California Driving License and SSN Exempt?

[inquisitive40]

Sorry...typo on this post of mine. I meant to say "as of November 10, 2004". Rene

By all accounts most of the district offices and sub offices in CA are
pretty fast. SF is about the same timeline and also LA is fast too.

Patrick

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inquisitive40
Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[inquisitive40]

By all accounts most of the district offices and sub offices in CA are pretty fast. SF is about the same timeline and also LA is fast too. Patrick

Just talked to the DMV, they said I either need a SSN or a letter to say
that I am exempt from needing a SSN. So will have to wait. He also said
that I can't even get a learners permit.
Patrick

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inquisitive40
Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[belladutchie]

Just talked to the DMV, they said I either need a SSN or a letter to say that I am exempt from needing a SSN. So will have to wait. He also said that I can't even get a learners permit. Patrick EDIT: Update, I just talked to SS office and they have cleared me to ge my SSN, so I reckon some time next week I should have the actual card . WOHOO

Goodmorning Patrick,

I am glad to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Before
you know it you will be driving!!!

Good luck today on your jobhunting, now that you know that you will have
the SSN soon it will be no problem any longer!

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[Mattias Hembruch]

In article <35$265788$1809811$1100203064@britishexpats.com> ,
inquisitive40 <inquisitive40@britishexpats.com> wrote:

OK, ignore this post.....reading back the previous posts I saw that you already knew, it has never passed, why do you think I am so anxious too to get behind that wheel....LOL

LOL.. well my experience here in the US has been that without a car youdo not get very far LOL.First thing tomorrow I will call them and see what is the rules and if Ican get a learner permit without a SSN and even maybe a full drivinglicense once I pass the practical test.Patrick

Just curious why you're so eager to get a DL?

I'm still driving on my Ontario (Canada) license, and it's just fine..

I have my SSN, so I CAN apply for one.. But, I have no NEED of one yet..

Sooner or later.. Once my foot heals..

Mattias

[Mattias Hembruch]

In article <35$265788$1809873$1100203913@britishexpats.com> ,
inquisitive40 <inquisitive40@britishexpats.com> wrote:

Nah...still getting papers together, I needed an sponsor and right now we are in the process of getting the tax returns together. But as soon that is done I will be at my lawyers office to sign the paperwork and make my appointment to the Fresno immigration office. You will know and understand that it's still a nerve wrecking time for me...

Well I am PRETTY sure that without being legally in the country you willnot be allowed to get a driving license, the require documentation toshow you are legally here.Patrick

Now I remember why I'm in no hurry to get my CA DL. I think it was
CaliforniaBride who reported that her DL was only good until the end of her
I-90. Well, mine expires in 6 weeks (applied for AOS about 10 days ago).

No sense getting a DL that's only good for a few weeks.. and then paying
AGAIN later..

Mattias

[belladutchie]

In article <35$265788$1809873$1100203913@britishexpats.com> , inquisitive40 <inquisitive40@britishexpats.com> wrote:

Nah...still getting papers together, I needed an sponsor and right now we are in the process of getting the tax returns together. But as soon that is done I will be at my lawyers office to sign the paperwork and make my appointment to the Fresno immigration office. You will know and understand that it's still a nerve wrecking time for me...Well I am PRETTY sure that without being legally in the country youwillnot be allowed to get a driving license, the require documentation toshow you are legally here.Patrick

Now I remember why I'm in no hurry to get my CA DL. I think it was CaliforniaBride who reported that her DL was only good until the end of her I-90. Well, mine expires in 6 weeks (applied for AOS about 10 days ago). No sense getting a DL that's only good for a few weeks.. and then paying AGAIN later.. Mattias

Mattias,

Thank you for your reply, with all respect, I think you missed the
point. I am happy for you that you can drive with your Canadian license
while you obviously are still in "status".

I am not in that position so for me is not that simple to drive on my
Dutch drivers license. I have to wait until I file for AOS, wait for my
SSN and THEN I will have that luxury too.

Good luck!

