College kid going to college in CA wanting to change license? (home, dorm)

[tindell]

I am going to college in CA and i want to change my license from an Illinois to a California license. is this possible with me living in a dorm room to change my id, what do i need to do at the dmv or what do i need to bring?

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by tindell

I am going to college in CA and i want to change my license from an Illinois to a California license. is this possible with me living in a dorm room to change my id, what do i need to do at the dmv or what do i need to bring?

Bring proof of address, birth certificate and old license. Address can be from phone bill or any utility.

[Freezer41]

you will have to take a written test, pay a license fee. Housing contract should be enough proof as well.

[tindell]

Originally Posted by Freezer41

you will have to take a written test, pay a license fee. Housing contract should be enough proof as well.

even if my parents live out of state and i have an Illinois license

[RabbitMage]

I think so, but I also think it's just the same test teens take to get their permit. They have handbooks available at the DMV and probably online. Just read through it for a few days and you'll be fine.

[.highnlite]

Are you paying in state or out of state tuition? If you are paying out of state, you probably cannot get a CA license.

How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.

If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

If you have declared residency but do not have a CA license, you are already in trouble.
If you declare residency you will be subject to CA income tax, if your parents claim you as a dependent in Illinois you may have a tax problem or you may create a tax problem for your parents.

Driver License and Identification (ID) Card Information

[FresnoFacts]

You should be able to obtain the CA license even if you are living in the dorm.

However if your intent is to establish residency to try to reduce your tuition costs, be aware in your situation that a CA license will not be enough to help you establish tuition residency.

The University of California system has a summary of its requirements for California resident status to obtain in-state tuition at:
http://www.ucop.edu/ogc/documents/ten-things.pdf
The CSU system and California Community Colleges have similiar requirements.

[tindell]

yea i dont want it to establish residency or to pay instate tuition i want it for other reasons

[DynamoLA]

Just be prepared to wait at LEAST 2 months to get your California license, even after you sign up for it. I just had to renew my driver's license (as did several other people I know), and CA is rolling out new Drivers Licenses. And of course the result is a complete (and usual) CA government cluster****.

I sent in my check and renewal notice in the first week of February, and I got my license last week. (Of course, they cashed my check the first week of February).

[RabbitMage]

I got my new license earlier this year, I think it only took three weeks. And it's not like they don't issue you a temp. one in the meantime.