What AB 60 Driving Licenses Are and Who Can Get One

AB 60 lets you get a California driver's license without proof of legal residency

California's AB 60 law allows you to obtain a standard California driver's license even if you cannot show proof of legal residency in the United States. You do not need to be a citizen or have immigration status to explore. The license works exactly like any other California driver's license for driving purposes — it is valid for five years, lets you drive on public roads, and is recognized by law enforcement.

The key difference is what the license does not do: it cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or crossing the border. If you need to fly domestically or access federal facilities, you would need a separate Real ID-compliant document. For driving within California and everyday identification, the AB 60 license serves the same purpose as a standard license.

Key Takeaways

AB 60 licenses are available to anyone living in California who can pass the written and road tests, regardless of immigration status or residency proof.
You must provide a California address, proof of identity, and proof of California residency — but not proof of legal presence in the U.S.
The AB 60 license is valid for driving and state identification but cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or federal building access.
The process process is the same as for a standard license: you visit the DMV, pass the written test, pass the behind-the-wheel test, and pay the standard fee.
You can upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license later if your immigration status changes and you can provide the required federal documents.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

To explore for an AB 60 license, you must bring proof of identity and proof of California residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport from any country, a consular ID card (matrícula consular), a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a foreign national ID card. The DMV has a full list of accepted documents on its website.

For proof of California residency, you need a document showing your name and a California address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or government mail. You do not need to own property or have a permanent address — a lease, mail from a shelter, or a utility bill in your name all count.

Bring your Social Security number if you have one, though it is not required. You will also need to pay the standard California driver's license fee, which varies but is typically around $39 for a five-year license. Bring a check, debit card, or cash — payment methods vary by DMV location.

How the written and road tests work

The written test for an AB 60 license is identical to the test for any California driver's license. You answer 36 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others — ask the DMV which languages are available at your location.

Before you take the written test, you must obtain a learner's permit (also called a provisional license). This permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You hold the learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test, though you can take the road test sooner if you are over 18 and have held the permit for at least one month.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A DMV examiner sits in the passenger seat and observes your driving. If you pass, you receive your AB 60 license on the spot or by mail within a few weeks.

AB 60 vs. a standard California driver's license

An AB 60 license and a standard California driver's license are legally identical for driving purposes. Both allow you to operate a vehicle on California roads, both are valid for five years, and both are recognized by law enforcement during traffic stops. The main difference appears only when you try to use the license for federal purposes.

A standard California driver's license that is Real ID-compliant can be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases. An AB 60 license cannot. If you later obtain proof of legal residency or citizenship and want to upgrade to a Real ID license, you can return to the DMV with the required federal documents and exchange your AB 60 license for a standard one at no additional cost.

The AB 60 license also has a different appearance: it displays "AB 60" on the front to indicate its status. This marking does not affect your ability to drive or use the license for state identification, but it does signal to federal agencies that the license is not Real ID-compliant.

When you can start driving with an AB 60 learner's permit

Once you pass the written test and receive your AB 60 learner's permit, you can begin practicing when ready. You must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. while holding a learner's permit.

You must hold the learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test if you are under 18. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test after holding the permit for just one month. Many people practice for several months regardless of age to build confidence and skill before the test.

Renewing an AB 60 license

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you can renew it by returning to the DMV with proof of California residency (the same documents accepted for the original process). You do not need to retake the written or road tests to renew — renewal is a simpler process than the original process.

You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about two months before your expiration date. You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online if you meet certain requirements. Check the California DMV website to see if you are may be able to access to renew online.

What happens if your immigration status changes

If you obtain legal residency, citizenship, or a work visa after receiving your AB 60 license, you can upgrade to a standard Real ID-compliant California driver's license. Bring your AB 60 license and your new immigration documents to the DMV. The upgrade process is straightforward and does not require you to retake the written or road tests.

You will pay a fee to exchange your AB 60 license for a standard license, though some DMV offices waive this fee. Once you have a Real ID-compliant license, you can use it for domestic air travel, federal building access, and any other federal purpose. Your old AB 60 license will be surrendered and destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight?

No. An AB 60 license is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel. You would need a passport, a Real ID-compliant driver's license, or another federally accepted ID to board a plane. If you later obtain legal residency or citizenship, you can upgrade to a standard California license that is Real ID-compliant.

Do I need to be a California resident to get an AB 60 license?

You must have a California address and be able to show proof of residency at that address within the last 60 days. You do not need to own property, have a permanent home, or be a legal resident of the United States. A lease agreement, utility bill, or mail from a shelter all count as proof of residency.

How long does it take to get an AB 60 license after I pass the road test?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the road test. Your official plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally with the temporary license until the plastic card arrives.

What if I fail the written or road test?

You can retake either test. Most DMV locations allow you to retake the written test the same day or within a few days. For the road test, you typically must wait at least two weeks before scheduling another attempt. There is a fee each time you take a test.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. A Social Security number is not required to obtain an AB 60 license. If you do not have one, you can still explore with your other identity and residency documents. The DMV will assign you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for licensing purposes if needed.

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.