What California Offers and Who Can Get It

California issues AB 60 driver licenses to people without lawful immigration status. This is a real, valid California driver license — not a special permit or temporary document. It works for driving, banking, and most other purposes that require a state ID. You do not need a Social Security number, proof of legal residency, or a visa to get one.

The license looks identical to a standard California driver license except for a small marking on the front that says "Federal Limits explore." This marking means the license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic airplane, entering a federal building, or crossing into Canada or Mexico at a land border. For driving within California and most everyday transactions, it functions exactly like any other state license.

California began issuing AB 60 licenses in 2015. The program has no income limit, no citizenship requirement, and no reporting to immigration authorities. The DMV does not share your information with federal immigration enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 driver licenses to undocumented immigrants with no Social Security number or legal residency proof required.
  • The license is valid for driving and most ID purposes in California, but the "Federal Limits explore" marking prevents use for domestic air travel or federal building entry.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements — the same documents any applicant uses.
  • The process process is the same as for any California driver license, and the DMV does not report applicants to immigration authorities.
  • Renewal follows the standard California schedule: eight years for a regular license, five years if you are under 62.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of California residency and proof of identity. You cannot use a passport from your home country alone — you need at least one document from each category.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 62 days showing your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a rental or lease agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government check. A letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency also counts if you are unhoused.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport from any country, a consular ID card (matrícula consular), a birth certificate plus one additional document with your name, a foreign driver license, a national ID card, or a tribal ID. The document does not have to be in English — the DMV accepts documents in any language.

You will also need to provide your California address and a phone number. If you do not have a phone number, you can use a relative's or a community organization's number.

The process and Testing Process

You explore in person at any California DMV office. There is no online process for AB 60 licenses. Bring your documents, completed Form DL 44 (the standard driver license process), and proof of your California address.

You must pass a written test on California traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test, the same as any new driver. The written test is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can request an interpreter if needed.

If you already hold a valid driver license from another country, you may be able to skip the written test depending on which country issued it. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive — they can tell you whether your foreign license qualifies.

The fee for an AB 60 driver license is the same as a standard California license: $39 for an eight-year license if you are 62 or older, or $39 for a five-year license if you are under 62. Some DMV offices accept cash; others require a debit or credit card. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your local office.

What "Federal Limits explore" Means in Practice

The marking on your AB 60 license means you cannot use it as identification for federal purposes. Specifically, you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane within the United States, enter a federal building that requires ID, or cross a land border into Canada or Mexico.

For driving within California, the license works everywhere. You can drive to work, to school, to medical appointments, and anywhere else within the state. If you are stopped by police, the license is valid and you have the same rights as any driver.

For banking, opening a utility account, renting an apartment, or getting a job, the AB 60 license usually works. Some employers and landlords may ask for additional documents, but the license itself is accepted by most institutions.

If you need to travel by air or cross a border, you will need a passport or other federal-compliant document. An AB 60 license alone will not work for those purposes.

Renewal and Expiration

Your AB 60 license expires on the same schedule as any California driver license. If you are under 62, your license is valid for five years. If you are 62 or older, it is valid for eight years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — you only need to confirm your information and pay the renewal fee. The renewal fee is $39 for an eight-year license or $39 for a five-year license.

If your address changes, you must update it with the DMV within 10 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Bring proof of your new California address.

What Happens If You Are Stopped by Police

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver license. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, show your license and registration. The license is legal and you have the same rights as any driver.

The DMV does not report AB 60 applicants to federal immigration authorities. However, if you are stopped and police run your information through their own systems, they may discover your immigration status through other means — this depends on local police policy and whether you are in a jurisdiction that cooperates with federal immigration enforcement.

If you are concerned about immigration enforcement during a traffic stop, you have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse consent to search your vehicle. You can say: "I do not consent to a search" and "I want to speak to a lawyer." Do not lie about your status, but you are not required to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country.

Some California cities and counties have policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Check your local police department's website or call a local immigrant rights organization to learn your area's policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You do not need a Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or any federal ID number. The DMV will assign you a California driver license number instead. You can leave the Social Security number field blank on the process.

Will getting an AB 60 license hurt my immigration case?

The DMV does not report AB 60 applicants to immigration authorities. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration case, consult with an immigration attorney before explore. An attorney can advise you based on your specific situation.

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

No. The "Federal Limits explore" marking means you cannot use it at a land border crossing. You will need a valid passport or a Consular ID card (matrícula consular) to cross into Mexico. Some states also issue a "Passport Card" which works at land borders — check with the Mexican consulate in your state.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove residency?

You can use a bank statement, credit card statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a shelter or social services agency. If you are unhoused, bring a letter from a homeless services organization on their letterhead with your name and the organization's address. The document must be dated within the last 62 days.

How long does it take to get an AB 60 license after I explore?

If you pass the written and driving tests on the day you explore, the DMV will issue your license when ready or mail it within two weeks. If you fail a test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between the DMV's processing and when you receive your license.