Belladutchie

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Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[inquisitive40]

Mattias, Thank you for your reply, with all respect, I think you missed the point. I am happy for you that you can drive with your Canadian license while you obviously are still in "status". I am not in that position so for me is not that simple to drive on my Dutch drivers license. I have to wait until I file for AOS, wait for my SSN and THEN I will have that luxury too. Good luck! Belladutchie

Just an update here, I did my written test yesteday, produced my Irish
license and got a temporary license that allows me to drive
unaccompanied. Came home and scheduled a behind the wheel test today at
10:45. Waited about an hour for the test and after 15mins driving passed
the test. So I now have my temp license until they mail my proper
license. As seems to be always with CA DMV, the license expires same
date as my EAD. They did not need the SS card, I also had to present
valid insurance before I could take the behind the wheel exam, our
present company is charging me the same rate as a 16 yr old driver,
TOTALLY sucks, 21st Century insurance

Patrick

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inquisitive40
Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[belladutchie]

Just an update here, I did my written test yesteday, produced my Irish license and got a temporary license that allows me to drive unaccompanied. Came home and scheduled a behind the wheel test today at 10:45. Waited about an hour for the test and after 15mins driving passed the test. So I now have my temp license until they mail my proper license. As seems to be always with CA DMV, the license expires same date as my EAD. They did not need the SS card, I also had to present valid insurance before I could take the behind the wheel exam, our present company is charging me the same rate as a 16 yr old driver, TOTALLY sucks, 21st Century insurance Patrick

BUY you're driving, cruzing.....weeeeheeee!

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Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[inquisitive40]

BUY you're driving, cruzing.....weeeeheeee!

$675 for 6 months MINIMUM coverage, wife before adding me had top end
coverage for $477 , is ridiculous not taking into account either my age
or driving experience.
Patrick

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inquisitive40
Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[Hypertweeky]

$675 for 6 months MINIMUM coverage, wife before adding me had top end coverage for $477 , is ridiculous not taking into account either my age or driving experience. Patrick

What?? Oh my!! My hubby pays 120$ month for liability (minium
coverage).. My father in law recently bought me a car (1989 Toyota
camry.. nothing special but it works!!).. My hubby put me under his
insurance, we paid 50 to make the change and every month with me added
to the policy it will be 135$, they say that since I have a very good
record.. it doesn't cost much money to add me!!
He used to have another insurance company.. they charged him 400 for a
month.. I think is time for you and your wife to switch!!

Ps: do you like my slurpy cow?

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Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[Hypertweeky]

Just an update here, I did my written test yesteday, produced my Irish license and got a temporary license that allows me to drive unaccompanied. Came home and scheduled a behind the wheel test today at 10:45. Waited about an hour for the test and after 15mins driving passed the test. So I now have my temp license until they mail my proper license. As seems to be always with CA DMV, the license expires same date as my EAD. They did not need the SS card, I also had to present valid insurance before I could take the behind the wheel exam, our present company is charging me the same rate as a 16 yr old driver, TOTALLY sucks, 21st Century insurance Patrick

Ouch I am sorry Patrick!.. I remember taking the driving test 4 years
ago ( I had a minor license before), I only drove for 10 minutes.. In
Spain I had to drive for 50 minutes, the examiner made me park 2 TIMES,
One of them on a very steep hill:scared:.. the other one was in a very
busy street. He made me drive on highway, downtown.. outskirts.. aww my
driving teacher though I was gonna have a heart attack, he said that I
hold the record for the longest driving test in their driving school
lol.. the examiner though I looked very young.. so he wanted to make
sure I was a good driver (whatever..)
In Spain the writing test is very hard to pass, there is 40 questions
and you can only make 3 mistakes.. the questions are hard and the
answers are very much alike plus.. it is VERY expensive, I passed the
writing and road test in the first attempt.. and ended up paying 1200
$... so when I came here and saw how easy and cheap is to get a license
I was thrilled!!, is it the same in Ireland Patrick??

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[anonymous]

Mattias Hembruch wrote:

Just curious why you're so eager to get a DL? I'm still driving on my Ontario (Canada) license, and it's just fine.. I have my SSN, so I CAN apply for one.. But, I have no NEED of one yet.. Sooner or later.. Once my foot heals..

I think you need to have chat with someone at DMV that actually knows
something. If you reside in California, your foreign license is not valid.

[theangells]

$675 for 6 months MINIMUM coverage, wife before adding me had top end coverage for $477 , is ridiculous not taking into account either my age or driving experience. Patrick

Whoaaa !! That's TOO MUCH !! I used Progressive for car insurance, only
about $450 for 6 months standard coverage plus PIP with my foreign DL.
May I suggest you change insurance company for next term ?? ;-)

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[anonymous]

Mattias Hembruch wrote:

Now I remember why I'm in no hurry to get my CA DL. I think it was CaliforniaBride who reported that her DL was only good until the end of her I-90. Well, mine expires in 6 weeks (applied for AOS about 10 days ago). No sense getting a DL that's only good for a few weeks.. and then paying AGAIN later.. Mattias

My understanding is that if you "reside" in CA, then you need a CA DL.
If you have filed for AOS, then you are not a visitor.
You don't start residing in CA as soon as your I-94 expires.
If you have filed for AOS, you are not a visitor.

