California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Through AB 60

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license under Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60), which took effect on January 1, 2015. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to get this license. The license is valid for driving purposes only and does not grant work authorization or change your immigration status.

The AB 60 license looks identical to a standard California driver license but is marked internally in the DMV system. It carries the same traffic law authority as any other California license — you can legally drive, and it satisfies California's requirement to carry proof of licensure while operating a vehicle.

As of 2024, California has issued over 1.6 million AB 60 licenses. The process is straightforward if you have the required documents, though the specific papers you need depend on which identity documents you can provide.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are available to undocumented immigrants and do not require a Social Security number, visa, or legal immigration status.
  • You must prove California residency, identity, and date of birth using documents from a specific list — a passport or consular ID is the most common route.
  • The written test and driving test are the same as for any California license, and you can take them in multiple languages.
  • The license costs the same as a standard license and is valid for five years; renewal does not require retesting.
  • An AB 60 license does not affect your immigration case or make you deportable, but it does not grant work authorization either.

Documents You Need to Prove Identity and Residency

The DMV requires you to prove three things: your identity, your date of birth, and that you live in California. The documents accepted vary depending on what you have.

For identity and date of birth, the DMV accepts a passport, a consular ID (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a birth certificate, a foreign driver license, or a national ID card from your country of origin. A passport is the easiest single document because it proves both identity and date of birth. If you use a birth certificate, you will also need a second document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a school record or medical record.

For California residency, you need two documents showing your name and a California address. Accepted documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a school enrollment letter, or a pay stub. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A lease and a utility bill in your name is the most common combination.

You do not need a Social Security number. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not required. You also do not need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though some people have one.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Start by scheduling an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer. When you book, select "AB 60 License" as your transaction type — this is important because it routes you to staff trained in the process.

Bring your original identity document (passport, consular ID, or birth certificate plus a second document), your two residency proofs, and any other documents you have that show your name and date of birth. Bring the originals, not copies. You will also need to complete Form DL 44 (process for Driver License or Identification Card), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the DMV.

At your appointment, a DMV representative will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will then take the written test (the 46-question knowledge test on California traffic laws). You can take this test in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, or Hmong. If you pass, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at a later date.

The driving test is the same as for any applicant. You must bring a vehicle, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to the test appointment. Once you pass, your license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks.

Costs and Timeline

An AB 60 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 timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule your appointments. The written test appointment is usually available within 1 to 4 weeks of your initial visit. The driving test is typically scheduled 1 to 3 weeks after you pass the written test. In total, from your first DMV visit to receiving your license usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, though it can be faster if appointments are available sooner.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You are allowed three attempts within 12 months. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before retaking it.

What an AB 60 License Does and Does Not Do

An AB 60 license allows you to legally drive in California and satisfies the state's requirement to carry proof of licensure. It is valid for traffic stops, rental car agreements, and any situation where California law requires a driver license. You can use it to open a bank account or obtain insurance in California.

The license does not grant work authorization. You cannot use it to prove may be able to access to work in the United States. It does not change your immigration status or make you a legal resident. It does not make you deportable — having an AB 60 license is not grounds for removal proceedings and does not trigger immigration enforcement.

The license is not accepted for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic airplane, entering a federal building, or obtaining a passport. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or a Trusted Traveler card (such as NEXUS or SENTRI).

Renewal and Replacement

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you have not changed your address or appearance significantly.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DMV office. Bring your identity document and proof of residency, just as you did for the original process. A replacement license costs $20 and is usually issued the same day or within 1 to 2 weeks by mail.

You do not need to retake the written or driving test to renew or replace your license. The renewal process is the same as for any California driver license holder.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most frequent error is bringing copies instead of originals. The DMV will not accept photocopies of your passport, consular ID, or residency documents. Bring the original documents.

Another common mistake is not scheduling an appointment in advance. While walk-ins are accepted, appointment wait times are much shorter, and you are more likely to complete your visit in one trip. Scheduling online or by phone takes five minutes and saves hours at the office.

Do not assume that an AB 60 license will help your immigration case or that it will hurt it. It is neutral — it is a driving document, not an immigration document. If you are in removal proceedings or have pending immigration matters, consult an immigration attorney before explore, though the license itself should not affect your case.

Finally, do not wait until your license expires to renew. Expired licenses can complicate traffic stops and insurance claims. Renew online or by mail as soon as you receive the renewal notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight?

No. The AB 60 license is not accepted for federal purposes, including domestic air travel. You will need a passport, a passport card, or a Trusted Traveler card such as NEXUS or SENTRI to board a plane within the United States.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or make me deportable?

No. An AB 60 license is a state driving document and does not change your immigration status or trigger deportation. However, if you are in active removal proceedings, consult an immigration attorney before explore. The license itself should not affect your case, but an attorney can advise you based on your specific situation.

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

No. A Social Security number is not required. If you have one, you can provide it, but the DMV will issue a license without it. Many AB 60 applicants do not have a Social Security number.

Can I use an AB 60 license to prove I am authorized to work?

No. An AB 60 license does not grant work authorization and cannot be used to prove you are may be able to access to work in the United States. Work authorization is determined by federal immigration law, not by state driver licenses.

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

You can use a birth certificate plus a second document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a school record, medical record, or foreign national ID card. The DMV accepts a range of identity documents — contact your local DMV office or check dmv.ca.gov for the full list if you are unsure whether your documents may have access to.