What an AB 60 Driver License Looks Like and How It Works

An AB 60 license is a California driver license issued to people without a Social Security number, and it looks almost identical to a standard California license

The AB 60 driver license is a real California driver license that works the same way as any other — you can use it to drive legally, rent a car, or prove your identity. The main difference is that you do not need a Social Security number to get one. California began issuing AB 60 licenses in January 2015 under Assembly Bill 60, a state law that allows people without SSN documentation to obtain a license through proof of identity and California residency instead.

The physical card itself does not say "AB 60" on it. To someone looking at it — a police officer, a rental car agent, a bank teller — it appears to be a standard California driver license. The state does not mark it differently. The only way anyone knows it was issued under AB 60 is if they look up your record in the DMV system, which they can only do if they have legal authority to do so.

Key Takeaways

An AB 60 license is a full California driver license with no visible marking that distinguishes it from a standard license.
You can use an AB 60 license to drive legally, rent vehicles, and prove your identity in most everyday situations.
The license requires proof of identity and California residency, but not a Social Security number or immigration status documentation.
AB 60 licenses expire and renew on the same schedule as regular California licenses, typically every five years for adults under 70.
Some federal purposes — like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building — require a Real ID, which AB 60 does not provide.

What documents you need to show at the DMV

To get an AB 60 license, you bring proof of identity and proof of California residency. The DMV accepts a wide range of documents for identity — a foreign passport, a consular ID card, a birth certificate with a photo ID, or documents from your home country. You do not need to show immigration papers or a Social Security number.

For residency, you need documents showing your California address from the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. The document must show your name and address. If you have lived in California for less than 60 days, you can use a combination of documents — for example, a lease agreement plus a utility bill from your previous state, plus a letter from someone in California confirming you live there.

Bring your original documents or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies unless they are certified. You will also need to pass the written test on California traffic laws and the vision test, just as you would for any driver license.

How an AB 60 license differs from a Real ID

An AB 60 license is not a Real ID. A Real ID is a federal security standard that requires you to prove citizenship or lawful immigration status. An AB 60 license requires neither. This means an AB 60 license works for driving and everyday identification, but it does not meet federal requirements for boarding a domestic airplane, entering a military base, or accessing certain federal buildings.

If you need to fly domestically or access federal facilities, you would need either a Real ID driver license, a passport, or a passport card. Some people hold both an AB 60 license and a passport for this reason. The AB 60 license is still your legal driving document in California — it just does not satisfy the federal Real ID Act.

Renewal, expiration, and what happens if you move

An AB 60 license expires on the same schedule as a standard California license. If you are under 70, your license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You renew it at the DMV using the same process you used to get it — bringing updated proof of identity and residency. You can renew online if you have not had any changes to your address or name, but if you have moved, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.

If you move out of California, your AB 60 license remains valid until it expires, but you cannot renew it outside California. If you move to another state and want to drive there, you will need to follow that state's licensing rules. Some states accept AB 60 licenses as proof of California residency for certain purposes, but you should check with the DMV in your new state.

Using an AB 60 license for everyday purposes

You can use an AB 60 license to drive anywhere in the United States and Canada. Police officers, rental car companies, and employers will accept it as a valid driver license. Banks and other businesses will accept it as a form of identification for opening accounts, making deposits, or cashing checks — the same way they would accept any California driver license.

Some private businesses may ask additional questions or request extra documentation when you present an AB 60 license, but they cannot legally refuse service based on the type of license alone. If a business refuses to accept your AB 60 license as identification, you can ask to speak to a manager or contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

What an AB 60 license does not let you do

You cannot use an AB 60 license to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military installation. These are the main federal restrictions. You also cannot use it to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada — you need a passport or passport card for that. Some employers in security-sensitive fields may not accept an AB 60 license for employment purposes if the job requires federal background clearance.

Private businesses can set their own rules about what identification they accept, though they cannot discriminate based on immigration status. For example, a bank might require additional documentation beyond your AB 60 license, but that is the bank's policy, not a legal restriction on the license itself.

Getting an AB 60 license if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your California driver license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get an AB 60 license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DMV will check your driving record when you explore. If there is an active suspension — for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a DUI conviction — you will be denied.

You can check your driving record status online through the California DMV website or by visiting a DMV office. If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a court requirement, or finishing a suspension period — before you can obtain an AB 60 license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an AB 60 license show that I do not have a Social Security number?

No. The license itself looks identical to a standard California license. Only the DMV's internal records show that it was issued under AB 60. A police officer who pulls you over will see a valid California driver license and will not know the difference unless they run your name through the system — which they can only do for law enforcement purposes.

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

Yes. Rental car companies accept AB 60 licenses as valid driver licenses. Some rental companies may ask for additional identification or a credit card, but those are standard policies that explore to all customers, not specific to AB 60. Call ahead if you want to confirm the rental company's policy before you go.

What if I get pulled over while driving with an AB 60 license?

Present your AB 60 license the same way you would present any driver license. It is a valid California license. The officer will check your driving record and insurance status. As long as your license is not suspended and you have valid insurance, you will not face any additional consequences because of the AB 60 status.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been in California for less than a year?

Yes. You do not need to have lived in California for any minimum length of time. You only need to show proof of current residency — documents from the last 60 days showing your California address. If you just moved to California, bring a lease agreement or utility bill in your name.

Do I need insurance to drive with an AB 60 license?

Yes. California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, regardless of what type of license they hold. An AB 60 license does not change this requirement. You must have valid auto insurance before you drive. Some insurance companies may ask questions about your license type, but they cannot refuse to insure you based on AB 60 status alone.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.