From thee DMV info:


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 take a job here or become a 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.

[USA & Pakistan]

What?? Oh my!! My hubby pays 120$ month for liability (minium coverage).. My father in law recently bought me a car (1989 Toyota camry.. nothing special but it works!!).. My hubby put me under his insurance, we paid 50 to make the change and every month with me added to the policy it will be 135$, they say that since I have a very good record.. it doesn't cost much money to add me!! He used to have another insurance company.. they charged him 400 for a month.. I think is time for you and your wife to switch!! Ps: do you like my slurpy cow?

It kinda freaks me out, but little Trevor loves it!

Marnee

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Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[Hypertweeky]

It kinda freaks me out, but little Trevor loves it! Marnee

I had to change it sorry Trevor!!

Ps: If you want I can send you funny cow animations so your little boy
can have a good laugh

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[inquisitive40]

Whoaaa !! That's TOO MUCH !! I used Progressive for car insurance, only about $450 for 6 months standard coverage plus PIP with my foreign DL. May I suggest you change insurance company for next term ?? ;-)

Just did an online quote with progressive and they are pretty much the
same price as what 21st is charging, $682 basic coverage.
We have absolutely no claims in over 6 years.
Patrick

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inquisitive40
Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[Hypertweeky]

Just did an online quote with progressive and they are pretty much the same price as what 21st is charging, $682 basic coverage. We have absolutely no claims in over 6 years. Patrick

My husband has TITAN, I have checked their website but they don't
operate in CA I am so sorry Patrick!!

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Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[andrea874]

Whoaaa !! That's TOO MUCH !! I used Progressive for car insurance, only about $450 for 6 months standard coverage plus PIP with my foreign DL. May I suggest you change insurance company for next term ?? ;-)

I use Progressive as well. All they did was ask when I got a license...
I said I got a Canadian license about 8 years ago, and they gave me
credit for all that time and didn't consider me a new driver. Might be
different because its Canada though. And, of course, since my husband
actually IS a new driver, we pay about almost $2000 for six months of
insurance. Oh how I love NY haha

Congratulations though, Patrick

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[andrea874]

It kinda freaks me out, but little Trevor loves it! Marnee

I'm with you there.. that tongue was SCARY

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Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[inquisitive40]

I use Progressive as well. All they did was ask when I got a license... I said I got a Canadian license about 8 years ago, and they gave me credit for all that time and didn't consider me a new driver. Might be different because its Canada though. And, of course, since my husband actually IS a new driver, we pay about almost $2000 for six months of insurance. Oh how I love NY haha Congratulations though, Patrick

I am presuming you went into an office with Progressive? All the online
quotes I am getting are totally off the chart with their pricing. Is
total BS that with 22 yrs of driving experience (4 undocumented yrs
here) and NO accidents in all that time that they are gonna not even
take my age into consideration.

Think I will go to a broker and see can they do better.
Patrick

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inquisitive40
Posted via http://britishexpats.com

[Noorah101]

I am presuming you went into an office with Progressive? All the online quotes I am getting are totally off the chart with their pricing. Is total BS that with 22 yrs of driving experience (4 undocumented yrs here) and NO accidents in all that time that they are gonna not even take my age into consideration. Think I will go to a broker and see can they do better. Patrick

Hi Patrick,

I have the feeling if you talk to someone either in person or at least
on the phone, you'll get a better quote. The company I work for just
started offering car insurance, and I did an on-line quote out of
curiosity...it was like 3 times higher than what I already pay!!

I would refer you to the insurance I carry, but they also don't have a
provider in California. I have called them 3 different times over
the past 6 months, asking if the premium will increase once Sadegh
becomes a driver. His name is on my insurance now, but he's not listed
as a driver - no license for him yet. All three times they researched
it and say that there is NO premium increase for adding a brand new
driver with no previous record. That's contrary to everything I've
heard from other people, so I guess we'll find out for sure once he
actually does get a license!

Hope you find some good insurance by going in person!

