those with temporary legal status, such as recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and holders of a valid student or employment visa. For Californians with temporary legal status, their REAL ID DL/ID card will expire on the same date as their U.S. legal presence document, and they can receive a new card with a documented extension of their legal status.

The required documents to apply for a REAL ID are listed below, as well as on DMV’s REAL ID checklist.

One Proof of Identity (original or certified copy only)

If you are a lawfully present non-U.S. citizen, acceptable documents include:

  • Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
  • Valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
  • Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
  • Unexpired foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
  • Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility.

If the name of your identity document is different from your current name, you must bring a document with the new name. Check the REAL ID Document Checklist for a full list of acceptable certified legal documents supporting a name change.

One Proof of Social Security Number (full number required)

You must present one document that shows your name and full social security number (SSN) (if eligible). If the document is a social security card, it must be an original. Make sure your document is up to date and accurate to avoid delays. If you need to correct information with the Social Security Administration (SSA), do so before you apply for a REAL ID.

These are acceptable documents:

  • Social Security card (original)
  • W-2 Form
  • Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 Form
  • Non-SSA-1099 Form
  • Paystub with full SSN

If you need a replacement social security card, you may be able to apply for a replacement online from SSA.

If you are ineligible for an SSN, you may still apply for a REAL ID DL/ID card.

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.
If you use a PO Box, one document must have both the PO Box and physical (residence) address and one document may only contain the PO Box.
If your name does not appear on any residency documents, you may present a birth certificate, marriage certificate, domestic partner registration certificate, an adoption document or any court document to connect your relationship to a person whose name does appear on the residency documentation. For example, a minor may use a residency document showing their parent or legal guardian’s name, but they must also present a birth certificate proving their relation to the person listed on the residency documents. The name on the residency documents must match the name on the identity document used to show relation.
If the residency document reflects a name that differs from the identity document due to a name change (for example, marriage, divorce, or court order), additional name change documentation will be required as evidence of the name change. For example, a child may use residency documents with the mother’s name differing from the birth certificate by also presenting a marriage certificate and/or dissolution of marriage document showing the mother’s different last name, which is on the residency documents.

The following documents can be used as proof of your California residency:

  • Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
  • Deed or title to residential real property
  • Mortgage bill
  • Home utility bill (including cellular phone)
  • School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant’s date of birth (If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.)
  • Medical documents
  • Employment documents
  • Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
  • Tax return (either Internal Revenue Service [IRS] or California Franchise Tax Board [FTB])
  • Change of Address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
  • Property tax bill or statement
  • Faith-based document that includes the name and address of the organization
  • Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
  • Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
  • Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California
  • An original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor
  • Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California
  • Letter from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer, or government agency within the U.S. attesting that the applicant resides in California
  • A document issued by a U.S. government agency, meaning the entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
  • California Certificate of Title or registration (vehicle or vessel)
  • A DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form, completed and signed

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have been authorized to apply for a DL/ID since June 15, 2012, upon presentation of documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DACA approvals by DHS are good for two (2) years. The expiration date of the DL/ID issued will align with the term of the customer’s legal presence document. The DMV website provides a list of acceptable legal presence documents for either a Federal Non-Compliant or REAL ID Compliant DL/ID card.
At the point of renewal of a limited term DL/ID card, DMV sends a renewal notice to the applicant’s address on file requesting an updated DHS extension information/document. It is important to note that a REAL ID applicant cannot mail in any documents to renew their license. They must visit a field office and present their documents.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DACA

Yes, DACA recipients are eligible to receive a REAL ID DL/ID card if their legal presence documents are current. The REAL ID DL/ID card will expire on the same date as their U.S. legal presence document. When it is time to renew, DMV will send a renewal notice to the address on file requesting an updated DHS extension information/document. The applicant should visit a field office and present their documents if they want to retain their REAL ID.

