Proof of California Residency
Written By | Doreen Almirol | 20+ years CA DMV Licensed Driving Instructor
When applying for a driver’s license or learner’s permit at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you will need to provide documentation to prove your California residency. The following list includes examples of documents that the DMV generally accepts for this purpose.
1 | Proof of California Residency:
Rental or Lease Agreement:
A copy of your rental or lease agreement with your name listed as the tenant.
Utility Bill:
A recent utility bill (e.g., gas, water, electricity, cable) with your name and residential address.
Mortgage Bill:
A recent mortgage statement with your name and residential address.
Home Insurance:
A current homeowner’s insurance policy with your name and address.
Property Tax Bill:
A copy of your property tax bill with your name and address.
Employment Documents: Pay stubs with your name and address. W-2 form or 1099 form with your name and address.
School Enrollment: School transcripts or a letter from an educational institution verifying your enrollment and address.
Government Correspondence:
Any official correspondence from a government agency with your name and address.
Bank Statements:
Recent bank statements with your name and address.
Medical Documents:
Health insurance documents or medical bills with your name and address.
Auto Insurance Policy:
A current auto insurance policy with your name and address.
2 | Additional Considerations:
- Documents must show your full name and residential address.
- The DMV may require more than one document to establish California residency.
- All documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies are generally not accepted.
Need More Information?
Customers applying for a driver license must provide Proof of California Residency if they do not have satisfactory proof of legal presence. Use the following guideline to help you determine the documents that are needed when applying for a driver license.
