Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a California driver's license under the AB 60 program

California allows people without legal immigration status to obtain a driver's license through a program called AB 60, which launched in January 2015. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have a Social Security number. The state issues the same standard driver's license that any other resident gets — it works for driving and identification purposes within California, though federal agencies like TSA do not accept it for air travel.

The license itself carries no marking that indicates immigration status. To someone looking at it, an AB 60 license looks identical to any other California driver's license. This means you can use it to rent a car, open a bank account, or show ID at a store without revealing your status.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are available to anyone who can prove California residency and pass a driving test, regardless of immigration status.
  • You must provide a document showing your identity and California address — a passport, consular ID, or utility bill works for this purpose.
  • The license costs the same as a standard license and renews on the same schedule as any other California driver's license.
  • AB 60 licenses cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane, but work for state and local ID needs and driving.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a passport from any country, a consular ID card issued by your home country's embassy or consulate, a foreign driver's license, or a birth certificate with a photo ID. The document does not have to be in English — the DMV accepts documents in other languages.

For proof of residency, bring a document showing your name and a California address dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (like a family member's utility bill) plus a signed letter from that person stating you live there. You will also need to provide your Social Security number if you have one, but the DMV will issue a license without one if you do not.

Bring the originals of these documents to the DMV — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in another language, bring the originals and the DMV will handle translation or verification on-site.

The written test and driving test requirements

You must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test, the same as any other applicant. The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others — ask the DMV which languages are available at your local office.

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner and lasts about 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements. You cannot use a rental car for the driving test.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can test, though you must pay the test fee each time you retake it.

Cost and renewal timeline for AB 60 licenses

An AB 60 driver's license costs the same as a standard California driver's license. As of 2024, a new license costs around $39, though this amount can change. You pay this fee when you explore at the DMV.

The license is valid for five years from the date of issue. When it expires, you renew it the same way any California resident does — by visiting the DMV, renewing online if you are may be able to access, or renewing by mail. The renewal process does not change based on immigration status. You will need to bring updated proof of residency at renewal time, but the identity documents you used for your original license do not need to be re-verified.

Where to find your local DMV office and what to expect

You can find your nearest DMV office and make an appointment on the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. Making an appointment is strongly recommended because walk-in wait times can be several hours. When you arrive, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized.

The DMV staff are trained on AB 60 and will not ask about immigration status or report you to immigration authorities. The DMV is a state agency, not a federal one, and does not share information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. Your process and personal information stay within the DMV system.

The entire process — from submitting your process to taking your tests — typically takes one to two visits. Some people complete everything in a single appointment if they pass both tests on the first try. If you need to retake a test, you will need a second visit.

What you cannot do with an AB 60 license

An AB 60 license works for driving in California and for most state and local identification purposes. However, it is not accepted by the federal government. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or cross the U.S.-Mexico border. If you need to travel by air within the United States, you would need a passport or other federal-approved ID.

Some private businesses may refuse to accept an AB 60 license if they have their own policies about which IDs they recognize, though this is uncommon. The license is widely accepted by banks, stores, and other businesses in California for standard identification purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Obtaining a driver's license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. The DMV does not share information with federal immigration agencies. However, if you are in the middle of an immigration court case or working with an immigration attorney, it is wise to discuss it with them first, as they may have specific information based on your situation.

Can I use an AB 60 license to rent an apartment or open a bank account?

Yes. An AB 60 license is a valid form of identification for these purposes. Banks and landlords accept it as proof of identity and California residency. Some banks may ask for additional documentation, but the license itself is recognized.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get an AB 60 license without a Social Security number. The DMV will issue a license using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another identifier if you do not have an SSN. You are not required to have either one to explore.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

You may be able to renew online if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid address on file and no changes to your information. Check the DMV website or call your local office to see if you are may be able to access for online renewal. If not, you can renew by mail or in person.

What happens if I get pulled over by police with an AB 60 license?

Your AB 60 license is a valid California driver's license. Police will treat it the same as any other license. The license itself does not indicate immigration status, and officers cannot determine your status from the license alone. Having a valid license protects you in traffic stops because you are not driving without a license.