HOW TO get a California identity card

If you are in California for a long time (3 months or more), you may want to get a CA id.  Why? International students must carry their documents at all times.  Students must carry their passport, 1-20 (white form) and 1-94 (white card).  Tourists must carry their passport and 1-94 (green card).  There is an alternative: carry a CA id!  

You can apply for a California id at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) but it takes several weeks for processing.  So it only makes sense if you are here for at least 3 months.

What to bring:

Your documents and your student id card, money to purchase the id

Pick your location.  The Hillcrest DMV is closest, located at 3960 Normal St.

You can make an appointment online: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#idcard

OR just go and wait in a very long line.

How to get to the Hillcrest DMV:

Walk to 5TH AVE at ELM ST

At 04:19 PM take the MTS BUS route 120 Fashion Valley Limited Stops

Get off the stop on 5TH AVE at UNIVERSITY AV at approximately 04:29 PM

At 04:35 PM take the MTS BUS route 10 University & College Limited Stops via University Ave

Get off the stop on UNIVERSITY AVE at RICHMOND ST at approximately 04:41 PM

walk North East to 3960 NORMAL ST

The clerk will ask you what you need: You need a California id 

Side note:

*If you want to drive in San Diego, you need an international driver's license and you need to visit the DMV!