California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Under AB 60

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license through a program created by Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. You do not need to prove legal residency or citizenship to get this license. The license is valid for driving purposes only and does not grant work authorization or change your immigration status.

The AB 60 license looks identical to a standard California driver license but is marked internally in the DMV system. It carries the same driving privileges as any other California license — you can drive legally, and insurance companies will recognize it. The license does not appear on your immigration record and does not trigger any immigration enforcement action.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 program lets you get a driver license without a Social Security number, passport, or proof of legal residency.
  • You must prove your identity with documents like a foreign passport, consular ID, or other government-issued ID, and prove California residency with utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements.
  • The process process is the same as for any California driver license — you visit a DMV office, pass a written test and driving test, and pay the standard fee.
  • An AB 60 license is valid for driving only and does not affect your immigration case or create a record that immigration authorities can access.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a foreign passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your country of origin, or a foreign driver license. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

For residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, pay stub, or government mail (such as a tax form or court document). The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have documents in your name, you can use a document in a family member's name plus a signed statement explaining your living situation.

You will also need to provide a California address on your process. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a general delivery address at your local post office.

The Written Test and Driving Test

You must pass the same written knowledge test and behind-the-wheel driving test as any other California driver license applicant. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or Spanish, or in one of several other languages depending on your local DMV office.

If you have a valid driver license from another country, you may be able to waive the written test. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive whether your foreign license qualifies. The driving test cannot be waived and must be completed at a California DMV office with a DMV examiner.

You can study for the written test using the California Driver Handbook, available free online at the DMV website in multiple languages. Many community organizations also offer free test preparation classes for undocumented immigrants.

Fees and License Validity

An AB 60 driver license costs the same as a standard California license. As of 2024, the fee for a new license is $39, though this amount can change. You pay at the time of process at the DMV office. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You renew it the same way you would renew any California license — by visiting a DMV office, passing a new written test and driving test, or renewing by mail if you are over 70 and meet other requirements. Renewal fees are the same as the initial license fee.

Privacy and Immigration Concerns

Your AB 60 license information is protected under California law. The DMV does not share your data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. Your process does not create a record that can be used against you in immigration proceedings.

However, if you are stopped by law enforcement and provide your AB 60 license, that interaction itself could trigger an immigration inquiry depending on the circumstances and the officer's actions. The license itself does not cause that — your interaction with police does. Having a valid license does not prevent police from asking about immigration status, but it does prove you are driving legally.

If you are concerned about interactions with police, organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and local immigrant rights groups offer free guidance on your rights during traffic stops.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

You explore at any California DMV office. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Many DMV offices are busier in the morning and on weekdays. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DMV website.

The entire process — submitting documents, taking the written test, scheduling a driving test, and taking the driving test — typically takes several weeks to a few months. The written test can usually be completed on the same day you explore. The driving test is scheduled for a later date, often one to four weeks after you pass the written test, depending on how busy your local DMV is.

Bring all required documents in original form or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of identity documents. If your documents are in another language, bring the originals and ask the DMV whether you need a certified translation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring only one residency document. The DMV requires two, and if you bring only one, you will be turned away and have to return another day. Make sure both documents show your current California address and are dated within the last 60 days.

Do not assume your foreign driver license will waive the written test. Ask the DMV staff before you take the test — some licenses may have access to and some do not, depending on which country issued it and whether California has a reciprocal agreement with that country.

Do not provide false information on your process. The DMV verifies addresses and other details, and providing false information can result in denial of your license and potential criminal charges.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew it. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, even though the license itself is valid for driving purposes under AB 60.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AB 60 license to board a plane or cross the border?

No. An AB 60 license is valid for driving only. You cannot use it for air travel, border crossings, or federal identification purposes. For travel, you need a passport or other travel document from your country of origin.

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

No. The DMV does not share AB 60 information with immigration authorities, and obtaining a license does not change your immigration status or create evidence that can be used against you. However, if you are in removal proceedings, consult with an immigration attorney before explore if you have concerns specific to your case.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake either test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the written test, though you must wait at least one day between attempts. For the driving test, you can retake it after waiting a set period, usually one to two weeks. Each retake has a separate fee.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting a driver license. However, certain convictions — such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, or suspended license violations — may result in denial. The DMV will review your driving record and criminal history during processing.

Do I need to renew my AB 60 license in person, or can I renew by mail?

Most AB 60 renewals must be done in person at a DMV office because you need to retake the written and driving tests. Mail renewal is available only in limited circumstances, such as if you are over 70 and meet other specific requirements. Contact your local DMV office to ask whether you may have access to for mail renewal.