California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Without Proof of Legal Status
California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) without proving citizenship or legal immigration status. The state does not require a Social Security number, and you do not need to show documents that prove you entered the country legally. This has been the law since 2015 under Assembly Bill 60.
The license you receive is identical to any other California driver license — it works for driving, banking, and other everyday purposes. It does not mark your immigration status in any visible way. The main difference is that you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building that requires Real ID, because it is not a Real ID-compliant document.
You will need to prove your identity and California residency, but the documents accepted are broader than for other license types. You can use documents from your home country, consular documents, or other identification that would not normally be accepted by the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- California issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants under AB 60, and you do not need to prove legal status or have a Social Security number.
- You must prove your identity with documents like a passport, consular ID, or national ID card, and prove California residency with utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements.
- The license is valid for driving and most everyday purposes, but cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building entry because it is not Real ID-compliant.
- The DMV processes AB 60 applications at regular DMV offices, and you can make an appointment online or by phone to avoid long wait times.
- The license costs the same as a standard California driver license and is renewed every five years.
What Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV
You must bring proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, the DMV accepts a wider range of documents than it does for citizens or legal residents. You can use a valid passport from any country, a national ID card, a consular ID issued by your home country's embassy or consulate, a birth certificate with a photo ID, or a driver license from another country.
For residency, you need documents showing your name and a California address. Utility bills, rental or lease agreements, bank statements, insurance policies, or property tax bills all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have documents in your name, you can use documents in a family member's name along with a signed statement from that person confirming you live there.
Bring your completed process for California Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). You can fill this out at home or at the DMV. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about California traffic laws, unless you already hold a valid driver license from another state or country.
How the process Process Works at the DMV
Go to a DMV office in person. You cannot complete an AB 60 process online or by mail. Make an appointment through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133 to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer delays, especially at busy locations.
When you arrive, bring all your documents and your completed Form DL 44. A DMV employee will review your identity and residency documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will take a vision test and a written test on California traffic laws. If you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while the DMV processes your process.
Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license until the plastic card arrives.
Cost and Renewal Timeline
An AB 60 driver license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs $39 and a ten-year license costs $89. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current price when you make your appointment or visit the DMV website.
Your license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the written or vision test unless the DMV requests it.
What You Can and Cannot Do With an AB 60 License
You can use your AB 60 driver license to drive legally in California and all other states. You can also use it to open a bank account, explore for a job, rent an apartment, or conduct most everyday transactions that require a photo ID. Many employers, landlords, and businesses accept it without question.
You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane within the United States. You cannot use it to enter a federal building that requires Real ID, such as a courthouse or federal office. If you need to fly domestically or access federal buildings, you would need a Real ID-compliant document, which requires proof of legal status and is not available to undocumented immigrants in California.
The license does not indicate your immigration status visually or in any way that distinguishes it from a standard license. The DMV does not share your information with immigration authorities based on your AB 60 status.
Where to Find Your Nearest DMV and Make an Appointment
Visit the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. You can make an appointment online through the same website. Select "Driver License or Identification Card" as your transaction type and choose "AB 60 License" when prompted.
If you prefer to call, the DMV customer service line is 1-800-777-0133. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Have your zip code or city ready when you call. Some DMV offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments; check your local office's schedule on the website.
Bring all required documents to your appointment. If you are missing any documents, the DMV will tell you what you need before you complete the process, and you can reschedule once you have gathered everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AB 60 license to drive for rideshare or delivery services?
Most rideshare and delivery companies accept AB 60 licenses for driver registration. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart all work with AB 60 license holders. However, some companies may have their own verification requirements, so contact the company directly before you explore to drive for them.
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or put me at risk?
The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other immigration authorities based on your license status. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement for another reason, your license can be checked in a database. Consult an immigration attorney about your specific situation if you have concerns.
What if my identity documents are expired?
The DMV accepts expired identity documents for AB 60 applications. An expired passport, national ID, or consular ID is still valid proof of identity. Make sure the document clearly shows your name and photograph.
Can I get an AB 60 license if I live in California temporarily?
You must be a California resident to get an AB 60 license. The DMV defines residency as living in California with the intent to remain. You do not need to own property or have a permanent address, but you do need documents showing you live here now, such as a utility bill or lease agreement in your name or a family member's name.
What happens if my AB 60 license is lost or stolen?
Report it to the DMV when ready by visiting an office in person or calling 1-800-777-0133. You can request a replacement license, which costs the same as a new license. Bring your identity and residency documents again. The DMV will issue a temporary paper license and mail your replacement plastic license within two to three weeks.