What a California driver license means for non-citizens
California issues standard driver licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, but the documents you need and the rules that explore depend on your immigration status. A non-citizen can hold a valid California license for driving purposes — it works the same way as a citizen's license at traffic stops and for insurance. The key difference is in what you must show to prove identity and residency, and whether you need to show proof of legal presence in the United States.
California distinguishes between two paths: one for people with lawful immigration status (including permanent residents, visa holders, and certain temporary visa categories), and one for people without proof of legal presence. Both paths lead to a real, valid driver license that law enforcement recognizes. The state does not issue a separate "foreign" license — you get the same license card as any other California driver.
Key Takeaways
- Non-citizens with lawful immigration status (green card, visa, work permit) follow the standard California license process and need an ITIN or Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of California residency.
- Non-citizens without proof of legal presence can obtain an AB 60 license, which requires an ITIN, identity documents, and proof of residency, but no immigration status verification.
- Both paths require passing a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision test; you cannot skip the driving test by holding a license from another country.
- Processing time is typically two to three weeks for standard licenses and three to four weeks for AB 60 licenses after you pass your tests.
- You must renew your license every five years if you are under 70, or every ten years if you are 70 or older, using the same documents you used to obtain it.
Non-citizens with lawful immigration status
If you hold a green card, employment visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1), student visa (F-1), or other lawful immigration status, you follow California's standard driver license process. You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents, and pass the written test, vision test, and behind-the-wheel driving test.
The documents you must bring are: a valid passport or travel document, your immigration document (green card, visa, employment authorization document, or I-94 arrival/departure record), proof of a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and two documents showing your California address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to fill out the DL 44 form (process for Driver License or Identification Card) before you arrive at the DMV.
The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs. You can take it in more than 30 languages. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner and lasts about 20 minutes; it includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You cannot waive the driving test even if you hold a valid license from another country.
Non-citizens without proof of legal presence: AB 60 licenses
California's AB 60 law allows people without proof of lawful immigration status to obtain a driver license. The license is identical to a standard California license and is valid for driving, insurance, and identification purposes within California. You do not need to show immigration documents or prove legal presence.
To obtain an AB 60 license, you must be at least 16 years old and a California resident. You will need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) — you can obtain one from the IRS if you do not have one — a valid passport or travel document from your country of origin, and two documents proving your California address (same documents as above: utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). You do not need a Social Security number.
The testing process is identical to the standard path: written test in your choice of language, vision test, and driving test. AB 60 licenses are valid for five years and renew using the same process. The main practical difference is that you will not be asked to provide immigration status documents, and the DMV will not verify your legal presence.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
| Document Type | Lawful Status Path | AB 60 Path (No Legal Presence Proof) |
|---|---|---|
| Identity document | Valid passport or travel document | Valid passport or travel document |
| Immigration proof | Green card, visa, work permit, I-94, or employment authorization document | Not required |
| Tax ID number | Social Security number or ITIN | ITIN (Social Security number not required) |
| Residency proof (2 documents) | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail (within 60 days) | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail (within 60 days) |
| process form | DL 44 (completed before arrival) | DL 44 (completed before arrival) |
Steps to obtain your California driver license
Step 1: Get an ITIN if you do not have one. If you do not have a Social Security number and are taking the AB 60 path, or if you have lawful status but no Social Security number, you will need an ITIN. You can obtain one by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it or file in person at an IRS office. Processing takes about two to three weeks.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Collect your passport or travel document, your immigration document (if applicable), proof of your ITIN or Social Security number, and two documents showing your California address. Make sure the address documents are dated within the last 60 days.
Step 3: Complete form DL 44. read and fill out the DL 44 form from the California DMV website before you go to the office. Bring the completed form with you.
Step 4: Schedule a DMV appointment or arrive early. You can schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website, or you can arrive at your local DMV office without an appointment (though wait times are usually longer). Bring all your documents and your completed DL 44.
Step 5: Pass the vision test. The DMV will test your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Step 6: Pass the written knowledge test. You will answer questions about California traffic laws and road signs. The test is available in more than 30 languages. You must score at least 83 percent to pass.
Step 7: Pass the driving test. A DMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and test your ability to drive safely. The test includes basic maneuvers and takes about 20 minutes. You cannot use a vehicle with an automatic transmission if you want a manual transmission endorsement, and vice versa.
Step 8: Pay the fee and receive your temporary license. The fee for a five-year driver license is $39 if you are under 70, or $20 if you are 70 or older. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing all tests. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Timeline and fees
The entire process from your first DMV visit to receiving your permanent license card typically takes three to four weeks. This assumes you pass all tests on your first attempt. If you do not pass the written or driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.
The standard fee for a five-year driver license is $39 if you are under 70 years old. If you are 70 or older, the fee is $20. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the fee is $20. These fees do not include the cost of obtaining an ITIN if you need one (ITIN applications are free, but you may pay a tax preparer to file the form for you).
If you are renewing your license and have not changed your address or other information, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office. Renewal by mail takes about four weeks. Online renewal is available only if you meet certain requirements — check the DMV website to see if you are may be able to access.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
The most common mistake is bringing documents that do not meet California's requirements. Address documents must be dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill from six months ago will not work. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If your passport is expired, you can still use it as an identity document for the DMV, but if your visa or work permit is expired, you may not be able to use it as proof of lawful status; bring your I-94 or employment authorization document instead.
Another frequent error is not completing the DL 44 form before arriving at the DMV. You can fill it out at the office, but this adds time to your visit. read and complete it at home.
If you are taking the AB 60 path, do not assume you need a Social Security number. You do not. An ITIN is sufficient. However, if you later obtain a Social Security number, you can update your license record at any time.
Do not expect to waive the driving test. California requires all new drivers to pass a behind-the-wheel test, regardless of how long you have been driving in another country. If you have a valid license from another country, it does not reduce the testing requirements.
Renewing your California driver license
Your California driver license expires five years after you receive it if you are under 70 years old, or ten years after if you are 70 or older. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.
If you are renewing and have not changed your address, name, or other information, you can renew by mail or online. Mail renewal takes about four weeks. Online renewal is faster but is only available if you meet certain conditions — you must have a valid license, no medical conditions that affect your driving, and no recent violations or suspensions. Check the California DMV website to see if you are may be able to access for online renewal.
If you have changed your address or other information, or if your license is expired by more than five years, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you brought when you first obtained your license: your passport or travel document, your immigration document (if applicable), proof of your ITIN or Social Security number, and two documents showing your current California address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a foreign driver license to drive in California?
A valid driver license from another country is recognized in California for temporary visits, but if you become a California resident, you must obtain a California license within a certain timeframe. California law does not specify an exact important date, but the DMV expects you to obtain a California license once you establish residency. Driving with only a foreign license after you have become a resident can result in a citation.
Do I need to pass the driving test if I already have a license from another country?
Yes. California requires all new drivers to pass a behind-the-wheel driving test, regardless of your driving experience or licenses from other countries. There is no waiver or exemption based on foreign driving history.
What is an ITIN and how do I get one?
An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS. You can obtain one by filing Form W-7 with the IRS by mail or in person at an IRS office. Processing takes about two to three weeks. You do not need to have filed taxes to get an ITIN — it is available to anyone who needs a tax ID number.
Can I get a California driver license if my visa has expired?
If your visa has expired but you have another document showing lawful immigration status (such as an employment authorization document, I-94, or green card), you can use that document instead. If you have no other proof of lawful status, you can obtain an AB 60 license. Bring whichever immigration document you have.
How long does it take to get my permanent license card after I pass the tests?
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing all tests. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact your local DMV office to check the status.