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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 6Ch. 1Art. 1§ 12504 Nonresident Teen Driver Licensing

§ 12504 Nonresident Teen Driver Licensing

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12504 Nonresident Teen Driver Licensing

This law says that if you're a teenager (16-17 years old) visiting from another state or country, you can drive here for up to 10 days without a California license. If you want to drive longer, you need a special certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • •Teen drivers (16-17) from out of state can drive in California for 10 days without a California license.
  • •To drive longer than 10 days, they need a special certificate and must show their valid license and proof of insurance.
  • •If they don’t meet the rules anymore, California can take away the certificate.

Example

A 17-year-old from Texas visits California for a month.

They can drive for the first 10 days with their Texas license. After that, they need a special certificate from California to keep driving.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12504 Nonresident Teen Driver Licensing

(a) Sections 12502 and 12503 apply to any nonresident over the age of 16 years but under the age of 18 years. The maximum period during which that nonresident may operate a motor vehicle in this state without obtaining a driver’s license is limited to a period of 10 days immediately following the entry of the nonresident into this state except as provided in subdivision (b) of this section. (b) Any nonresident over the age of 16 years but under the age of 18 years who is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction which requires the licensing of drivers may continue to operate a motor vehicle in this state after 10 days from his or her date of entry into this state if he or she meets both the following: (1) He or she has a valid driver’s license, issued by the foreign jurisdiction, in his or her immediate possession. (2) He or she has been issued and has in his or her immediate possession a nonresident minor’s certificate, which the department issues to a nonresident minor who holds a valid driver’s license issued to him or her by his or her home state or country, and who files proof of financial responsibility. (c) Whenever any of the conditions for the issuance of a nonresident minor’s certificate cease to exist, the department shall cancel the certificate and require the minor to surrender it to the department. (Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 974, Sec. 4. Effective September 28, 1992.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

possessionvehicledriverlicenseresponsibilityjurisdictioneffective septemberissuance

Related Statutes

  • § 12517.3 School Bus Driver Fingerprinting
  • § 12804.9 Driver License Exam Requirements
  • § 12817 Military Driver’S License Extension
  • § 5004.3 Legacy License Plate Program
  • § 5157 Specialized License Plate Fees

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 12504.
View Official Source