My legal name is different from what is printed on my birth certificate. Which name should I use for my California driver license?

You must use your legal name on your driver's license in California. If you have a different name from the one on your birth certificate or other proof-of-age document, then you must bring the following papers with you to the Department of Motor Vehicles:

• Adoption documents that have your legal name as a result of the adoption.

• A name change document with your legal name both before and after the name change.

• Marriage certificate from a local or state Office of Vital Statistics.

• Dissolution-of-marriage document containing the legal name as a result of the court action.

What does the DMV look for in the vision test?

California looks for acuity of 20/40 in both eyes, with vision correction. If you're applying for a Class A or B or a commercial Class C license, you must test 20/40 in both eyes together and 20/40 in each eye, separately, with correction.

I want to donate my organs and tissues when I die, but I don't want to tell anyone about it. Do I need to?

No. Registering to become a donor qualified as your consent; no other person's consent is required. See Donor Information for more details.

I want to drive an ambulance or fire engine. What do I need to do?

To drive an ambulance, you must have a California driver license that is not on departmental probation, be older than 18, and get an Ambulance Driver certification. You'll need to pass a test and submit a DOT medical certificate. The application fee is $25.

To drive a fire engine, you'll need a fire-fighter-restricted noncommercial Class B license. You may drive any vehicle under Class C and any defined Class B single fire-fighting vehicle. The fee is $34.

I was involved in a pretty bad accident, but no one was hurt. Do I need to notify the DMV?

If there was more than $750 in property damage or if anyone was injured (no matter how minor), all parties must notify the DMV within 10 days using the Report of Traffic Accident form. Mail the form to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Financial Responsibility (Mail Station J-237)

• P.O. Box 942884

• Sacramento, CA 94284-0884

Failure to report the accident to the DMV results in driver license suspension.

Can I sneak a peek at the driver's license knowledge test?

The California DMV has sample questions available so you can see how the test questions are formatted. Just knowing the format in advance can relieve test anxiety for many people.

I'm 17 and my parents forgot to sign the DL 44 application form for my driver's license before they went away on a trip. Can they fax their permission to the DMV?

Unfortunately, no. All signatures on California DMV form DL 44 must be original. No copies, faxes, photocopy images, or attachment letters will be accepted as a signature for this form.

If your parents have legally appointed someone as your temporary guardian while they are away, then that person may sign as your guardian. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for your parents to return.

My dad has Alzheimer's and is simply no longer able to drive a car safely. Is there someone I can notify about this, before something awful happens?

Yes. Write a letter to your local DMV's Driver Safety Office asking them to look into your father's driving ability. You may request that your name be withheld. However, you must supply your name and address, as the Driver Safety Office will not act on an anonymous letter.

I'm new to California and just don't know where to begin. Help!

For starters, take a look at our New to California section for a great overview on what the state has to offer the newcomer. You'll find out about California driver's licenses, motor vehicle registration and titling, and much more. Welcome to California!

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