What an AB 60 License Is and Who Can Get One

An AB 60 license is a California driver's license issued to people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. It was created by Assembly Bill 60, which took effect on January 1, 2015. The license looks and functions like a standard California driver's license — it lets you drive legally, register a vehicle, and use it as identification for most purposes — but it is marked differently on the back so law enforcement and others can see it was issued under AB 60.

You do not need to be a citizen or have any immigration status to get an AB 60 license. You need to be a California resident, pass a written test and driving test, and prove your identity and California residency through documents that do not require proof of legal presence. This means you can use a passport from any country, a consular ID, a birth certificate, or other identity documents issued by your home country.

The license is valid for five years from the date of issue, the same as a standard California driver's license. It does not grant you legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit. It is purely a driving and identification document under California state law.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California without proving U.S. legal presence, and you can use it to register a vehicle and obtain insurance.
  • You must be a California resident and pass the written knowledge test and behind-the-wheel driving test, just like any other driver.
  • You can prove identity using a foreign passport, consular ID, birth certificate, or other documents from your home country instead of a Social Security number or visa.
  • The license is marked on the back so it is visibly different from a standard license, and it does not provide any immigration status or work authorization.
  • You can renew an AB 60 license by mail or in person at a DMV office, and renewals follow the same five-year cycle as standard licenses.

Documents You Need to Prove Identity and Residency

The California DMV accepts a specific list of documents for AB 60 applicants. For identity, you can use a valid foreign passport, a consular ID issued by your country's consulate in the U.S., a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a national ID card from your home country, or a Temporary Resident ID Card (TIRC) issued by California. You must bring the original document or a certified copy — photocopies alone are not accepted.

For California residency, you need two documents that show your name and a California address. These can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or a letter from a government agency. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and do not have documents in your name, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name appears on the bill, plus your own ID, plus one additional residency document.

You do not need a Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), visa, work permit, or any proof of legal presence. If you have an ITIN, you can provide it, but it is not required.

The Written Test and Driving Test Requirements

Before you can receive an AB 60 license, you must pass the same written knowledge test that all California drivers take. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle equipment. It is 46 questions long, and you must answer at least 39 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. The DMV website lists all available languages.

You must also pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, stopping, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but the person whose name is on the registration must be present during the test.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. For the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks between attempts if you fail.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Your AB 60 License

Start by visiting a California DMV office in person — you cannot begin the AB 60 process online or by mail. Bring your identity document (foreign passport, consular ID, birth certificate, or national ID), two proofs of California residency dated within the last 60 days, and your current driver's license if you have one from another state or country. You will also need to bring $39 for the process fee (as of 2024; fees may change).

At the DMV office, tell the staff member that you are explore for an AB 60 license. They will take your documents, verify your identity and residency, and take a photo and thumbprint. You will then take the written knowledge test on a computer at the DMV office. If you pass, you will be given a permit that allows you to practice driving. You do not need to wait any specific amount of time before scheduling your driving test.

Schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test at the same DMV office or at any other California DMV office. You can schedule online at the DMV website, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person. When you arrive for your driving test, bring your practice permit, a valid identity document, proof of vehicle registration and insurance, and the vehicle itself. If you pass the driving test, you will receive your AB 60 license on the spot or by mail within two weeks.

Fees and Timeline

The process fee for an AB 60 license is $39 (as of 2024). This covers the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. If you fail the written test and need to retake it, there is no additional fee — you can retake it as many times as needed. If you fail the driving test, you must pay $20 for each retake.

The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule and pass your tests. You can take the written test the same day you explore, at the DMV office. Once you pass, you can schedule your driving test for any day after that — there is no waiting period. Many DMV offices have driving test appointments available within one to four weeks, though this varies by location and season. Once you pass the driving test, you receive your license when ready or by mail within two weeks.

If you need to renew your AB 60 license after five years, you can renew by mail or in person. A mail renewal costs $39 and does not require you to retake the written or driving test. An in-person renewal at a DMV office also costs $39 and may require you to retake the written test depending on your age and driving record.

How an AB 60 License Differs From a Standard California License

The main visible difference is on the back of the card. A standard California license shows "DL" (driver's license) in the top left corner. An AB 60 license shows "AB 60" in the same location. This marking is permanent and does not change at renewal. The front of the card looks identical to a standard license — it has your photo, name, address, date of birth, and license number.

Functionally, an AB 60 license works the same way as a standard license for driving purposes. You can drive any vehicle class you are licensed for, register a vehicle in your name, and purchase auto insurance. However, some uses of a standard license may not be available with an AB 60 license. For example, you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building that requires REAL ID-compliant identification. You also cannot use it to cross the U.S. border by land or sea. For those purposes, you would need a passport or other federal ID.

An AB 60 license does not provide work authorization, legal status, or any immigration benefit. It is a state driving license only. Some employers may not accept it as proof of identity for hiring purposes, though this varies by employer and industry.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

You can renew your AB 60 license by mail or in person at a DMV office. A mail renewal is the simplest option if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, include the renewal fee ($39 as of 2024), and mail it to the address shown. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

An in-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, if you have changed your name, or if you want to change your address. You will need to bring your current AB 60 license, proof of California residency, and the renewal fee. You may be asked to retake the written test depending on your age and driving history, though this is not always required.

If your AB 60 license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your identity document, proof of residency, and $39. You will receive a replacement license by mail within two weeks, or you can request an expedited replacement for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An AB 60 license is not REAL ID-compliant, so you cannot use it to board a domestic flight. You would need a valid foreign passport, a passport card, or another federal ID. Some states issue REAL ID-compliant licenses, but California does not offer this option for AB 60 licenses.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?

An AB 60 license is a state driving document and does not affect immigration status or any pending immigration case. It does not provide work authorization or legal presence. However, you should consult with an immigration attorney before explore if you have concerns about your specific situation.

Can I use an AB 60 license to register a vehicle?

Yes. You can use an AB 60 license to register a vehicle in California and to purchase auto insurance. The vehicle registration process is the same as for any other driver. You will need proof of residency, proof of vehicle ownership or a bill of sale, and proof of insurance.

What happens if I move out of California?

Your AB 60 license is valid only in California. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a driver's license from that state. Each state has different requirements for people without proof of legal presence, so you should check the requirements of your new state before moving.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail if I have not renewed it in more than five years?

No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You may also need to retake the written test.