  • DL/ID cards will remain valid until the date of expiration printed on the card.
  • If a DACA recipient no longer maintains DACA status or other form of legal presence and wishes to convert their DL card to an AB 60 DL card, the applicant:
    • Will need to visit a local DMV field office.
    • Is urged to make an appointment by calling DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or going online at dmv.ca.gov.
    • Must cancel any existing DL/ID card by completing the Request for Cancellation or Surrender of Driver License or Identification Card (DL 142) form.
    • If applicable, pay an application fee.
    • Does not need to complete a knowledge or vision test, unless indicated on the DL record.
    • Does not need to complete a drive test, unless indicated on the DL record.

California law does not allow for an ID card to be issued to individuals who are not legally present in the United States. If a DACA recipient with an ID card, loses their DACA status and has no other form of legal status, they will not be able to renew or convert their ID card.

Document Number On Drivers License California

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

A TPS beneficiary can obtain a REAL ID compliant DL/ID card. The Department of Homeland Security may designate TPS for a foreign country due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain designated countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the U.S. Eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

The validity period of the DL/ID generally depends upon the length of the TPS period. The DL/ID expiration date is based on information verified by the federal government in compliance with federal law. Depending on the verified response from the federal government, the DL/ID card will be valid for the period of time of the applicant’s authorized stay in the United States or, if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, a period of one year from the date of the DL/ID application.

Resources:

Featured ResourceAre You Overpaying for Car Insurance?

Driver License Suspension in California

Number

If you or someone you know has incurred a suspended license, that means your driving privileges have been temporarily withdrawn.

You can face suspensions from both the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and state/federal courts. Below you will find information about how to reinstate your California driver's license and the associated restrictions.

About Your Suspended License in CA

There are many reasons your CA driver's license could be suspended, including:

  • Failing to appear (FTA) in court after receiving a traffic ticket. Your license will be suspended until you appear in court.
  • Not having proof of car insurance.
  • Failing to pay required child support payments.
  • Being caught driving when you are physically/mentally unfit to do so.

For a complete list of actions resulting in a driver's license suspension, see the California DMV Driver Handbook.

How Long is My License Suspended?

The duration of your suspension depends on the reason you received it. Typically, suspensions can run anywhere from as little as 30 days for a minor infraction to years for more serious offenses, such as reckless driving, DUI, or multiple offenses.

You could lose your CA license indefinitely if you are not supposed to drive due to a mental or physical disorder. If you would like more information about your individual situation, you may contact the California DMV at (800) 777-0133.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

If you are convicted of a single DUI, the court will suspend your driving privilege and require you to complete a DUI program prior to your license being reinstated. Note that you may face additional penalties from the DMV on top of what the court hands down to you.

If you are under 21 years old, different suspensions will apply to you. See “DUI Related Suspensions in California' below.

For more information regarding DUI related offenses, please refer to our DUI & DWI in California page.

Evading a Police Officer

If you attempt to evade a police officer performing their regular duties, you may be punished by imprisonment for not more than 1 year. If somebody is injured, you may be subject to:

  • Up to 1 year imprisonment in a county jail OR up to 7 years in a state prison.
  • A $2,000 to $10,000 fine.
  • Both a fine and imprisonment.

Driver Record Points (Negligent Operator)

The California DMV keeps a public record of your driving history. Each incident will appear on your record for 36 months or more depending on the type of conviction and are recorded as points.

If you accumulate 4 points in a period of 12 months, your license may suspend and you could be place on probation OR your license make revoke your driving privileges.

  • For more information about the point system in California, see the “Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)' section below.
  • For more information about point-related incidents, please visit our DMV Point System in California page.

Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)

If your CA driver's license was suspended due to too many points on your driver record, you will receive a series of warning letters and sanctions before your CA driver's license is suspended.