Rene

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[Mattias Hembruch]

In article <35$265788$1831059$1100827888@britishexpats.com> ,
belladutchie <member31162@british_expats.com> wrote:

In article <35$265788$1809873$1100203913@britishexpats.com> , inquisitive40 <inquisitive40@britishexpats.com> wrote:

> Nah...still getting papers together, I needed an sponsor and right> now> we are in the process of getting the tax returns together. But as> soon> that is done I will be at my lawyers office to sign the paperwork> and> make my appointment to the Fresno immigration office.> You will know and understand that it's still a nerve wrecking time> for me...Well I am PRETTY sure that without being legally in the country youwillnot be allowed to get a driving license, the require documentation toshow you are legally here.Patrick

Now I remember why I'm in no hurry to get my CA DL. I think it was CaliforniaBride who reported that her DL was only good until the end of her I-90. Well, mine expires in 6 weeks (applied for AOS about 10 days ago). No sense getting a DL that's only good for a few weeks.. and then paying AGAIN later.. Mattias

Mattias,Thank you for your reply, with all respect, I think you missed thepoint. I am happy for you that you can drive with your Canadian licensewhile you obviously are still in "status".I am not in that position so for me is not that simple to drive on myDutch drivers license. I have to wait until I file for AOS, wait for mySSN and THEN I will have that luxury too.

Hmm. I will be "out of status" as of Dec 22 (I-90 from K-1 expires), but I
think I can keep driving on my Canadian DL even after that....

California only requires a CA DL if you're a resident, and their regulations
are pretty loose as to what makes you a resident.. I haven't voted, haven't
gone to school, haven't applied for a property tax reduction, hence I'm not
a resident (yet)..

Mattias

[Mattias Hembruch]

In article <35$265788$1831081$1100828435@britishexpats.com> ,
inquisitive40 <inquisitive40@britishexpats.com> wrote:

Mattias, Thank you for your reply, with all respect, I think you missed the point. I am happy for you that you can drive with your Canadian license while you obviously are still in "status". I am not in that position so for me is not that simple to drive on my Dutch drivers license. I have to wait until I file for AOS, wait for my SSN and THEN I will have that luxury too. Good luck! Belladutchie

Just an update here, I did my written test yesteday, produced my Irishlicense and got a temporary license that allows me to driveunaccompanied. Came home and scheduled a behind the wheel test today at10:45. Waited about an hour for the test and after 15mins driving passedthe test. So I now have my temp license until they mail my properlicense. As seems to be always with CA DMV, the license expires samedate as my EAD. They did not need the SS card, I also had to presentvalid insurance before I could take the behind the wheel exam, ourpresent company is charging me the same rate as a 16 yr old driver,TOTALLY sucks, 21st Century insurance

I had the fortune of having a good record with State Farm in Canada, and my
wife is also a State Farm member..

I think our insurance went up $50/6 months after adding me.

When does your EAD expire?

Mattias

[Mattias Hembruch]

In article <f%dnd.23152$6q2.21741@newssvr14.news.prodigy.com> ,
anon <anon@anon.anon> wrote:

Mattias Hembruch wrote:

Now I remember why I'm in no hurry to get my CA DL. I think it was CaliforniaBride who reported that her DL was only good until the end of her I-90. Well, mine expires in 6 weeks (applied for AOS about 10 days ago). No sense getting a DL that's only good for a few weeks.. and then paying AGAIN later.. Mattias

My understanding is that if you "reside" in CA, then you need a CA DL.If you have filed for AOS, then you are not a visitor.

K-1 in a non-immigrant visa. Until AOS has been decided, I don't consider
myself a resident. If I left the country now, I would be deemed to have
"abandoned my APPLICATION" for status - NOT my status. Since I don't HAVE
status yet, how can I, for DMV purposes?

You don't start residing in CA as soon as your I-94 expires.If you have filed for AOS, you are not a visitor.

Why not? It hasn't been approved.. ANYONE can FILE for AOS. Even illegal
visitors. Until it's pronounced valid, it means nothing.

From thee DMV info:How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driverlicense from your home state or country, you may drive in this statewithout getting a California driver license as long as your home statelicense remains valid.If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a Californiadriver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in aCalifornia election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner'sproperty tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarilyextended to nonresidents.

Sure. And which one of those have I done by staying here for less than 6
months (as is allowed for Canadian citizens)?

Upshot: I'm NOT going to get a DL that expires in 4 weeks, since that's the
only document I have that "expires" at this time. They probably wouldn't
have even mailed me my real card by then..

Once I get the 1-year (or less) EAD, I'll get a DL.

Mattias

[Mattias Hembruch]

In article <aRdnd.19582$zx1.345@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com> ,
anon <anon@anon.anon> wrote:

Mattias Hembruch wrote:

Just curious why you're so eager to get a DL? I'm still driving on my Ontario (Canada) license, and it's just fine.. I have my SSN, so I CAN apply for one.. But, I have no NEED of one yet.. Sooner or later.. Once my foot heals..

