California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants

California allows you to obtain a driver license even if you cannot prove legal residency or citizenship. The state created the AB 60 license (also called the AB 60 driver license) specifically for this purpose. You do not need a Social Security number, a valid visa, or proof that you entered the country legally. The license is valid for driving only — it cannot be used as proof of identity for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The AB 60 license has been available since 2015 and works the same way as a standard California driver license for the purposes of driving, insurance, and traffic stops. Police and insurance companies treat it identically to a regular license. The main difference is what it says on the card and what it cannot be used for.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain an AB 60 driver license in California without a Social Security number, visa, or proof of legal entry.
  • You must pass the written test, vision test, and driving test just like any other applicant, and you must show proof of California residency.
  • The license costs the same as a standard license and is renewed every five years, but it cannot be used for federal identification purposes.
  • You will need documents that prove your identity and California residency, such as a passport, consular ID, utility bill, or lease agreement.
  • The DMV does not share immigration status information with federal immigration authorities under California law.

Documents You Need to Bring

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You cannot use the same document for both purposes.

For proof of identity, you may bring a foreign passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your country of origin, a birth certificate with a certified English translation, or a foreign driver license. The document must show your name, date of birth, and photograph (if the document type normally includes one).

For proof of California residency, bring documents dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A cell phone bill or credit card statement also works. You need only one residency document, but it must be current.

Bring your documents in their original form or as certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of identity documents, though photocopies of residency documents are acceptable.

The Testing and Appointment Process

You must pass three separate tests to obtain an AB 60 license: the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the behind-the-wheel driving test. There is no way to skip any of them, even if you hold a valid driver license from another country.

Schedule an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Tell the DMV representative that you are explore for an AB 60 license. Appointments typically fill weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. You can also walk into a DMV office without an appointment, but wait times are often several hours.

At your appointment, bring all required documents, your proof of residency, and a completed DL 44 form (process for California Driver License or Identification Card). You can fill this out online before you arrive or at the DMV office. The DMV will take your photograph and fingerprints at this visit.

You will take the written test on the same day as your appointment. The test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. It is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You must answer at least 38 out of 46 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

After you pass the written test, you will take the vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You must be able to read the eye chart at the required standard.

The behind-the-wheel driving test is scheduled separately, usually within one to three weeks of your written test. You will drive with a DMV examiner for about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Fees and Timeline

An AB 60 driver license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, the fee is $39 for a five-year license if you are under 70 years old. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amount when you schedule your appointment.

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from your first appointment to receiving your license in the mail. The written and vision tests happen on your first visit. The driving test is scheduled later. Once you pass all three tests, the DMV mails your physical license card to the address you provided. During this waiting period, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for driving.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after two weeks. There is no additional fee for retakes.

Privacy and Information Sharing

California law prohibits the DMV from sharing your immigration status or personal information with federal immigration authorities such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DMV does not ask about your immigration status when you explore for an AB 60 license, and the agency does not report applicants to any federal agency.

Your DMV records are confidential. Police officers who stop you for a traffic violation can see that you hold a valid license, but they cannot determine from the license itself whether it is an AB 60 license or a standard license. The distinction appears only in DMV internal records.

However, if you are arrested and booked into custody, law enforcement may conduct an immigration check as part of the booking process. Your driver license itself does not trigger this — it is a separate procedure. The DMV's issuance of a license does not change your immigration status or your risk of deportation.

What You Cannot Use the AB 60 License For

The AB 60 license is marked differently from a standard California license and cannot be used for federal identification purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain federal facilities. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or a REAL ID-compliant identification card, which requires proof of legal residency and is not available to undocumented immigrants.

Some private businesses and organizations may refuse to accept an AB 60 license as proof of identity, though they are not required to do so by law. Banks, for example, may have their own policies about what documents they will accept for opening an account. It is worth asking in advance if you are concerned about a specific transaction.

The license is valid for driving in all 50 states and is recognized by insurance companies nationwide. You can legally drive in any state with an AB 60 license, and traffic laws in other states will treat it as a valid license.

Renewal and Expiration

An AB 60 driver license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is available if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information.

To renew online, visit dmv.ca.gov and follow the renewal process. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have a Social Security number). The renewal fee is the same as the initial license fee.

If you renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal fee, and a completed DL 44 form to the DMV address listed on the renewal notice. If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee to a DMV office. You will not need to retake the written or driving tests unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, or you can leave that field blank on the process. The DMV will issue the license without it.

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

Obtaining a driver license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. California law prevents the DMV from sharing your information with ICE. However, if you are stopped by police and arrested for an unrelated reason, law enforcement may conduct an immigration check during booking — but this is separate from your license.

Can I use an AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico or Canada?

No. You will need a valid passport or passport card to cross an international border. An AB 60 license is valid only for driving within the United States.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. For the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before retaking it. There is no additional fee for retakes. You have unlimited attempts, though some people choose to take a driving course to improve their skills before trying again.

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

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The DMV will deny a license only if you have been convicted of certain serious crimes, your license was suspended or revoked, or you are subject to a court order prohibiting you from driving. Contact the DMV directly if you have questions about your specific situation.