What an AB60 License Is and Who Can Get One

An AB60 driver license is a California state ID that lets you drive legally even if you cannot prove lawful presence in the United States. It was created by Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to show immigration documents. The license looks and works like any other California driver license — it is valid for driving, and police will recognize it as legitimate identification.

The main difference is what you see on the card itself. An AB60 license has a specific marking that tells law enforcement and other officials that it was issued under this program. This marking does not affect your right to drive or the license's legal validity on the road.

You can get an AB60 license if you are a California resident and can prove your identity and California residency. You do not have to be a citizen or have any particular immigration status. You still have to pass the written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test, just like any other driver.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB60 license lets you drive legally in California without proving lawful immigration status or providing a Social Security number.
  • You must still pass the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test to receive the license.
  • The license is marked to show it was issued under AB60, but it is a valid California driver license for all driving purposes.
  • You need to prove your identity and California residency using documents like a passport, consular ID, or utility bill.
  • The AB60 license does not give you any special legal status — it only allows you to drive.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

To get an AB60 license, you must bring proof of identity and proof that you live in California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles accepts a specific list of documents for each.

For identity, you can use a passport from any country, a consular ID (like a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID card, a birth certificate, or a tribal ID. You need one document that shows your name, date of birth, and a photo (if the document has one). If your identity document does not have a photo, you will need to bring a second document with a photo, such as a school ID or work ID.

For California residency, bring a document dated within the last 12 months that shows your name and a California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A letter from a government agency, school, or employer with your address also counts. You need one document for residency.

You will also need to fill out the process form (DL 44) at the DMV. Bring your documents in person — you cannot mail them in or submit them online.

The Written Test and Behind-the-Wheel Test

After you submit your documents, you will take the written knowledge test. This test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. The DMV offers the test in 32 languages total.

You must pass the written test before you can schedule the behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test has 36 questions, and you need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule an appointment for the driving test. During the driving test, a DMV examiner sits in your car while you drive on public roads. The examiner watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians. The test usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You must pass this test to receive your license.

How Long the Process Takes

The time from your first visit to the DMV to receiving your AB60 license depends on how quickly you pass both tests and how busy your local DMV office is. Most people can take the written test on the same day they submit their documents, though some offices may ask you to schedule a separate appointment.

After you pass the written test, you will need to schedule the driving test. Depending on your area, this appointment might be available within a few days or might take several weeks. Once you pass the driving test, the DMV issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within a few days.

The entire process — from walking into the DMV to holding your license — usually takes between two weeks and two months. The biggest variable is how long you have to wait for a driving test appointment in your area.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

You must go to a California Department of Motor Vehicles office in person. You cannot get an AB60 license by mail or online. Find your local DMV office on the official California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov). The website lets you search by city or ZIP code.

You can walk in without an appointment, but many DMV offices now use an online appointment system. If you schedule an appointment ahead of time, you will usually wait less long. Go to the DMV website and look for "Make an Appointment" to see what is available in your area. Some offices fill up weeks in advance, so book early if possible.

Bring all your documents, your completed DL 44 form, and your payment. The fee for a driver license varies by the type and length of validity you choose, but it is typically between $30 and $40. The DMV accepts cash, check, and card.

What Happens After You Get Your License

Once you have your AB60 license, you can drive anywhere in California. The license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You renew it the same way you would renew any California driver license — by visiting the DMV, passing a new written test, and paying the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the driving test when you renew.

Your AB60 license is recognized by law enforcement as a valid driver license. If you are stopped by police, the license proves you are a legal driver. However, the AB60 marking on the card is visible to anyone who sees it, including police officers. The license itself does not change your immigration status or give you any legal protections beyond the right to drive.

You can use your AB60 license to drive, but it may not work for other purposes that require a "real ID" — such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you need a Real ID-compliant license, you would need to show lawful presence in the United States, which AB60 does not require. Check with the specific agency or business if you are unsure whether your AB60 license will work for a particular purpose.

AB60 vs. Other California Driver Licenses

California offers several types of driver licenses, and AB60 is one option. The most common license is the standard California driver license, which requires proof of lawful presence in the United States (such as a visa, green card, or citizenship). The standard license does not have any special marking and is Real ID-compliant, meaning it works for federal purposes like flying domestically.

The AB60 license is for people who cannot or do not want to prove lawful presence. It looks similar to a standard license but has the AB60 marking. It is not Real ID-compliant. Both licenses allow you to drive legally and are recognized by police as valid.

California also offers an instruction permit (learner's permit) and a provisional license for young drivers. These are different from both the standard license and the AB60 license. If you are under 18, you would follow the provisional license path instead of going straight to an AB60 license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB60 license if I have been in the United States illegally?

Yes. The AB60 license does not ask about your immigration history or status. You only need to prove your identity and that you live in California. The law was specifically designed to let people drive regardless of immigration status.

Will getting an AB60 license affect my immigration case or status?

Getting a driver license is not an immigration action and does not change your immigration status. However, if you are in immigration proceedings, talk to your immigration attorney before explore, because the DMV may keep records that could be requested by immigration authorities. Your attorney can advise you based on your specific situation.

Can I use my AB60 license to fly on a plane or enter a federal building?

No. The AB60 license is not Real ID-compliant. For domestic flights and federal buildings, you need a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted form of ID, such as a passport. If you have a passport from another country, you can use that for these purposes.

What if I fail the written test or the driving test?

You can retake either test. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can retake it. You can take the driving test up to three times within 12 months before you have to retake the written test.

Do I need to have a car to take the driving test?

Yes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, and wipers. You can borrow someone else's car as long as it meets these requirements. The person whose name is on the registration should be present, though they do not have to be in the car during the test.