California Issues Driver Licenses to People Regardless of Immigration Status

California allows you to get a driver license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and do not have legal immigration status. You do not need to prove citizenship or immigration status to explore. This law has been in place since 2015 under a program called AB 60, which created a separate category of license specifically for this situation.

The license you receive works the same way as a standard California driver license for driving purposes — it lets you legally drive on California roads and proves you passed the written and road tests. However, it cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or crossing an international border. If you need to travel by air or cross into another country, you would need a passport or other travel document from your country of citizenship.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 licenses to people without legal immigration status, and you do not need to prove citizenship or immigration documents to get one.
  • You must still pass the written test, vision test, and road test, just like any other driver license applicant.
  • An AB 60 license is valid for driving in California but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
  • You will need to provide proof of California residency using documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — not immigration documents.
  • The process process is the same as for any California driver license, and you explore at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office.

What Documents You Need to Bring

When you explore for an AB 60 license, the California Department of Motor Vehicles does not ask for immigration documents. Instead, you need to prove who you are and that you live in California. Bring two documents that show your identity — these can include a foreign passport, a consulate ID card, a birth certificate, or a national ID from your country of origin. You can also use documents like a school record or medical record if they show your name and date of birth.

For proof of California residency, bring one document that shows your name and a California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail sent to your California address all work. The document must be recent — usually from the last two months. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together prove residency, such as a school enrollment letter plus a letter from a social service agency.

You will also need to provide a California mailing address and a phone number. If you do not have a permanent address, you can use a friend's or family member's address, a shelter address, or a social service agency address.

The Written Test, Vision Test, and Road Test

Passing the tests is the same requirement for everyone in California, regardless of immigration status. You must pass a written knowledge test that covers California traffic laws and road signs. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can request an interpreter or audio version if you need one.

You will also take a vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. After you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a road test where a DMV examiner watches you drive and evaluates your ability to handle a vehicle safely on the road.

The road test is conducted in English, but you can bring an interpreter with you if you need one — the interpreter cannot be a family member or someone with a financial interest in the outcome. You must bring your own vehicle for the road test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Fees and Processing Time

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license. The fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid — typically five or eight years. You pay the fee when you submit your process at the DMV office.

Processing time depends on how busy your local DMV office is. After you pass all your tests, it usually takes two to three weeks to receive your license in the mail. Some DMV offices offer faster service if you pay an additional fee, but this is not required. You can check the wait times at your local office on the California DMV website before you go.

Where to explore and What to Expect

You explore at any California Department of Motor Vehicles office. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce your wait time. Bring all your documents, your mailing address, and your phone number. Tell the staff member that you are explore for an AB 60 license if they ask about immigration status.

The staff member will check your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, and give you a receipt. You will then take the written test and vision test on the same day. If you pass both, you will schedule a road test appointment for a later date. After you pass the road test, your license will be mailed to the address you provided.

How an AB 60 License Differs From a Standard License

An AB 60 license looks similar to a standard California driver license and works the same way for driving. You can use it to legally drive, rent a car, and prove you passed the driving tests. However, it cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse or federal building, or cross an international border.

Some employers and organizations may not accept an AB 60 license as proof of identity for hiring or other purposes, even though it is a valid California document. If you need identification for a specific purpose, ask the organization beforehand whether an AB 60 license will work for them.

The license is renewed the same way as a standard license — you can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. You do not need to provide immigration documents when you renew.

Insurance and Driving Legally

You must have car insurance to drive legally in California, whether you have an AB 60 license or a standard license. Insurance companies in California are required to issue policies to anyone with a valid California driver license, regardless of immigration status. You can shop for insurance online or by phone, and rates vary by company and your driving history.

If you are stopped by police, your AB 60 license is a valid form of identification for driving purposes. Having a valid license does not affect your immigration status or put you at immigration risk. Your license is a California state document, not a federal document, and police cannot use it to report you to immigration authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A California driver license is a state document and does not affect your immigration status or any immigration proceedings. Getting a license does not make you deportable, and it does not help or hurt an immigration case. The DMV does not share information with immigration authorities.

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

No. An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes, including boarding a domestic airplane. You would need a passport, a passport card, or a Real ID-compliant license to board a flight. If you are a citizen of another country, you can use your foreign passport to fly domestically within the United States.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other identity documents, such as a consulate ID card, a national ID from your country, a school record, or a medical record that shows your name and date of birth. The DMV accepts a wide range of documents. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call your local DMV office and ask before you go.

Can I renew an AB 60 license online?

Yes, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address. If your license is expired or you need to update your information, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You do not need to provide immigration documents when you renew.

Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license?

No. You do not need a Social Security number to explore for an AB 60 license. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not required. The DMV will assign you an identification number instead.