California lets you get a driver license without proving citizenship or legal immigration status

California's AB 60 driver license is available to anyone who lives in the state, regardless of immigration status. You do not need to prove you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or in the country legally. You do need to prove you live in California, pass a written test, and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test — the same requirements as any other driver.

The license looks identical to a standard California driver license and works the same way for driving. It expires after five years, just like other licenses. The main difference is that it cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building — but it is valid for driving, renting a car, and opening a bank account in California.

If you are undocumented, this is the only path to a legal California driver license. You cannot get a standard license without proof of legal presence, and you cannot get a Real ID-compliant license (the kind with a gold star) without it either.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are available to anyone living in California, with no citizenship or immigration status requirement.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — not citizenship.
  • You take the same written and road tests as any driver, and the license works for driving and most everyday purposes.
  • AB 60 licenses cannot be used for federal identification (flights, federal buildings), but they are valid for driving and opening bank accounts.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not share immigration information with federal agencies.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

You will need to prove your identity and California residency. The DMV accepts a wider range of documents for AB 60 licenses than for standard licenses, because they understand that undocumented people may not have all the usual paperwork.

For identity, you can bring a passport, consular ID (matrícula consular), national ID from your home country, or a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a school record or medical record. The DMV has a full list of accepted identity documents on its website.

For California residency, bring two documents showing your name and a California address. These can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, pay stub, school enrollment letter, or government mail (like a tax form or court document). The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A lease agreement counts as one document even if it is several pages.

You will also need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the DMV.

The written test and road test are the same as for any driver

You must pass the written knowledge test, which covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Korean. The DMV offers free practice tests on its website.

You must also pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. You will need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one — the vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must have valid registration and insurance.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can try, though you will pay the test fee each time.

How to schedule your DMV appointment

You must make an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DMV offices. When you book, select "AB 60 License" as your transaction type so the DMV knows what documents to expect.

Appointment wait times vary by location and season. In busy areas, you may need to wait several weeks. In less busy areas, you might get an appointment within days. Book as soon as you are ready, because the sooner you schedule, the sooner you can take your tests.

Bring all your documents to your appointment. If you are missing anything, the DMV will not issue your license that day and you will need to reschedule. Double-check the DMV's document checklist before you go.

What happens after you pass your tests

If you pass both the written and road tests, the DMV will issue your AB 60 license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card will arrive in the mail within two weeks.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV — renewal is simpler than the first license because you do not have to retake the tests.

If you fail either test, you will be told the same day. You can schedule another appointment to retake whichever test you failed. There is no waiting period between attempts.

Your privacy and immigration status

The DMV does not share your immigration information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other federal immigration agency. This is state law, and it applies to everyone who gets an AB 60 license.

However, if you are pulled over by police, your license will show that it is an AB 60 license (not a standard license). Some people worry this could flag them for immigration enforcement. In practice, local police do not routinely check immigration status during traffic stops, and the license itself does not trigger any automatic report. That said, if an officer asks about your immigration status, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.

Your DMV records are confidential and protected under California law. The DMV will not release your personal information without a court order.

The cost of an AB 60 license

The fee for an AB 60 license is the same as for a standard California driver license. As of 2024, the fee is $39 for a five-year license, though this amount can change. You will also pay separate fees for the written test and the road test if you take them at the DMV.

Some counties and nonprofits offer fee waivers or discounts for people with low income. Contact your local DMV office or a legal aid organization in your area to ask whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. AB 60 licenses are not accepted as federal identification for domestic flights. You would need a passport or another federally accepted ID. However, you can use the license for driving, renting a car, and opening a bank account.

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

Getting a driver license does not change your immigration status or affect any pending immigration case. The DMV does not share information with immigration agencies. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending case, talk to your immigration lawyer before explore, as they may have specific information for your situation.

What if I do not have a Social Security number or ITIN?

You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS. You do not need a job or tax filing history to get one — you can explore just to get a driver license. The process takes several weeks, so explore early if you do not already have an ITIN or Social Security number.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail or online?

Yes. After your first license, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. You do not have to retake the written or road test. Renewal is faster and simpler than getting your first license.

What if I move to another state — is my AB 60 license still valid?

Your AB 60 license is valid for driving in all 50 states while you have it. However, if you move to another state and want to get a license there, you will need to follow that state's rules, which may be different from California's.