I think you need to have chat with someone at DMV that actually knowssomething. If you reside in California, your foreign license is not valid.

And, Mr. "anon@anon", what proves that I am residing in California?

Mattias

[andrea874]

I am presuming you went into an office with Progressive? All the online quotes I am getting are totally off the chart with their pricing. Is total BS that with 22 yrs of driving experience (4 undocumented yrs here) and NO accidents in all that time that they are gonna not even take my age into consideration. Think I will go to a broker and see can they do better. Patrick

Nah, I didnt go into an office. I tried brokers but their prices were
outrageous. I dealt with Progressive over the phone - ended up being a
lot lower than the online quote!

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[Boiler]

Nah, I didnt go into an office. I tried brokers but their prices were outrageous. I dealt with Progressive over the phone - ended up being a lot lower than the online quote!

I think mattias has a point. I had a look at the CA web site and in many
ways it is much clearer than CO but it does not define 'reside', when
you then look at what they will accept as proof of who you are, then
there must be an arguement that is you can not comply you can not for
DMV purposes be residing.

Now there may be something else somewhere that specifies the terms but
probably not.

I see 2 issues -

Insurance - just make sure that you tell them that you are driving on a
foreign license

Police - well they might well assume anyway that you are a visitor but
they probably have less idea than we do, you have a license, you have a
an address that you are 'staying' at.

Insurance Costs

Shop around, you would for anything else? Try buying cover in the UK for
a US license holder!

No cost factor for adding me to my Wife's policy, subsequently got my US
License and a car. Cost is 20% less than I was paying in London for a
car that would have a higher rating, I had a max NCB. Cover limits are
not as good, but is considered reasonable by local standards.

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[CaliforniaBride]

Hi all, well I am still waiting for my SSN and did a quick search here about getting the driving test here in CA and having an SSN. The DMV site states that I need a SSN OR be exempt from needing one. I read in my search here on the forum that a poster went to SS office and got a letter to state they were exempt from needing a SSN for their driving license. SO does anyone know anything about this? Also if I have to wait to get the SSN, will the paper receipt be accepted OR do they stick strictly to requiring the actual card? Here is the link to the thread where someone got a letter from SS Office to state they were exempt. It refers to the poster having a H4, is that the only way I could get SS office to give me a letter stating I would be exempt? http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24- 9571&highlight=california+driving+test TIA Patrick

I haven't read the whole thread so my apologies if someone has already
cleared this up for you. But:

You DO NOT need a SS number in order to obtain a California
Driver's Licence.

What you DO need is to PROVE that you are here LEGALLY.

An I-94 (for example) is acceptable evidence.

I recently got my license (about a month or two ago)

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ghlight=drive-
rs+license

All that was required was my passport with my I-94 and my K3 visa.

Best of luck

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[CaliforniaBride]

In article <aRdnd.19582$zx1.345@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com> , anon <anon@anon.anon> wrote:

Mattias Hembruch wrote:

Just curious why you're so eager to get a DL? I'm still driving on my Ontario (Canada) license, and it's just fine.. I have my SSN, so I CAN apply for one.. But, I have no NEED of one yet.. Sooner or later.. Once my foot heals..

I think you need to have chat with someone at DMV that actuallyknowssomething. If you reside in California, your foreign license isnot valid.

And, Mr. "anon@anon", what proves that I am residing in California? Mattias

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500

"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. "

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc516.htm

Resident

516. "Resident" means any person who manifests an intent to live or
be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient
basis. Presence in the state for six months or more in any 12-
month period gives rise to a rebuttable presumption of
residency.

The following are evidence of residency for purposes of vehicle
registration:

(a) Address where registered to vote.

(b) Location of employment or place of business.

(c) Payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher
education.

(d) Attendance of dependents at a primary or secondary school.

(e) Filing a homeowner's property tax exemption.

(f) Renting or leasing a home for use as a residence.

(g) Declaration of residency to obtain a license or any other privilege
or benefit not ordinarily extended to a nonresident.

(h) Possession of a California driver's license.

(i) Other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the
state is more than temporary or transient.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs01thru03.htm

"New Residents

You are a resident of California if you intend to live in this state on
more than a temporary or transient basis. When you make your home here
or take a job, you must get a California driver license within 10 days.

Evidence of residency is established by any of the following: voting in
California elections; paying resident tuition at a public institution of
higher education; filing for a home owner's property tax exemption;
obtaining a license; or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily
extended to nonresidents. "

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