I Just Moved To California And Need a Driver’s License and Car Insurance
Reader’s question
I just moved from Tennessee to California and I purchased car insurance but I have not registered my vehicle yet in CA. Do I renew my Tennessee registration using my California address and proof of insurance card?
Allan
Thank you for asking Allan.
If you are a resident in California and planning to reside permanently there, you will be required to get a CA license and register your car in CA.
The California Department of Motor Vehicle states that if you consider yourself not a resident in California, you may be able to drive your vehicle using your current registration for up to 6 months until you:
1. accept employment in California or become a resident
2. claim a homeowners exemption in California
3. Enroll in school or institution of higher learning
4. intend to live in California on a permanent basis
Also, if you are working and living in CA, you will need to register your vehicle in CA since you said that your car is already insured.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Can I Legally Drive in California With an Out Of State License?
Reader’s question:
Is my Washington state drivers license accepted in California?
Anna
Good question Anna.
It would really depends in the situation if your Washington state license would be accepted or not in the state of California. If your car is registered in Washington state and just visiting in California, usually your Washington coverages would conform to the California auto insurance requirements.
If you are attending school in CA and still have the valid license and still keeping your WA residence, your Washington insurance may still cover you in California. Cases like this, you will need to call your insurance company to make sure that your coverage will still be in effect while you are out of state.
If on the other hand, you moved to California, you will then have to register and insure your vehicle in California with an insurance company. If your insurance company in WA does business in CA then it would be simple and easier for you. Your agent will just simply change it over to the California state.
It is also best to contact you insurance company to check if your Washington insurance would be effective in the state of California and discuss the specifics of your coverage. The California Department of Motor Vehicle will provide you information if your Washington state insurance coverages will be accepted California.
Can I Use an International Drivers License in California
I have an international license. Do I need to have a driver license in the US to be able to drive in Los Angeles, CA and if yes, how do I do that?
Cecille
Thank you for asking Cecille.
The California Department of Motor Vehicle states that if you are a visitor in California over 18 years of age and has a valid driver’s license from your country, you may be able to drive in the state of California as long as you maintain your drivers license valid.
But on the other hand, if you get a job or become a resident in the state of California, you will be required to get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by:
1. voting in the California election
2. paying resident tuition
3. filing for the homeowners property tax exemption
4. getting other privileges not extended to nonresidents
If you also have a license from another country, you may be required to take a driving test.
The state of California recognizes a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction of which the license holder is a resident. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized in California. It is only a transaction of the driver’s information contained in your foreign driver license. Therefore, this cannot be used to drive in the state of California.
If you get caught driving without the California drivers license and only using the IDP, citation may be issued and will be place in the database of Department of Motor Vehicles.
You may check with the DMV to make sure if the license that you have is permitted to drive around the state of California legally. If they tell you that you will need to get a California license, you can also get an information with them on how to obtain it.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Can I Drive in California With An Out of State Expired Drivers License?
Reader’s question:
I live in California. Can I drive with an out of state license or expired license and still be insured?
Mike
Good question Mike.
If you just moved to California and just placed and insurance to your vehicle, you should maintain an insurance with an out of state license until you are able to purchase a car insurance in California. But it should be done quickly since you are now living in California. If you have a job or residing in California, you are required to get a driver’s license within 10 days. Aside from getting a drivers license, you will also need to register your car to the California Department of Motor Vehicle. Those that resides in other states may operate their vehicle with the current registration under their name from their residence state for up to six months or until they:
1. become California residents
2. has a home owner’s exception in California
3. lease or rent in California
4. Enroll in an institution of higher learning in CA
5. Intend to live on a permanent basis in California
There are fees that needs to be paid within the 20 days of residency to avoid penalties.It is actually illegal to drive with an expired license in CA. You should try to get it renewed or get a CA license as soon as possible to avoid citation from the law enforcement.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Loading ...