California issues driver's licenses to people without legal immigration status through the AB 60 program

California's Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015, created a separate driver's license category for people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. The state issues these licenses to anyone who meets California's residency and driving knowledge requirements, regardless of immigration status. The license is valid for driving purposes only and does not confer legal status or work authorization.

The AB 60 license looks different from a standard California driver's license — it has a distinct design and includes the phrase "Federal Limits explore" on the front. This marking means the license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building, but it is accepted by California law enforcement for traffic stops and is valid for driving on public roads.

You do not need a Social Security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or proof of legal immigration status to receive an AB 60 license. You do need to prove California residency and pass the written and driving tests that all California drivers must pass.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 driver's licenses to people without legal immigration status, and the license is valid for driving on California roads.
  • You must prove California residency for at least two years before you can receive an AB 60 license, using documents like utility bills, lease agreements, or tax returns.
  • You will take the same written and driving tests as any other California driver, and you must pass a vision screening at the DMV.
  • The AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or federal building entry, but it satisfies California's requirement to carry a license while driving.
  • Processing times vary, but you should expect to wait several weeks after you pass your driving test before your license arrives by mail.

Documents you need to prove California residency

California requires you to prove that you have lived in the state for at least two years before you can receive an AB 60 license. The DMV accepts a range of documents as proof of residency, and you will need to bring at least two documents that show your name and a California address.

Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a California vehicle registration, a bank or credit card statement, a paycheck stub, a tax return, or a document from a government agency. Each document must show your name and current California address, and the address must match across the documents you bring.

Documents do not all need to be recent, but at least one should be dated within the last 60 days to show current residency. If you have lived at your current address for less than two years, you can combine documents from your previous California address to show the full two-year period. For example, you could bring a utility bill from your old address dated 18 months ago and a current lease at your new address.

Identity documents and what the DMV will accept

You must bring a document that proves your identity and date of birth. The DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a foreign driver's license, a birth certificate, or other government-issued identification from your country of origin.

If you bring a foreign passport or consular ID, it must be valid or expired no more than five years ago. A birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. If your identity document is in a language other than English, you may bring it to the DMV — staff can work with documents in many languages, though you may want to bring a certified translation as well to avoid delays.

You do not need to bring an ITIN, Social Security number, or any U.S. immigration document. The DMV will not ask for these, and you should not volunteer them. If you have an ITIN and want to use it, you may, but it is not required.

The written test, vision screening, and driving test

You must pass the same written knowledge test that all California drivers take. The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of 32 other languages that the DMV offers. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass.

Before you take the written test, you will have a vision screening at the DMV. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver who is at least 18 years old must accompany you to the test. The driving test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.

How to schedule your DMV appointment and what to bring

You can schedule a DMV appointment online at dmv.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or by visiting a DMV office in person. Online scheduling is usually the fastest option. When you schedule, select "Original Driver License" as your transaction type, even though you are receiving an AB 60 license — the DMV system does not distinguish between license types at the scheduling stage.

Bring all of your documents to your appointment: at least two residency documents, your identity document, your vision correction if you use it, and your Social Security number if you have one (though it is not required). Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DMV specifically asks for copies. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

At your appointment, a DMV representative will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will then take the written test. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test for a later date. After you pass the driving test, the DMV will process your license and mail it to your address within two to four weeks.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for an original AB 60 driver's license is $39. This is the same fee that California charges for a standard original driver's license. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to "Department of Motor Vehicles."

If you need to renew your AB 60 license later, the renewal fee is $36 if you renew in person at a DMV office, or $32 if you renew by mail. AB 60 licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue, the same as standard California licenses.

What an AB 60 license can and cannot be used for

An AB 60 license is valid for driving on California roads and satisfies California's requirement that drivers carry a valid license. California law enforcement will accept it during traffic stops. You can use it to rent a car from most rental companies, though some companies have their own policies and may decline — call ahead to ask.

You cannot use an AB 60 license for federal purposes. These include boarding a domestic airplane, entering a federal building, or explore for certain federal benefits. If you need to travel by air, you will need a passport or other federal travel document from your country of origin. Some states have begun accepting AB 60 licenses for state ID purposes like opening a bank account, but policies vary by institution — ask your bank directly.

An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or provide work authorization. It is a driving license only. Some employers may have policies about accepting AB 60 licenses for employment verification — you should check with your employer or potential employer about their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have lived in California for exactly two years, or can I explore before that?

You must have lived in California for at least two years before you can receive an AB 60 license. The DMV will ask you to document your residency for that full two-year period. If you have not yet reached two years, you will need to wait and reapply once you have met the requirement.

What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can retake it. There is no additional fee to retake either test. You can retake the driving test as many times as you need.

Can I use an AB 60 license to get a job?

An AB 60 license does not provide work authorization. Federal law requires employers to verify that you are authorized to work in the United States using Form I-9. An AB 60 license alone will not satisfy this requirement. Some employers may accept it as proof of identity, but you will still need to provide work authorization documents.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?

Getting an AB 60 license is a state matter and does not directly affect federal immigration proceedings. However, you should consult with an immigration attorney before explore if you are in removal proceedings, have a pending immigration case, or are concerned about how the DMV might share your information. Some immigration attorneys advise clients to wait until certain legal situations are resolved.

How long does it take to get my AB 60 license after I pass the driving test?

After you pass your driving test, the DMV will mail your license to your address. Processing and mailing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use while you wait for your plastic license to arrive.