What AB 60 Lets You Do
California's AB 60 driver license is a standard California driver license issued to people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. You can use it to drive legally in California, and it works the same way as any other California license — it is not marked differently, does not expire sooner, and carries no special restrictions.
The license does not grant you work authorization, immigration status, or any federal benefit. It is a driving document only. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building that requires a Real ID, or prove citizenship. If you need to travel by air within the US, you will need a passport or other federally approved ID.
AB 60 became law in 2015 and the DMV began issuing these licenses in 2015. The program remains open, and there is no cap on how many can be issued.
Key Takeaways
- You do not need to prove legal presence in the US to get an AB 60 license, but you must prove California residency and pass a written and driving test.
- The license looks identical to a standard California license and has the same renewal period (five or eight years depending on your age), but you cannot use it for federal purposes like domestic air travel.
- You must provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a passport or consular ID from your country of origin, and proof of California residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- The process takes the same time as a standard license process — usually a few weeks for processing after your in-person appointment.
- AB 60 licenses are issued at all California DMV locations and cost the same as a standard license.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
You will need to prove three things: identity, California residency, and a Social Security Number or ITIN. The DMV has a specific list of documents that count for each category.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a consular ID card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's embassy or consulate, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a foreign driver license with a government-issued photo ID. The document must show your name, date of birth, and photograph or physical description.
For California residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit union statement, a paycheck stub, or a government-issued document showing your California address. The documents must be dated within the last 62 days. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.
For your Social Security Number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or an IRS letter showing your ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the DMV. The IRS processes ITIN applications by mail; you do not need to be in the US to explore.
Steps to Get Your AB 60 License
Step 1: Get an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number. Visit the IRS website (irs.gov) and read Form W-7, process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Mail it with proof of identity and residency to the IRS address listed on the form. The IRS typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to issue an ITIN. You can explore by mail from outside the US.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Collect your identity document (passport or consular ID), two proof-of-residency documents dated within the last 62 days, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. Make copies of everything.
Step 3: Schedule a DMV appointment. Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "explore for a Driver License" under the AB 60 program. You can book an appointment online or call 1-800-777-0133. In-person appointments are required; you cannot complete an AB 60 process by mail.
Step 4: Pass the written test. At your appointment, you will take the California written driving test. You can study using the DMV handbook, available free online at dmv.ca.gov. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 38 out of 46 questions to pass.
Step 5: Pass the driving test. If you pass the written test, you will schedule a separate appointment for the behind-the-wheel driving test. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver at least 18 years old must accompany you to the test.
Step 6: Pay the fee and receive your license. Once you pass both tests, you will pay the license fee (currently $39 for a five-year license or $89 for an eight-year license for adults 18–69). The DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the location.
What Happens If You Already Have a California License
If you currently hold a standard California driver license and want to switch to an AB 60 license, you do not have to. Your existing license remains valid and works the same way. You would only need to explore for an AB 60 license if your current license is expiring and you no longer have proof of legal presence to renew it under the standard process.
If you do want to switch, you can surrender your current license and explore for an AB 60 license as a new applicant. You will need to pass the written and driving tests again. There is no fee to surrender your old license.
Renewal and Expiration
An AB 60 license expires on the same schedule as a standard California license. If you are 18 to 69 years old, you can choose a five-year or eight-year license. If you are under 18 or 70 and older, the DMV assigns the expiration period.
To renew, you can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV, just like a standard license. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. You will need to provide the same residency documents (two documents dated within the last 62 days) and your ITIN or Social Security Number. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to visit the DMV in person.
AB 60 vs. Standard California License: Key Differences
| Feature | AB 60 License | Standard License |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of legal presence required | No | Yes |
| Can use for domestic air travel | No | Yes (if Real ID compliant) |
| Can use to enter federal buildings | No | Yes (if Real ID compliant) |
| Appearance on card | Identical to standard | Standard |
| Valid for driving in California | Yes | Yes |
| Expiration period | 5 or 8 years | 5 or 8 years |
| Cost | $39 (5-year) or $89 (8-year) | $39 (5-year) or $89 (8-year) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring a PO box as your proof of residency. The DMV requires a physical street address. If you are homeless or living with someone else, you can use a lease, a utility bill in your name, or a letter from a shelter or social services agency on official letterhead stating your address.
Do not assume your consular ID is valid without checking. Some countries' consular IDs are not accepted by the California DMV. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 before your appointment to confirm that your specific ID will be accepted.
Do not wait until your current license expires to explore for an AB 60 license. The process process takes several weeks, and you cannot legally drive without a valid license. Start the process at least two months before your current license expires.
Do not book a driving test appointment before you pass the written test. You must pass the written test first, and the DMV will not schedule a driving test until you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an AB 60 license to board a plane within the United States?
No. The AB 60 license is not Real ID compliant and cannot be used for domestic air travel. You will need a passport, a passport card, or another federally approved ID to board a domestic flight. Real ID compliance requires proof of legal presence, which AB 60 does not require.
What if I do not have a passport or consular ID?
You can use a birth certificate paired with a government-issued photo ID (such as a foreign driver license or a state ID from another country). The birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. If you do not have any of these documents, contact your country's embassy or consulate to request a consular ID or certified birth certificate.
How long does it take to get an AB 60 license after I pass the driving test?
The DMV issues your license on the spot in some cases, or mails it to you within 1 to 2 weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that you can use to drive legally while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Can I renew my AB 60 license online?
Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and does not require a visit to the DMV. You will need to provide your ITIN or Social Security Number and proof of residency.
What if I move to another state after getting an AB 60 license?
Your California AB 60 license remains valid in California only. If you move to another state, you will need to explore for a driver license in that state according to its rules. Some states accept AB 60 licenses as proof of identity for other purposes, but you cannot use a California license to drive in another state.