You can obtain this at the nearest DMV . If you do not wish to take the test, DMV also issues a identification card just as authoritative as the drivers license. It usually takes a month up to six months to get either IDs, so make sure you apply as soon as possible. You will need this whenever you use a personal check to buy merchandise at stores. Secondly, you can use a passport.
Some small businesses refuse to accept passports as IDs, so be careful.
Even at big electronic stores such as Circuit City or the Good Guys, they often have to take your passport to the manager, making you wait quite a while. Cal student ID usually is nothing but a name card outside the campus, except for showing that you are a student. You will not be able to even borrow a video without a proper ID and a credit card. Banks and credit cards. If you plan to stay in the US for at least 6 months, I strongly suggest you to make a bank account, especially when you don't have a credit card.