How Undocumented Immigrants Can Get a California Driver's License

California Issues Driver's Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Without Proof of Legal Status

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license through the AB 60 program, which launched in 2015. You do not need to prove citizenship or legal immigration status to get one. The license looks and functions like any other California driver's license — it works for driving, banking, and other everyday purposes — but it does not grant legal status or change your immigration record.

The key difference is what you bring to the DMV instead of a Social Security number or visa. California accepts a combination of documents that prove who you are and where you live, without requiring proof that you entered the country legally. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard license process, and the cost is the same.

Key Takeaways

California's AB 60 program lets undocumented immigrants get a standard driver's license by proving identity and California residency instead of legal status.
You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport or consulate ID from your country of origin, plus two documents showing your California address.
The license costs the same as any other California driver's license and renews on the same schedule, but does not grant legal status or appear different from a standard license.
You can explore in person at any DMV office; there is no online option for AB 60 applicants.
Obtaining a license does not affect your immigration case, but you should understand how traffic stops and interactions with law enforcement work in your situation.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The DMV requires proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a passport from your country of origin, a consulate ID card (matrícula consular), or a combination of documents that together establish who you are. You will also need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number.

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, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document). The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If your name does not match exactly across documents — for example, if one uses a middle name and another does not — bring a document that explains the difference, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV, just like any other applicant. Bring proof of your California address and your identity documents to your appointment.

How to Get an ITIN if You Do Not Have One

An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number but starts with 9. You can obtain one by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you do not owe taxes. You do not need legal status to get an ITIN. Many people file taxes using an ITIN so they can claim refunds or credits they are may have access to to.

To get an ITIN, file Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) with the IRS along with your tax return and proof of identity and residency. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office. If you file through a tax preparer or nonprofit organization that offers free tax help, they can often handle the ITIN process for you. The process usually takes four to six weeks by mail.

Once you have an ITIN, you can use it at the DMV. The number does not change your immigration status or create a record that affects your case — it is straightforward a tax identification number.

The DMV process Process for AB 60

You must explore in person at a DMV office. There is no online option for AB 60 applicants. When you arrive, tell the DMV staff that you are explore under AB 60 and that you do not have a Social Security number. Bring all your identity and residency documents, your ITIN, and your vision correction (glasses or contacts) if you use them.

You will take a written knowledge test about California traffic laws. The test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. You will also take a vision test. If you pass both, you will have your photo taken and pay the license fee. Standard California driver's licenses cost around $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, though fees change periodically.

Your license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. It is a standard California driver's license with no marking that indicates you obtained it under AB 60 — it looks identical to any other license.

What Your AB 60 License Does and Does Not Do

Your license allows you to drive legally in California and to use it as identification for everyday purposes like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or boarding a domestic flight within the United States. It does not grant you legal immigration status, work authorization, or any change to your immigration record. It is purely a driving and identification document.

The license does not appear different from a standard California license, and the DMV does not flag it or mark it in any way. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement, an officer can see in their system that you obtained the license under AB 60. This does not make the license invalid or illegal — it straightforward indicates how you obtained it.

Your license renews every four or eight years, depending on which term you chose. You can renew by mail or online, just like any other California driver. If you move out of California, your license remains valid for driving in other states, but you cannot renew it by mail or online once you leave — you would need to renew in person if you return to California.

How Traffic Stops and Law Enforcement Interactions Work

If you are stopped by police while driving with an AB 60 license, the officer will see that you obtained the license under AB 60 when they run your information. This does not give them a reason to stop you or to question your immigration status — the license is legal and valid. However, if the officer has another reason to stop you (a traffic violation, for example), they may ask about your status during that stop.

You have the right to remain silent and to decline to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country. You do not have to consent to a search of your vehicle without a warrant. If you are arrested, you have the right to speak to a lawyer before answering questions. Many immigration attorneys and legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost consultations if you are concerned about your rights during a traffic stop.

Having an AB 60 license does not protect you from immigration enforcement, but it also does not increase your risk. The license itself is legal and does not change your immigration case.

Renewing or Replacing Your AB 60 License

You can renew your AB 60 license by mail or online through the DMV website, just like any other California driver. You will need to renew before your expiration date. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at a DMV office or by mail. A replacement license costs around $20.

If your address changes, you must update it with the DMV within 10 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. If your name changes — for example, after marriage — you will need to bring a court order or marriage certificate to the DMV to update your license.

If you move out of California, your license remains valid for driving in other states. However, you cannot renew it by mail or online once you leave the state. If you return to California and need to renew, you will have to do so in person at a DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Obtaining a driver's license does not change your immigration status or create a new record that affects your case. The DMV does not share information with immigration authorities. However, if you are stopped by police for any reason, they may ask about your status. It is wise to speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation before explore.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I do not have an ITIN yet?

No, you need an ITIN or a valid passport or consulate ID to explore. If you do not have an ITIN, you can file a tax return with the IRS to get one. This usually takes four to six weeks. Many nonprofits offer free tax preparation help and can file your ITIN process for you.

What if my documents are in a different name than the one I use now?

Bring a document that explains the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will accept documents with different names if you can show they belong to the same person. If your documents are in your birth name and you now use a different name, bring both documents and explain the change.

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

You can use your AB 60 license to board a domestic flight within the United States. You cannot use it to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada — you will need a valid passport from your country of origin. Some people also obtain a passport card or travel document from their consulate for border crossings.

What happens if my AB 60 license expires while I am out of state?

You can renew your license by mail or online through the DMV website, even if you are out of state. You do not need to be in California to renew. However, if you move permanently to another state, you should obtain a driver's license in that state instead of renewing your California license.

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.