License FeesImposition of Fees

Section § 14900

Explanation

This law explains the fees for applying for a new Class C or M driver's license in California. As of January 1, 2010, the fee for a license valid until the fifth birthday after application is $30. This fee covers up to three attempts to pass the exams required for the license within 12 months or while a permit is valid.

If you don't pass the driving skill test on the first try, you need to pay an extra $5 for each additional attempt.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 14900(a) Upon application for an original class C or M driver’s license, a fee of twenty-four dollars ($24), and on and after January 1, 2010, a fee of thirty dollars ($30), shall be paid to the department for a license that will expire on the fifth birthday of the applicant following the date of the application. The payment of the fee entitles the person paying the fee to apply for a driver’s license and to take three examinations within a period of 12 months from the date of the application or during the period that an instruction permit is valid, as provided in Section 12509.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 14900(b) In addition to the application fee specified in subdivision (a), a person who fails to successfully complete the driving skill test on the first attempt shall be required to pay an additional fee of five dollars ($5) for each additional driving skill test administered under that application.
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Section § 14900.1

Explanation

This law outlines the fees required for renewing a driver's license or applying for a new one to operate a different vehicle class. Initially, it's $24, but starting January 1, 2010, the fee is $30. This fee covers the license's validity until the fifth birthday following application and allows up to three attempts at the license exam within 12 months or while a learner's permit is valid.

If you don't pass the driving test on your first try, you'll need to pay an extra $5 for each additional test attempt under the same application.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 14900.1(a) Except as provided in Section 15255.1, upon application for the renewal of a driver’s license or for a license to operate a different class of vehicle, a fee of twenty-four dollars ($24), and on and after January 1, 2010, a fee of thirty dollars ($30), shall be paid to the department for a license that will expire on the fifth birthday of the applicant following the date of the application. The payment of the fee entitles the person paying the fee to apply for a driver’s license and to take three examinations within a period of 12 months from the date of the application or during the period that an instruction permit is valid, as provided in Section 12509.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 14900.1(b) In addition to the application fee specified in subdivision (a), a person who fails to successfully complete the driving skill test on the first attempt shall be required to pay an additional fee of five dollars ($5) for each additional driving skill test administered under that application.
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Section § 14900.5

Explanation

If you apply for a driver's license in California but can't be given one because of a physical or mental condition, you can get an identification card instead. This ID card will last until your sixth birthday after you applied, unless it gets canceled sooner.

Upon application and payment of the fees for a driver’s license pursuant to Section 14900, an identification card may be issued to the applicant if it is determined that a driver’s license cannot be issued due to the applicant’s physical or mental condition. The identification card, unless canceled earlier, shall expire on the applicant’s sixth birthday following the date of application.
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Section § 14901

Explanation

If you need a duplicate driver's license or want to change the name on your driver's license in California, you'll have to pay a fee. As of January 1, 2010, the fee is $24.

Upon an application for a duplicate driver’s license or for a change of name on a driver’s license, a fee of nineteen dollars ($19), and on and after January 1, 2010, a fee of twenty-four dollars ($24), shall be paid to the department.
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Section § 14902

