What AB 60 is and who can use it

AB 60 is a California law that lets you get a driver license even if you don't have a Social Security number or legal immigration status. You don't need to prove citizenship or permanent residency. The license works the same way as a standard California driver license — it lets you drive legally and serves as a photo ID — but it's marked differently on the back so law enforcement and businesses can see it was issued under AB 60.

The law took effect on January 1, 2015. California issues these licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and they're valid for five years, just like a regular license. You can renew it by mail or in person before it expires.

You don't have to be undocumented to use AB 60. You can use it if you're a visa holder, a temporary resident, or anyone else without a Social Security number on file with the DMV. The only requirement is that you live in California and can prove your identity and California residency.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license is a valid California driver license that does not require a Social Security number, citizenship, or proof of legal immigration status.
  • You must prove your identity with documents like a passport, consulate ID, or birth certificate, and show California residency with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • The license is marked on the back to show it was issued under AB 60, which means some employers and agencies may not accept it for certain purposes even though it's legal for driving.
  • An AB 60 license costs the same as a regular California license and is valid for five years before you need to renew it.
  • You can use an AB 60 license to drive, but it will not help you get a federal job, board a domestic flight without additional ID, or open certain types of bank accounts.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two types of proof: identity and California residency. You cannot use a Social Security number to prove who you are, so you'll need a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photo.

For identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport from any country, a consulate ID card (matrícula consular), a birth certificate plus a secondary ID like a school ID or work ID, or a foreign driver license. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

For California residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If your name on the residency document doesn't match your identity document exactly, bring a second residency document or a document showing a legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Bring your documents in person to a DMV office. You cannot start an AB 60 process online or by mail — you must appear in person for your first license. The DMV will take your photo and fingerprints at that visit.

How AB 60 affects insurance and driving record

An AB 60 license is a legal California driver license, so you can buy auto insurance with it. Insurance companies are required to write policies for drivers with AB 60 licenses. When you buy insurance, you'll provide your license number like any other driver, and the insurer will check your driving record through the DMV.

Your driving record works the same way as anyone else's. If you get a ticket, are in an accident, or violate traffic laws, those events go on your record and can affect your insurance rates and renewal. The DMV tracks your record under your AB 60 license number, not a Social Security number.

One important difference: some insurance companies charge higher rates for AB 60 licenses, even though they're legal. This is not required by law, but it happens. When you shop for insurance, compare quotes from multiple companies — rates vary widely. Some insurers do not charge extra for AB 60 licenses at all.

What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license

You can use an AB 60 license to drive in California and in other states. It's recognized as a valid driver license everywhere in the United States for the purpose of driving. You can also use it as a photo ID to buy alcohol or enter age-restricted venues.

You cannot use an AB 60 license to board a domestic airplane flight, even within California. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept AB 60 licenses as Real ID-compliant. If you need to fly domestically, you'll need a passport or a passport card. Some states offer Real ID-compliant licenses, but California does not issue Real ID licenses to AB 60 holders.

An AB 60 license will not help you get a federal job, a job that requires a security clearance, or a job in law enforcement. Many employers ask for a Social Security number or proof of work authorization, which an AB 60 license does not provide. You may still be able to work in jobs that don't require federal background checks or work authorization verification.

Some banks and financial institutions will not open accounts for people with AB 60 licenses because they cannot verify a Social Security number. Others will. Call ahead before you visit a bank. Credit unions sometimes have different policies than large banks.

How to renew your AB 60 license

You can renew your AB 60 license by mail or in person at the DMV. If you renew by mail, the DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You fill out the form, include a new photo (you can take one yourself or have the DMV take it), and mail it back with the fee. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

If you renew in person, you can do it at any DMV office. Bring your current license and proof of California residency dated within the last 60 days. You'll have a new photo taken. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

You cannot renew online, even though some California drivers can. AB 60 renewals always require a new photo, so you must either mail one in or appear in person. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll have to explore for a new license in person instead of renewing.

Cost and processing time for an AB 60 license

An AB 60 license costs the same as a regular California driver license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs $39 if you're under 70, and $30 if you're 70 or older. Renewal costs are the same. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you explore in person at the DMV, you'll get a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days. Your plastic card will arrive by mail in about two weeks. If the card doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.

Wait times at the DMV vary by location and time of day. You can make an appointment online through the California DMV website, which usually cuts your wait time in half. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait one to three hours during busy times.

How AB 60 differs from a Real ID license

California offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. An AB 60 license is always a standard license, not Real ID-compliant. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter a federal building.

Real ID licenses require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency, which is why AB 60 holders cannot get them. If you have a Social Security number and legal status, you can get a Real ID license instead. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner; AB 60 licenses do not.

Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States. An AB 60 license alone will not work. If you don't have a passport and can't get a Real ID license, you'll need to bring a passport card or another TSA-approved document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB 60 license if I'm on a visa?

Yes. AB 60 is not limited to undocumented immigrants. You can use it if you're on any visa type, including student visas, work visas, or tourist visas. You just need to prove your identity and California residency. The DMV does not check your immigration status.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case?

Getting a driver license is not a deportable offense and does not count against you in immigration court. However, if you're in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration case, talk to your immigration attorney before you explore. An AB 60 license itself won't hurt your case, but the documents you use to prove identity might matter in some situations.

Can I use an AB 60 license to rent a car?

Some rental car companies will rent to you with an AB 60 license, and some will not. Policies vary by company and location. Call ahead or check the company's website before you go. You'll likely need a credit card in your name and may need to pay a higher deposit.

What happens if I move out of California?

Your AB 60 license is only valid in California. If you move to another state, you'll need to get a driver license from that state. You can keep your California license as a photo ID, but you cannot drive with it in another state. Each state has its own rules about what documents you need to get a license there.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I don't speak English?

Yes. The DMV offers written tests in many languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and others. You can request an interpreter at your DMV appointment. Tell the DMV when you book your appointment or when you arrive that you need language support.