California lets you get a driver license without proving you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, allows you to obtain a standard driver license if you meet the state's basic requirements — even if you cannot show proof of legal residency in the United States. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to prove citizenship or immigration status. The license you receive works the same way as any other California driver license for driving purposes, but it cannot be used as federal identification for air travel or entry to federal buildings.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. You will go to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity and California residency. The main difference from a standard license process is what documents the DMV will accept to prove who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a California driver license under AB 60 without a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, or proof of legal immigration status.
  • You must prove your identity with a foreign passport, consular ID, or other document the DMV accepts, and prove you live in California with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • You will take the same written and driving tests as any other applicant and pay the standard license fee, which varies by age and license type.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal identification purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but it is valid for driving in all 50 states.

What documents you need to prove identity

The DMV accepts a limited set of documents to prove your identity under AB 60. A valid foreign passport is the most straightforward option. If you do not have a passport, you can use a consular identification card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate in the United States — Mexico's consulate issues these widely, and many other countries do as well.

You may also use a combination of documents if a single document is not available. The DMV publishes a list of acceptable identity documents on its website, and that list changes occasionally. Before you go to the DMV, call your local office or check the DMV website to confirm which documents they will accept, because requirements can vary slightly by location and staff interpretation.

Bring the original document, not a copy. The DMV will examine it in person and may ask follow-up questions about the document's authenticity or your identity.

How to prove California residency

You must show that you live in California. The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and a California address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill also work.

If you do not have a document in your name, you can use a document in someone else's name at your address — for example, a utility bill in a family member's name — but you will also need to bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there. Bring the original document or a certified copy; photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

The written test and driving test

You will take the same written knowledge test as any other California driver license applicant. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. Study materials are free on the DMV website.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. If you fail either test, you can retake it after a waiting period.

Fees and processing time

The cost of an AB 60 driver license is the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a four-year license for someone under 70 costs $39, and an eight-year license costs $69. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current price when you explore. You pay at the DMV office when you submit your process.

Processing time varies. If you pass both tests on the same day, the DMV may issue your license when ready or mail it to you within one to two weeks. If you fail a test and need to retake it, the process takes longer. Plan for at least two visits to the DMV — one for the written test and one for the driving test — unless your local office allows you to do both on the same day.

What an AB 60 license can and cannot do

An AB 60 driver license is valid for driving in California and all other U.S. states. Police will recognize it as a valid license, and you can use it to rent a car, buy car insurance, or prove you can drive. Insurance companies in California will write policies for AB 60 license holders on the same terms as any other driver.

However, an AB 60 license cannot be used as federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or access certain federal services. If you need federal identification, you would need to obtain a Real ID-compliant document, which requires proof of legal residency — something AB 60 does not require. Some states have similar programs to AB 60; if you move to another state, check that state's DMV rules.

Steps to explore at the DMV

Start by gathering your documents: a valid foreign passport or consular ID, proof of California residency dated within the last 60 days, and any other documents the DMV requests. Call your local DMV office or check the website to confirm the exact list for your location.

Make an appointment online through the DMV website or by phone. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but appointments are faster and more reliable. Bring all original documents and a completed DL 44 form (the standard driver license process), which you can fill out online before you go or at the DMV office.

At your appointment, a DMV employee will review your documents, take your photo and thumbprint, and collect your fee. You will then take the written test. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test for a later date. After you pass the driving test, your license will be issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Renewal rules depend on when your license expires and whether you have had any violations. Some renewals can be done online or by mail, but the DMV may require you to come in person. Check the DMV website or call your local office when your renewal notice arrives to find out which method applies to you.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case?

A driver license is a state document, not a federal immigration document. However, you should speak with an immigration attorney before explore if you are in removal proceedings or have pending immigration matters, because the DMV may share information with federal agencies in certain circumstances. An attorney can advise you on your specific situation.

What if I do not have a foreign passport or consular ID?

The DMV may accept other identity documents depending on your situation. Call your local DMV office and describe what documents you have. Some offices accept birth certificates, national ID cards from other countries, or combinations of documents. The DMV website lists acceptable documents, but staff can sometimes work with you if your situation is unusual.

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

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted for border crossing. You will need a valid passport, passport card, or other document that meets the requirements of the country you are entering. Check the border crossing agency's website for the current list of acceptable documents.

Do I need car insurance to get an AB 60 license?

No. You do not need insurance to obtain the license. However, California law requires you to carry insurance before you drive on public roads. You can purchase insurance after you get your license, and insurance companies will write policies for AB 60 license holders.