California issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status

California allows you to get a driver license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need to prove legal immigration status. The state treats this the same way it treats any other driver license process — you show proof of identity, proof of California residency, and pass the written and driving tests.

The key difference is which documents you can use to prove who you are and where you live. If you do not have a U.S. passport or state ID from another state, California accepts a wider range of identity documents, including foreign passports, consular IDs, and birth certificates paired with other proof. This is sometimes called an AB 60 license, after the law that created it, though the state now calls it a standard driver license.

You will still need to pass the same written exam and behind-the-wheel test as any other applicant. You will still pay the same fees. The license looks the same and works the same — you can use it to drive, rent a car, or open a bank account. The only practical difference is that it cannot be used as federal identification for things like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, because it does not prove citizenship or legal status.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver licenses to immigrants without requiring proof of legal immigration status, and the license works for driving and most everyday purposes.
  • You must show a foreign passport, consular ID, or birth certificate plus other identity documents, plus proof you live in California, just as U.S. citizens do.
  • You take the same written test and driving test as any other applicant and pay the standard license fee, which varies by age and license type.
  • The license cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings, but works for driving, banking, and state ID purposes.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you have held it for at least four years and meet other requirements, without returning to the DMV in person.

What identity documents California accepts

California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts a list of foreign identity documents as proof of identity. The most common are a valid foreign passport, a consular ID issued by your country's consulate in the United States, or a birth certificate from your country of origin. You can also use a Temporary Resident ID Card, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) card, or a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD).

If you use a birth certificate, you must pair it with a second document that shows your name and date of birth — this could be a school record, a medical record, a marriage certificate, or a document from your home country's government. The DMV publishes the full list of acceptable documents on its website under "Identity Documents for AB 60 Applicants."

You will also need to show proof that you live in California. This can be a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your name and California address. The document must be dated within the last 62 days. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list that includes bank statements, insurance policies, and school records.

Steps to explore at the DMV

Start by making an appointment at your local DMV office. You can book online at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often long, so an appointment is faster. Bring all your documents — your identity document, your proof of residency, and your Social Security number if you have one (it is not required, but having it speeds up processing).

At your appointment, you will fill out an process for a Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). The DMV staff will check your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will then take the written test on a computer. The test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices and is offered in multiple languages. You must answer at least 38 out of 46 questions correctly to pass.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at a later date. During that test, a DMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watch you drive for about 20 minutes. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to other drivers and pedestrians. If you pass, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few weeks.

Fees and processing time

The cost of a California driver license depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard license for someone under 70 costs around $39 and is valid for five years. A license for someone 70 or older costs less and is valid for two years. These prices change periodically, so check dmv.ca.gov for the current fee.

Processing time varies. If you pass your written test and driving test on the same day, the DMV may issue your license when ready. More often, you will receive it by mail within two to three weeks. If the DMV needs to verify your documents or conduct additional checks, it may take longer — up to 60 days in some cases.

If you are in a hurry, you can pay an extra fee to have your license mailed to you by express delivery, though this does not speed up the approval process itself. Some DMV offices also offer a "Real ID" license, which costs more but can be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel; however, this requires proof of legal presence in the U.S., so it is not an option for all immigrants.

Renewing your license without returning to the DMV

Once you have held your California driver license for at least four years, you may be able to renew it by mail or online without visiting the DMV office. You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your name, address, or medical status. The online renewal costs the same as an in-person renewal and takes about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail. The DMV will send you a renewal notice before your license expires. You fill out the form, include a new photograph (which you can take at home and print), and mail it back with the fee. Mail renewal takes longer — usually four to six weeks — so send it in well before your expiration date.

If your license has expired, you will need to return to the DMV office and take the written test again. If it has been more than five years since you took your last test, you will also need to take the driving test again. Renewing early, before your license expires, avoids this requirement.

Driving with an AB 60 license and what it cannot do

Your California driver license works exactly like any other license for driving purposes. You can legally drive on California roads, and most other states recognize it as valid. You can use it to rent a car from most rental companies, though some may ask additional questions or require an international driving permit from your home country.

The license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight within the United States, enter a federal building, or explore for certain federal benefits. If you need to fly domestically, you will need a passport or another form of federal ID. Some states have created "Real ID" compliant licenses that work for federal purposes, but California's AB 60 license does not meet Real ID standards because it does not require proof of legal status.

You can use your California driver license for state purposes — opening a bank account, getting a library card, buying age-restricted items, or proving your identity to police. Many employers accept it as valid ID for I-9 employment verification, though some federal contractors may have stricter requirements. If you are unsure whether your license will work for a specific purpose, ask the organization directly.

What happens if you are stopped by police

If you are pulled over while driving, show your California driver license just as any other driver would. Having a valid license protects you — it proves you are a legal driver. Police cannot stop you solely because you are an immigrant or because your license is an AB 60 license; they need a traffic violation or other lawful reason to pull you over.

If an officer asks about your immigration status, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status. You must provide your driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You must follow the officer's lawful commands — like stepping out of the car — but you can politely decline to answer questions and ask to speak to a lawyer.

Carrying a valid driver license does not change your immigration status or put you at risk of deportation. It is a state document, not a federal one. Immigration enforcement is separate from traffic enforcement, and a traffic stop alone does not trigger an immigration investigation unless other factors are involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a California driver license?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license. The DMV will assign you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or issue a license without either number. Having a Social Security number or ITIN speeds up the process, but it is not required.

Can I use my AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?

Not for domestic flights within the United States. You will need a passport, a Real ID-compliant license (which requires proof of legal status), or another federal ID. For international flights, you always need a passport regardless of what state ID you have.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake either test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment. Each retake costs the same as the original test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Can I get a California license if I have been deported or have an immigration hold?

California law does not require the DMV to check immigration status, so technically the DMV cannot deny you a license based on deportation or an immigration hold. However, if you are in immigration proceedings or have an active hold, consulting with an immigration attorney before explore is wise, because obtaining a license creates a record that could be used in immigration court.

How long does a California driver license last?

A standard license is valid for five years if you are under 70, and two years if you are 70 or older. You can renew it before it expires by mail, online, or in person at the DMV.