What AB 60 Lets You Do

Assembly Bill 60, which took effect on January 1, 2015, allows you to obtain a California driver license or identification card even if you do not have a Social Security number and cannot prove legal presence in the United States. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have immigration status to may have access to. The license is valid for driving and identification purposes within California, though it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The license itself looks identical to a standard California driver license. It carries the same renewal timeline, testing requirements, and driving privileges. The main difference is internal: the DMV records it as issued under AB 60, and it will not work as a Real ID document.

This pathway exists because California determined that unlicensed drivers pose a public safety risk. The state's goal was to bring more drivers into the licensing system, where they must pass vision and written tests and carry insurance.

Key Takeaways

  • You do not need a Social Security number, proof of legal presence, or U.S. citizenship to obtain an AB 60 license.
  • You must prove your identity and California residency using documents from the DMV's approved list, which includes foreign passports, consular identification cards, and utility bills.
  • You must pass the same written test, vision test, and driving test as any other applicant, and you must carry liability insurance.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or entry to federal facilities, but it is valid for driving and state identification.
  • The license is valid for five years and renews through the same process as a standard California license.

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, Social Security card, or birth certificate as your primary identity document under AB 60, because those documents establish citizenship or federal tax status.

For identity, the DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national identification card from your country of origin, or a foreign driver license. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If your document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation or have the DMV translate it on-site (there may be a fee).

For residency, bring two documents showing your name and a California address. Accepted documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or a letter from a government agency. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A single document can count toward both identity and residency if it shows both your name and address — for example, a foreign driver license with a California address.

Bring originals or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of residency documents unless they are certified by the issuing agency.

The Testing and Licensing Process

You must pass three separate tests: the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the behind-the-wheel driving test. These are identical to the tests required for any California driver license. You cannot skip or waive any of them, even if you have held a valid license in another country.

The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages. You must score at least 38 out of 46 questions correct. Study materials are available free on the DMV website and in print at any DMV office.

The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail, you may be required to obtain a corrective lens restriction on your license.

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle. You must demonstrate basic vehicle control, safe turning, parking, and awareness of traffic laws. The test typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You must have liability insurance in force before you take this test.

Insurance and Vehicle Registration Requirements

California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance before they operate a vehicle on public roads. You cannot take the driving test without proof of current insurance, and you cannot legally drive after receiving your license without it.

If you do not own a vehicle, you can take the driving test in a DMV-provided vehicle, but you must still show proof of insurance. Some insurance companies will issue a policy to someone without a Social Security number; others will not. Call ahead to confirm that your chosen insurer will cover you before you schedule your test.

If you own a vehicle, you must also register it with the California DMV. Vehicle registration requires proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of residency. The registration process is the same whether you hold an AB 60 license or a standard license.

Fees and Timeline

The fee for an AB 60 driver license is the same as for a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs $39 if you are under 70, or $23 if you are 70 or older. Renewal fees are lower than initial issuance fees. Fees change periodically; confirm the current amount at the DMV website or by calling your local office.

The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your appointment and pass your tests. The written test can be taken on the same day you submit your documents. The driving test must be scheduled separately and typically has a wait of one to four weeks depending on your location and the time of year. Once you pass the driving test, your license is usually issued the same day or within a few business days.

If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule a new appointment. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Real ID and Federal Use Restrictions

An AB 60 license is not a Real ID document. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal buildings. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or other federally accepted identification.

For state purposes — driving, opening a bank account, voting, obtaining a library card, or renting an apartment — an AB 60 license works the same as any other California driver license. Many private businesses and organizations accept it without question.

If you later obtain a Social Security number and legal presence status, you can explore for a standard California driver license and upgrade to Real ID status. You do not need to retake the tests; you only need to submit the new documents and pay a replacement fee.

Renewal and License Validity

An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issuance. You renew it the same way you would renew any California driver license: by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal by mail or online requires that your address has not changed and that you have not had any violations or suspensions.

If your address changes, you must update it with the DMV. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. There is no fee for an address change.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement. The replacement fee is lower than the original issuance fee. You do not need to retake the tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight?

No. An AB 60 license is not a Real ID document and cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel. You will need a valid passport, passport card, or other federally accepted ID to fly. Some states issue Real ID licenses to people without Social Security numbers, but California does not.

What if my foreign passport is expired?

The DMV accepts expired foreign passports as long as they expired no more than five years ago. If your passport expired more than five years ago, you will need to use a different identity document, such as a consular ID card or national identification card from your country.

Do I have to retake the written and driving tests if I renew my AB 60 license?

No. When you renew, you do not retake the tests unless the DMV has suspended or revoked your license due to violations or medical reasons. Standard renewal is by mail, online, or a quick in-person visit.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

You can still take the written and driving tests, but the DMV may not issue your license until you resolve the ticket or warrant. Check with your local DMV office about your specific situation before scheduling your tests.

What happens if I later get a Social Security number or legal status?

You can explore for a standard California driver license and upgrade to Real ID status. You will not need to retake the tests. Bring your new documents (Social Security card or proof of legal status) and pay a replacement fee. The process is faster than the original AB 60 process.