California's Illegal Driver License: What It Is and Who Can Get One

California's AB 60 driver license is a state-issued license available to people without a Social Security number or lawful immigration status. It works like a standard California driver license for the purpose of driving legally in the state — you can use it to operate a vehicle, and it satisfies California's requirement to carry a license while driving. The license does not grant work authorization, travel across state lines, or federal benefits. It is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is valid for five years.

The program began in 2015 under Assembly Bill 60. California is one of 16 states that issue driver licenses to people regardless of immigration status. The AB 60 license looks similar to a standard California license but includes the phrase "AB 60" printed on the front, which identifies it as issued under that law.

Key Takeaways

  • You do not need a Social Security number, lawful immigration status, or a federal ID to get an AB 60 license from California's DMV.
  • The license is valid only for driving in California and does not allow you to cross state borders or board commercial flights.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, and prove your identity with a foreign passport or consular ID.
  • The process process takes place in person at a DMV office and typically results in a decision within a few weeks.
  • The license costs the same as a standard California driver license and must be renewed every five years.

Who Can Get an AB 60 License

You are may be able to access for an AB 60 license if you are at least 16 years old and can prove California residency. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number, or have any particular immigration status. The law does not exclude anyone based on how they entered the country or their current legal standing.

The only hard requirements are age and residency. You must have lived in California for at least 10 days before you explore. The DMV does not verify immigration status and does not report applicants to immigration authorities.

Documents You Need to Bring

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You cannot use a U.S. passport, state ID, or Social Security card as your identity document for an AB 60 license.

For identity: Bring a valid foreign passport, a consular ID card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate, a foreign driver license, or a national ID card from your country of origin. The document must not be expired. If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official translation.

For residency: Bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (gas, electric, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a pay stub from a California employer, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A single document that shows both your name and address counts as one of the two required documents.

Bring the originals. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone screen. If any document is in a language other than English, bring both the original and an official English translation.

how the process works at the DMV

You must explore in person at a California DMV office. You cannot explore by mail or online. Visit the DMV website, select your county, and find the office nearest you. Many offices require you to make an appointment in advance through the DMV's online appointment system. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times are often longer.

When you arrive, tell the DMV staff that you are explore for an AB 60 license. Bring all required documents: your identity document, two proof-of-residency documents, and a completed process for California Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). You can fill out the form at home or at the DMV office. You will also need to provide your date of birth, current address, and a phone number.

At the appointment, you will take a vision test, answer questions about your driving history, and have your photograph taken. You will also take a written test on California traffic laws unless you already hold a valid driver license from another state or country. If you pass, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being made.

The plastic AB 60 license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DMV to report it missing.

Cost and Renewal Timeline

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a five-year license for someone age 18 or older costs $39. The fee may change; check the DMV website for the current amount.

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You must renew it before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation. If you have not had any changes to your name, address, or vision requirements, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting an office. Check the DMV website or call your local DMV office to confirm what renewal method you are may be able to access for.

What an AB 60 License Does and Does Not Allow

An AB 60 license allows you to drive legally in California and satisfies California's requirement to carry a valid driver license while operating a vehicle. Police will recognize it as a valid license for traffic stops. You can use it to rent a car from most rental agencies, though some companies have their own policies and may decline.

An AB 60 license does not allow you to cross state borders by car and return to California without a federal ID. It does not allow you to board a commercial airplane, even for domestic flights. It does not grant work authorization or change your immigration status. It does not make you may be able to access for federal benefits. It is not a travel document.

If you plan to travel outside California or fly, you will need a separate federal ID, such as a passport or passport card from your country of origin.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong identity document. The DMV will not accept a U.S. Social Security card, a U.S. passport, a state ID from another state, or an expired foreign document. If your foreign passport or consular ID has expired, you cannot use it. Bring a document that is currently valid.

Another frequent error is bringing residency documents that are too old. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must be dated within the last 60 days. A document from six months ago will not work. If you have just moved to California, gather recent documents that show your new address.

Do not assume you can explore online or by mail. The DMV requires you to appear in person for an AB 60 process. You must take the vision test and have your photograph taken at an office.

Finally, do not confuse an AB 60 license with a federal REAL ID. An AB 60 license is not REAL ID-compliant and will not allow you to board a plane or enter a federal building. If you need to fly, you will need a passport or passport card from your country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the DMV report me to immigration authorities if I explore for an AB 60 license?

No. California law prohibits the DMV from sharing AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration authorities. The DMV does not verify immigration status and does not report applicants. Your process is confidential.

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

No. An AB 60 license is not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used to board a commercial flight, even a domestic one. You will need a valid passport or passport card from your country of origin to fly.

What happens if my AB 60 license is lost or stolen?

Contact your local DMV office to report it. You can request a replacement in person or, in some cases, by mail. There is a fee for a replacement license, usually around $20. Bring your identity and residency documents again.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been in California for less than 10 days?

No. You must have lived in California for at least 10 days before you explore. The DMV does not verify this requirement strictly, but you should wait until you have been in the state for at least 10 days before scheduling your appointment.

Do I need to pass a driving test to get an AB 60 license?

You must pass a written test on California traffic laws and a vision test. You do not need to pass a behind-the-wheel driving test unless you are under 18 or have never held a driver license before. If you already have a valid driver license from another state or country, you may be exempt from the written test.