Under the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS), you will receive a:

  • Level 1 Warning Letter, if you accrue:
    • 2 points within 12 months.
    • 4 points within 24 months.
    • 6 points within 36 months.
  • Level 2 Notice of Intent to Suspend, if you accrue:
    • 3 points within 12 months.
    • 5 points within 24 months.
    • 7 points within 36 months.
  • Level 3 Probation/Suspension, if you accrue:
    • 4 points within 12 months.
    • 6 points within 24 months.
    • 8 points within 36 months.
  • Level 4 Violation of NOTS Probation and license suspension, if you:
    • Commit a violation or collision while your driver's license is suspended.
    • Have Failure To Appear (FTA) or a Failure to Pay (FTP) violation during your probation period.
    • Are under 18 years old and violate a provisional probation due to a responsible collision, an FTA or FTP, or another reportable violation.

For more information about the NOTS program, please refer to the guidelines and actions list.

DUI-Related Suspensions in California

Admin Per Se Program

In 1990, California initiated the Admin Per Se (APS) program. This administrative license suspension program has served as a huge deterrent to drunk driving since its inception.

Under the APS program, if you are pulled over for a DUI, your license will be immediately confiscated if:

  • Your BAC level is 0.01% or more while on DUI probation.
  • Your BAC level is 0.04% or more while driving a commercial vehicle.
  • Your BAC level is 0.04% or more while driving a for hire passenger vehicle with passengers in the vehicle.
  • Your BAC level is 0.08% or more while driving a non-commercial vehicle.
    OR
  • You refuse to complete a BAC test.

In addition to the immediate driver's license confiscation under the APS program, you may also receive any of the following penalties from the court system:

  • Driver's license suspension.
  • Jail time.
  • Fines.
  • Other criminal penalties.

What Happens to My Driver's License?

At the time of your arrest, your arresting officer should have given you an Order of Suspension/Revocation when they confiscated your license. If the officer did not provide you with an Order of Suspension/Revocation, the California DMV will send you one.

The order includes a temporary driver's license that is valid for 30 days from the issue date. Your driver's license suspension/revocation will begin at the end of this period of 30 days.

If, for some reason, you feel your APS suspension/revocation was an error, you have 10 days to request a hearing after receiving it.

Under 21 Years Old

If you're under 21 years old, your driver's license may be suspended for 1 year if you are caught with alcohol in your vehicle (unless the container is full, sealed, and unopened, and you are accompanied by a parent or other approved person).

If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher, or are driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, your license will be suspended for 1 year.

Restricted California Driver's License

In California, you can apply for a restricted driver's license to use until your permanent license is reinstated, if your suspension was due to:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
    OR
  • Failing to have car insurance.

DUI and Restricted Licenses

If your California driver's license was suspended due to a DUI, you may be eligible for a restricted license if:

  • This is your only DUI-related offense within the last 10 years.
  • The results of your chemical test showed a BAC level of:
    • 0.08% or more, if you were operating a non-commercial vehicle.
      OR
    • 0.04% or more, if you were driving a commercial vehicle.
      OR
    • 0.04% while driving a passenger for hire vehicle when passengers are present
  • You were 21 years old or older at the time of your arrest.

In order to obtain a restricted license from the CA DMV, you must enroll in a licensed DUI First Offender program. Notify the program provider that you are applying for a restricted driver's license. After your mandatory suspension:

  • Ask the program provider to file a Proof of Enrollment Certificate (Form DL-107) with the CA DMV.
  • Pay the $125 reissue fee.
  • File proof of your financial responsibility, such as:
    • California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR-22).
    • $35,000 cash deposit.
    • Surety bond.
    • Self-insurer certificate.
  • Request a “To/From/During Course of Employment and DUI Program' restriction.

Your restricted license will only allow you to:

  • Drive to, from, and during the period of your employment.
  • Drive to and from the location of your DUI program.

NOTE: If you don't complete your DUI program, your CA driver's license will be suspended.

Failure to Have Car Insurance

If your driver's license was suspended as a result of being in an accident and not having car insurance, you may be eligible for a restricted license to use during your mandatory suspension of 1 year.

