The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the latest California Driver Handbook, forms, and instructions on how to apply for a California driver license. How to Apply for the California Driver License See the Department of Motor Vehicles for complete details. Tourists may drive rental cars in California for one year as long as they have a valid driver’s license from their home country. Many insurance companies will provide coverage or offer you better rates only if you have one, and having automobile insurance is a legal requirement.
If you will be driving in California or you plan to purchase a motor vehicle (a car, scooter or motorcycle), we recommend that you get a California driver's license.