
Without obtaining a driver’s license under this code: (a) The following persons may operate a motor vehicle in this state As you have read, certain actions mean you are probably a resident, but this is not a complete list, so just because you have done none of those things doesn't mean you are a nonresident. The line between resident and nonresident for California driving purposes is murky. Note: this seems to be related to What are the residence requirements to use a foreign driving licence in California?, but my question is specifically about staying there on a J-1.

I'm not planning to vote in any elections, nor will I own a home there, but I'm not sure what would constitute "privileges or benefits not ordinarily extended to nonresidents".ĭo we need to get driver's licenses in California, or can we use our foreign licenses? How about day trips to Arizona or Nevada? Property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not Residency is established by voting in aĬalifornia election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver

Without getting a California driver license as long as your home state License from your home state or country, you may drive in this state If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver

I've read up on this and found this DMV page that states: no citable sources) that, if you're staying on a J-1, you're effectively a California resident for the time you're there, and, therefore, need a Californian driver's license. I'm planning to attend a Californian university as a visiting scholar (not paid by the university) on a J-1 visa, for a total of four weeks a colleague of mine will do the same, but for 12 weeks.
