What California Offers and Who Can Get It

California issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants through a program called the AB 60 license. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to get one. The state treats this license the same way it treats any other driver license for the purpose of driving — it proves you passed the written and road tests and know the rules of the road.

The AB 60 license looks different from a standard California license. It has a distinct design and says "AB 60" on the front. You cannot use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but you can use it to drive legally in California, prove your identity to police during a traffic stop, and rent a car from most rental companies.

California began issuing AB 60 licenses in 2015. The program has no cap on how many licenses can be issued, and the state continues to issue them today. You do not need a Social Security number, an ITIN, or any specific immigration document to explore.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license is a real California driver license issued to people without legal immigration status, and you can use it to drive legally throughout the state.
  • You must pass the same written test and road test as any other driver, and you must show proof that you live in California.
  • The AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like flying domestically or entering federal buildings, but it works for driving and most forms of identification.
  • You do not need a Social Security number, ITIN, or immigration document — only proof of California residency and your identity.
  • The process process is the same as for any other California license, and you can schedule your appointment online through the DMV website.

What Documents You Need to Bring

California requires two things: proof of your identity and proof that you live in California. The state accepts a wide range of documents for both.

For identity, you can bring a passport, a consulate ID card (matrícula consular), a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or several other documents. The DMV website lists all acceptable identity documents. You do not need a U.S. passport or a document issued by the U.S. government.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a landlord or property owner stating that you live there, along with a second document showing your name and address.

Bring your completed process (Form DL 44), which you can fill out at home or at the DMV office. You will also need to pay the license fee, which varies depending on the type of license you are getting.

The Written Test and Road Test

You must pass the same written test that any new California driver takes. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. The DMV website shows the full list of available languages.

You study using the California Driver Handbook, which is free and available online and in print at DMV offices. Many people study using the handbook and then take practice tests online before scheduling their written exam. You get three chances to pass the written test within a 12-month period.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the road test. A DMV examiner will watch you drive and evaluate whether you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to road conditions. The road test is about 20 minutes long. 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.

How to Schedule Your Appointment

You can schedule your DMV appointment online at the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online scheduling is usually faster. You will need to choose whether you want to take the written test, the road test, or both at your appointment.

The DMV recommends scheduling as early as possible, because appointment availability varies by location and season. In busy areas, you may need to wait several weeks to get an appointment. Once you schedule, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and the office location.

Bring all your documents, your completed process, and your fee payment to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you do not have all required documents, the DMV will not process your process, so double-check the list before you go.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass both the written and road tests, the DMV will issue your AB 60 license. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being printed. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Before it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal is simpler than the first process — you do not have to retake the tests unless the DMV asks you to.

If you move to a different state, your California AB 60 license will not transfer. Each state has its own rules about who can get a driver license. If you move, you will need to follow that state's process.

Using Your AB 60 License for Driving and Identification

Your AB 60 license is a legal driver license in California. You can use it to drive anywhere in the state, and it satisfies California's requirement to carry proof of a valid license while driving. If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, your AB 60 license is valid identification for that purpose.

You can use your AB 60 license to rent a car from most rental companies, though some may have their own policies. Call ahead to confirm. You can also use it as identification when opening a bank account, explore for a job, or other situations where you need to prove your identity in California.

Your AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or explore for federal benefits. If you need to fly domestically, you will need a passport or another federally acceptable form of identification. For other purposes, check with the specific organization — some accept AB 60 licenses and some do not.

Privacy and Data Protection

Information you provide to the DMV is protected by California law. The DMV does not share your personal information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies for the purpose of immigration enforcement. This protection is part of California state law and applies to all AB 60 applicants.

Your AB 60 license process and records are kept confidential. You can request a copy of your DMV record, and you have the right to know what information the DMV holds about you. If you have concerns about your privacy, you can contact the DMV directly to ask about their data practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been deported or have a deportation order?

California law does not prohibit people with deportation orders from getting an AB 60 license. However, the DMV will run a background check as part of the process process. If you have concerns about your specific situation, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney before explore, as getting a license could create a record that affects your immigration case.

What if I don't have a Social Security number or ITIN?

You do not need either one. The DMV will assign you a California driver license number instead. You can use this number for all driving and identification purposes in California.

Can I use my AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico or Canada?

No. Your AB 60 license is not a passport or travel document. To cross an international border, you need a passport or another document issued by your country of citizenship. Some people use a passport card or a consulate ID card for border crossings.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake the test. For the written test, you get three chances within 12 months. For the road test, you can schedule another appointment after waiting a short period. Each attempt costs the same fee as the first test.

Do I need to renew my AB 60 license in person, or can I do it by mail?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, or if you need to update your address or name, you may need to renew in person at a DMV office.