Explanation

If you apply for a California identification card, it typically costs $26. However, senior citizens and homeless individuals can get one for free. People on specific government assistance programs pay only $6, while eligible inmates and patients from certain state facilities pay $8 when getting a replacement ID. These fees are collected by the department managing motor vehicles and placed in a special account. Homeless status can be verified by specific officials, like law enforcement or social workers. The requirements for inmates and patients to get their IDs involve verifying personal details and eligibility through official documentation from correctional or hospital authorities.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivisions (b), (c), (d), (g), and (h) of this section, subdivision (c) of Section 13002, and subdivision (c) of Section 14900, upon an application for an identification card a fee of twenty-six dollars ($26) shall be paid to the department.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(b) An original or replacement senior citizen identification card issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 13000 shall be issued free of charge.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(c) The fee for an original or replacement identification card issued to a person who has been determined to have a current income level that meets the eligibility requirements for assistance programs under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11200) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of Part 3 of, or Part 5 (commencing with Section 17000) of, or Article 9 (commencing with Section 18900) of Chapter 10 of Part 6 of, or Chapter 10.1 (commencing with Section 18930) or Chapter 10.3 (commencing with Section 18937) of Part 6 of, Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code shall be six dollars ($6). The determination of eligibility under this subdivision shall be made by a governmental or nonprofit entity, which shall be subject to regulations adopted by the department.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(d) A fee shall not be charged for an original or replacement identification card issued to any person who can verify their status as a homeless person or homeless child or youth. A homeless services provider that has knowledge of the person’s housing status may verify the person’s status for purposes of this subdivision. A determination of eligibility pursuant to this subdivision shall be subject to regulations adopted by the department. A person applying for an identification card under this subdivision shall not be charged a fee for verification of their eligibility.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(e) All fees received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Motor Vehicle Account.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(1) A “homeless child or youth” has the same meaning as the definition of “homeless children and youths” as set forth in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11301 et seq.).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(2) A “homeless person” has the same meaning as the definition set forth in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11301 et seq.).
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(3) A “homeless services provider” includes:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(3)(A) A governmental or nonprofit agency receiving federal, state, or county or municipal funding to provide services to a “homeless person” or “homeless child or youth,” or that is otherwise sanctioned to provide those services by a local homeless continuum of care organization.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(3)(B) An attorney licensed to practice law in this state.
(C)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(3)(C) A local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youth designated as such pursuant to Section 11432 (g)(1)(J)(ii) of Title 42 of the United States Code, or a school social worker.
(D)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(3)(D) A human services provider or public social services provider funded by the State of California to provide homeless children or youth services, health services, mental or behavioral health services, substance use disorder services, or public assistance or employment services.
(E)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(3)(E) A law enforcement officer designated as a liaison to the homeless population by a local police department or sheriff’s department within the state.
(F)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(f)(3)(F) Any other homeless services provider that is qualified to verify an individual’s housing status, as determined by the department.
(g)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g) The fee for a replacement identification card issued to an eligible inmate upon release from a federal correctional facility or a county jail facility is eight dollars ($8). For purposes of this subdivision, “eligible inmate” means an inmate who meets all of the following requirements:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(1) The inmate previously held a California driver’s license or identification card.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(2) The inmate has a usable photo on file with the department that is not more than 10 years old.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(3) The inmate has no outstanding fees due for a prior California identification card.
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(4) The inmate has provided, and the department has verified, their true full name, date of birth, social security number, and legal presence in the United States, or, upon implementation of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 12801.9, if the inmate is unable to submit satisfactory proof that their presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, the inmate has provided proof of their identity pursuant to Section 12801.9.
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(5) The inmate currently resides in a federal correctional facility or a county jail facility.
(6)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(6) The inmate has provided the department, upon application, a verification of their eligibility under this subdivision that meets all of the following requirements:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(6)(A) Be on federal correctional facility letterhead or county sheriff letterhead.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(6)(B) Be typed or computer generated.
(C)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(6)(C) Contain the inmate’s name.
(D)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(6)(D) Contain the inmate’s date of birth.
(E)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(6)(E) Contain the original signature of an official from the federal correctional facility or county sheriff’s office.
(F)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(g)(6)(F) Be dated within 90 days of the date of application.
(h)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(h) The fee for an original or replacement identification card issued to an eligible inmate upon release from a state correctional facility is eight dollars ($8). For purposes of this subdivision, “eligible inmate” has the same meaning as that term is defined under subdivision (b) of Section 3007.05 of the Penal Code, and meets both of the following requirements:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(h)(1) The inmate currently resides in a facility housing inmates under the control of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(h)(2) The inmate has provided the department, upon application, a verification of their eligibility under this subdivision that meets the requirements described under subparagraphs (A) to (D), inclusive, and (F) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (g) and contains the signature of an official from the state facility.
(i)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1) The fee for an original or replacement identification card issued to an eligible patient treated in a facility of the State Department of State Hospitals is eight dollars ($8). For purposes of this subdivision, “eligible patient” means a patient who is currently housed in a facility described in Section 4100 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, is preparing to be discharged unconditionally or through a conditional release program, and who meets either of the following sets of requirements:
(A)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(A) The patient has previously held a California driver’s license or identification card and all of the following requirements are met:
(i)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(A)(i) The patient has a usable photo on file with the department that is not more than 10 years old or has a new usable photo taken.
(ii)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(A)(ii) The patient has provided, and the department has verified, their true full name, date of birth, social security number, California residence, and legal presence in the United States, or, upon implementation of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 12801.9, if the patient is unable to submit satisfactory proof that their presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, the patient has provided proof of their identity pursuant to Section 12801.9.
(iii)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(A)(iii) The patient has provided the department, upon application, a verification of their eligibility under this subdivision that meets all of the following requirements:
(I)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(A)(iii)(I) Be on State Department of State Hospitals letterhead.
(II) Be typed or computer generated.
(III) Contain the patient’s name.
(IV) Contain the patient’s date of birth.
(V)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(A)(iii)(V) Contain the original signature of an official from the State Department of State Hospitals.
(VI) Be dated within 90 days of the date of application.
(B)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(B) The patient has not previously held a California driver’s license or identification card and all of the following requirements are met:
(i)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(B)(i) The patient has verified and signed under penalty of perjury a completed application for an identification card.
(ii)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(B)(ii) The patient has a usable photo taken.
(iii)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(B)(iii) The patient provides a legible print of the thumb or finger.
(iv)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(B)(iv) The patient has provided acceptable proof of the information described in clause (ii) of subparagraph (A), subject to verification by the department.
(v)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(1)(B)(v) The patient has provided verification of eligibility as described in clause (iii) of subparagraph (A).
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 14902(i)(2) The State Department of State Hospitals shall reimburse the Department of Motor Vehicles for any actual costs incurred in providing assistance pursuant to this paragraph.
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Section § 14903

