
You should consult you own attorney if you need legal advice specific to your situation. No attorney-client relationship is created by using any information on this site, or any downloads or external links on the site. This site, and any downloads or external sites to which it connects, are not intended to provide legal advice, but rather general legal information. Root & Rebound is an independent 501(c)3 organization, Read more about other forms of ID in California for undocumented people on PG. 1109.Ĭal. If you hold this license, you can legally drive a motor vehicle in California but it does not prove legal presence in the United States for any purpose. There could be some restrictions in getting a CA Driver License, depending on your criminal history.Īs of January 1, 2015, if you cannot provide proof of legal presence in the United States, but otherwise qualify for a California driver license, you can apply for a “non-ID” driver license.

There are no restrictions in getting a CA state ID based on your criminal history. Requires birth certificate and SSN plus, you must take and pass a written test and a road test. Some people can obtain while incarcerated through CAL-ID program.Ĭannot apply while incarcerated you must apply in person upon release. Government-issued ID can be used to prove age, identity, and legal presence.***

Government-issued ID can be used to prove age, identity, and legal presence.

THIS CHART COMPARES two TYPES OF IDENTIFICATION: CALIFORNIA STATE ID VS. Once you get a state ID, you can go back later for a driver license. If you eventually want to drive, you will need to get a driver license, but because that process requires testing, we recommend that you get a California state ID first, since ID is needed right away after release. Either one will allow you to prove your identity, for example, when you open a bank account, register to vote, or apply for jobs, housing, or public benefits. Which one is right for me - a State ID Card or a Driver License? What’s the difference? ARE YOU UNDOCUMENTED?īoth a California state ID and a California driver license serve as an official government-issued, photo identification that can be used to prove your identity, age, and legal presence in the United States (unless you have an “undocumented person” California driver license).
