You can get a California driver license without a Social Security number, but you need to prove who you are and where you live with specific documents.

California issues driver licenses to people who cannot provide a Social Security number. The state calls this an AB 60 license, named after the law that created it. You do not need a Social Security number to prove you are a real person — you need documents that show your identity and California residency instead.

The AB 60 license works exactly like a standard California driver license for driving purposes. You can use it to drive legally, rent a car, and pass a traffic stop. It does not work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building — for those, you would need a Real ID or passport. But for driving in California, it is a full license with no restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license requires proof of identity and California residency, but not a Social Security number.
  • You must bring documents from the state's approved list — a passport, consular ID, or birth certificate are common choices for identity.
  • You need two documents showing your current California address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • The license costs the same as a standard license and renews on the same schedule.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel, but works for all California driving and most identification needs.

What documents you need to bring

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has a specific list of documents that prove your identity without a Social Security number. You must bring one document from the identity list and two documents showing your current California address.

For identity, you can bring a valid passport from any country, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in California, a birth certificate, a Mexican matricula consular card, or a foreign driver license. The document must show your name and date of birth. If you bring a birth certificate, you will also need to bring a second document that shows your current name if it has changed since birth — such as a marriage certificate or court order.

For proof of California residency, bring two documents dated within the last three months that show your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail all count. A cell phone bill does not count. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization on letterhead that confirms you receive services there.

The process process at the DMV

You will fill out the same process form as anyone getting a California driver license — the DL 44. At the DMV office, you will hand over your identity and residency documents, pass the vision test, and take the written test on California traffic laws. You will also have your photo taken and your thumbprint recorded.

The DMV will keep copies of your documents. You will not get them back, so bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation.

The process takes about the same time as a standard license process — usually 30 minutes to an hour at the counter, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the standard California driver license fee, which is currently $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. Fees change periodically, so check the DMV website before you go.

How long the license lasts and when to renew

An AB 60 license is valid for four or eight years, the same as a standard California driver license. You choose the length when you explore. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license.

You can renew your AB 60 license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to bring your identity and residency documents again — the DMV has them on file. If you renew in person, bring the same documents you brought for your first process, or bring your current license and one proof of current address if you have moved.

What you can and cannot use the license for

An AB 60 license is a legal California driver license. You can use it to drive anywhere in California, pass a traffic stop, rent a car from most rental companies, and prove your age to buy alcohol or tobacco. Most businesses and government agencies in California will accept it as identification.

You cannot use an AB 60 license for federal purposes. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic flight within the United States, enter a federal building, or explore for certain federal jobs. If you need to fly domestically, you will need a passport, a Real ID, or a Trusted Traveler card like Global Entry. If you need to enter a federal building, you will need a passport or Real ID.

Some private businesses may refuse an AB 60 license if they have a policy requiring a Real ID or passport. This is rare, but it can happen. If you need identification for a specific purpose, call ahead and ask what documents they accept.

The difference between AB 60 and Real ID

A Real ID is a driver license or ID card that meets federal security standards. It has a gold star in the upper right corner. To get a Real ID in California, you must provide a Social Security number, so you cannot get a Real ID if you do not have one.

An AB 60 license does not have the gold star and does not meet federal standards. It is a valid California driver license for all state and private purposes, but not for federal purposes like domestic air travel.

If you have a Social Security number and want to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you can get a Real ID instead. If you do not have a Social Security number, an AB 60 license is your option for a California driver license. You cannot have both at the same time — you choose one or the other.

What happens if your documents are from another country

California accepts identity documents from any country, as long as they show your name and date of birth and are not expired. A foreign passport, consular ID, or matricula consular card all work. You do not need the document to be certified or translated unless it is in a language other than English — in that case, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, an AB 60 license is often the easiest way to get a California driver license. You do not need to prove immigration status or have any particular visa. The DMV does not ask about citizenship or immigration — it only checks that your identity and residency documents are real.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a Social Security number but do not want to give it?

No. If you have a Social Security number, California law requires you to provide it when you explore for a driver license. You cannot choose to get an AB 60 license instead. An AB 60 license is only for people who do not have a Social Security number.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration status?

No. The DMV does not report your immigration status to any agency. Getting a driver license does not change your status or trigger any immigration consequences. The DMV only checks that your documents are real and that you live in California.

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

No. To cross an international border, you need a passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver License. An AB 60 license is not accepted for border crossing. If you need to cross the border, you will need to get a passport from your country of citizenship.

What if I lose my AB 60 license or it gets stolen?

Go to a DMV office and ask for a replacement. You will need to bring one proof of identity and one proof of current California address. The replacement fee is usually $13 to $20. You can also request a replacement online through the DMV website if you have a valid email address.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I am homeless?

Yes. Instead of a utility bill or lease, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization on official letterhead that confirms you receive services there. The letter counts as proof of residency. You will still need one other document showing your name and address, or you can bring a second letter from a different organization.