With a restricted license, you may only drive:

  • To, from, and during work.
  • To obtain medical care for yourself or your family members for any serious medical problem.
  • To and from school for your minor dependents, if no public or alternate school transportation is available.

To apply for a restricted license, visit your local CA DMV office with:

  • Proof of your financial responsibility (SR-22).
  • Payment for the $250 financial responsibility fee and any additional driver's license reissuance fee.

Reinstate Your CA Suspended Driver's License

The procedures for reinstating a driver's license in California vary depending on the reason why it was suspended; some of these reasons are outlined below. You should call the CA DMV at (800) 777-0133 for information regarding your specific situation.

To reinstate your CA driver's license, visit your CA DMV office in person with the required documents and payment. You will also need to pay any applicable court fees.

Negligent Operator

If your license was suspended due to being a negligent operator, you'll need to:

  • Pay a reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
  • Pay the required fees to the court.
  • File proof of insurance or financial responsibility.
  • Complete the NOTS probation.
    • You must not have any traffic violations or be involved in an accident during the probation period.

Driving Under the Influence

If your California driver's license was suspended due to drunk driving:

  • Fulfill your mandatory suspension period.
  • Serve your prison sentence, if applicable.
  • Pay the driver's license reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
  • Pay any required fines to the court.
  • Complete a DUI program and submit a Notice of Completion Certificate (Form DL-101).
    • Supplied by your program provider.
  • Submit proof of your insurance or financial responsibility with a:
    • California Insurance Proof Certificate (Form SR-22), provided by your insurance carrier.
    • $35,000 cash deposit.
    • Self-insurer certificate under CVC.
      OR
    • Surety bond.

Mental or Physical Disorder

Document Number On Drivers License California

If your driver's license was suspended due to driving while having a mental or physical disorder, you can reinstate it by submitting:

  • A Driver Medical Evaluation (Form DS-326).
    AND
  • Any additional medical information stating that the condition no longer affects the ability for you to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Document Number On California License

Traffic Accident Without Insurance

If you were involved in an accident and did not have proof of your insurance, you can have your license reinstated by:

  • Completing the term of driver's license suspension.
  • Paying a reissue fee to the CA DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
  • Submitting Proof of Financial Responsibility with a California Insurance Proof Certificate (Form SR-22).
    • Provided by your insurance carrier.

You may also apply for a restricted California driver's license to use during your suspension period. See “Restricted California Driver's License' above.

Failure to Pay a Fine or Appear in Court

If you failed to pay a fine or failed to appear in court due to a traffic citation, you can have your CA suspended driver's license reinstated by:

  • Paying the reissue fee to the California DMV. See “Fees for a Suspended CA Driver's License' below.
  • Appearing in court or paying your citations.
    • Once the fee is paid, you will be given an FTP/FTA abstract stating you fulfilled your court requirement.

Fees for a Suspended License in CA

There are many fees, fines, and costs associated with a driver's license suspension in California:

  • APS reissue fee (under 21 years old): $100.
  • APS reissue fee (21 years old and older): $125.
  • DUI reissue fee: $55.
  • DUI 2nd offense:
    • Add court restriction fee: $15.
    • Remove court restriction fee: $20.
  • Financial responsibility:
    • Penalty fee: $250.
    • Reissue fee: $55.

In addition to these miscellaneous fees, you'll need to pay any additional court costs, fines, and penalties.

CDL Suspensions in California

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) in California, you may receive a suspension if you commit an offense, including:

Document Number On Driver's License California Requirements

  • Reckless driving.
  • Making improper or dangerous lane changes.
  • Following too closely to another vehicle.
  • Causing a fatal accident by violating a traffic law.
  • Driving a commercial vehicle without your CDL.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

Document Number On Driver's License California

In addition to state penalties, you may face additional federal penalties and charges. See the California Commercial Driver Handbook for a full list of state penalties and offenses.

California Driving License

For more information about federal CDL suspension laws, refer to the overview of the CDL program provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.