Explanation

This law states that if a person was wrongfully convicted and recently released from state prison, they don't have to pay for a new, renewed, or replacement driver's license or ID card if it's done in person. To get this fee waiver, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will give them a form that they need to take to the DMV along with a court order if available. The definition of 'exonerated' is the same as the one found in another legal section.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 14903(a) A fee shall not be charged for an in person original, renewal, or replacement driver’s license or identification card issued to any person who was exonerated, and was released from the state prison within the previous six months.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 14903(b) The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shall provide a form to any person who was exonerated and released from the state prison within the previous six months. The form, along with a copy of a court order, if provided by the court, shall be taken by the individual to the Department of Motor Vehicles to qualify for the fee exemption in subdivision (a).
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 14903(c) For the purposes of this section, “exonerated” shall have the same meaning as in Section 3007.05 of the Penal Code.
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Section § 14904

Explanation

Before you can get your driver’s license back in California after it’s been suspended or revoked, you have to pay a fee that covers the cost of processing this. The fee is in addition to any other charges, and it’s determined by the department.

This payment requirement doesn’t apply if the suspension or revocation is canceled by the department or a court, or if it was due to health reasons.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 14904(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, before a driver’s license may be issued, reissued, or returned to the licensee after a suspension or a revocation of a person’s driving privilege ordered by the department has been terminated, there shall, in addition to any other fees required by this code, be paid to the department a fee sufficient to pay the actual costs of the issuance, reissuance, or return as determined by the department.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 14904(b) This section shall not apply to any suspension or revocation that is set aside by the department or a court.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 14904(c) This section shall not apply to any suspension or revocation based upon a physical or mental condition.
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Section § 14905

Explanation

This law states that if your driver's license is suspended or revoked due to DUI-related offenses, like refusing a chemical test or having too much alcohol in your blood, you must pay a $125 fee before your license can be reissued. This fee covers administrative and overtime costs for enforcement and hearings.

If the suspension or revocation is overturned by the authorities or a court, this section does not apply.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 14905(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, in lieu of the fees in Section 14904, before a driver’s license may be issued, reissued, or returned to a person after suspension or revocation of the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to Section 13353 or 13353.2, there shall be paid to the department a fee in an amount of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) to pay the costs of the administration of the administrative suspension and revocation programs for persons who refuse or fail to complete chemical testing, as provided in Section 13353, or who drive with an excessive amount of alcohol in their blood, as provided in Section 13353.2, any costs of the Department of the California Highway Patrol related to the payment of compensation for overtime for attending any administrative hearings pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 14100) of Chapter 3 and Section 13382, and any reimbursement for costs mandated by the state pursuant to subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 23612.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 14905(b) This section does not apply to a suspension or revocation that is set aside by the department or a court.
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Section § 14906

Explanation

This law allows the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in California to charge an extra fee to cover the costs of sending out notices when a driver's license is suspended or revoked. However, if the suspension or revocation is canceled by either the DMV or a court, this fee does not apply.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 14906(a) In addition to the fees required by Section 14904, the department may require payment of a fee sufficient to pay the actual costs, as determined by the department, for giving any notices in connection with suspensions or revocations in accordance with Sections 22, 29, and 13106.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 14906(b) This section does not apply to any suspension or revocation that is set aside by the department or a court.
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Section § 14907

Explanation

This law states that, besides the usual fees, a $120 fee must be paid if someone requests a departmental review after a hearing relating to certain vehicle code violations. This review request and the related fee apply to requests made on or after January 1, 2003.

In addition to the fees required pursuant to Section 14904, there shall be paid to the department a fee of one hundred twenty dollars ($120) to pay the costs of a departmental review when requested pursuant to Section 14105.5, following a hearing conducted pursuant to Section 13353 or 13353.2. The fee authorized under this section shall be collected in conjunction with any request for a departmental review received on or after January 1, 2003.
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