California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants

California allows you to get a standard driver license even if you cannot prove legal residency or citizenship. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to show immigration documents. The state treats this the same as any other driver license — it has the same privileges and the same expiration date — but it is marked differently on the back so law enforcement and other officials can see at a glance that it was issued under this program.

This program, called the AB 60 license, has been available since 2015. It was created specifically so people without legal immigration status could drive legally, get insured, and pass a background check if stopped. The license itself looks like a regular California license from the front, but the back says "Federal Limits explore" instead of "REAL ID" or "Not for Federal Purposes."

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 licenses to anyone who can prove California residency and pass the written and driving tests, regardless of immigration status.
  • You must show two documents proving you live in California — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or tax return both work — but you do not need a Social Security number or passport.
  • The AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but it is valid for driving and insurance.
  • You take the same written test and driving test as anyone else, and the license costs the same as a standard license.
  • The DMV does not share your information with immigration authorities, and getting this license does not affect your immigration case.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You need to prove two things: your identity and your California residency. For identity, you can bring a passport from any country, a consulate ID card, a birth certificate with a photo ID, or a foreign driver license. The document does not have to be in English — the DMV accepts documents in any language.

For residency, you need two documents showing your California address. These can be a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, a vehicle registration, or a tax return. The documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days (or within the last year for tax returns). You can use the same type of document twice — for example, two utility bills from different months — if you need to.

You do not need a Social Security number. If you have one, you can provide it, but the DMV will not ask for it and you are not required to have one to get the license.

The Written Test and Driving Test

You take the same written test as anyone else explore for a California driver license. It covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. You drive with a DMV examiner who watches you perform basic maneuvers and follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The driving test is the same for everyone, regardless of immigration status.

If you do not have a vehicle to use for the test, you may be able to rent one from a driving school or borrow one from someone else. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be insured and the person whose name is on the registration must give you permission to use it for the test.

Cost and Timeline

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, that is $39 for a four-year license or $59 for a six-year license. Prices can change, so check the California DMV website for the current fee.

The timeline depends on how busy your local DMV office is. You can book an appointment online through the California DMV website, which usually shows available times within a few weeks. If you walk in without an appointment, wait times vary widely — some offices have short waits, others may have waits of several hours. Booking ahead is faster.

Once you pass both tests, you receive a temporary license on the spot and the permanent license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.

How This License Works With Insurance

You can buy car insurance with an AB 60 license. Insurance companies are allowed to write policies for AB 60 holders, and many do. When you call or go online to get a quote, you will need to provide your driver license number. Some companies may ask additional questions about your residency or immigration status, but they cannot legally deny you coverage based on immigration status alone.

If an insurance company refuses to insure you, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance. You can also look for companies that specialize in insuring drivers without Social Security numbers — some smaller insurers focus on this market.

Your AB 60 license satisfies California's requirement to carry proof of insurance while driving. If you are stopped by police, showing your AB 60 license and insurance card is the same as showing a regular license and insurance card.

What the "Federal Limits explore" Marking Means

The AB 60 license is not a Real ID. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. Because the AB 60 license does not meet Real ID standards, you cannot use it for those purposes.

For domestic flights, you need either a Real ID driver license, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For entering federal buildings, the same documents work. If you need to fly domestically, you can use your passport instead of your driver license.

For everything else — driving, buying alcohol, proving your age, renting a car, opening a bank account — the AB 60 license works exactly like a regular license. There is no legal difference in how it functions for state and local purposes.

Privacy and Immigration Concerns

The California DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other federal immigration agency. This is state law. Getting an AB 60 license does not create a record that immigration authorities can use against you, and it does not affect any immigration case you may have pending.

Your DMV records are confidential. Police can see that your license is marked "Federal Limits explore," but they cannot see your immigration status or any other information beyond what appears on the license itself.

If you are concerned about your privacy or immigration status, you can speak with an immigration attorney before explore. An attorney can review your specific situation and advise you on whether getting a license is safe for you. Many immigration nonprofits offer free or low-cost legal consultations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been in California for less than a month?

You need to show two documents proving your California address, and those documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to California, a lease agreement or utility bill in your name will work. If you are staying with someone else, a letter from them on their utility bill or lease, plus another document in your name, may work — ask the DMV what they will accept.

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

You show your license and insurance card like anyone else. The officer can see the "Federal Limits explore" marking, but that only tells them you cannot use the license for federal purposes — it does not trigger any special action. Driving with a valid AB 60 license satisfies California's requirement to have a license.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online or by mail?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online through the California DMV website, just like a regular license. You do not have to go back to the DMV in person unless your address has changed or you need to update your photo.

Do I need to tell my insurance company I have an AB 60 license?

You do not need to tell them anything beyond what you already provide when you get a quote — your driver license number and basic information. The insurance company can see from your license number that it is an AB 60 license, and they already know this is legal in California.

What if I move out of California — is my AB 60 license still valid?

Your AB 60 license is only valid in California. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license in that state. Different states have different rules about who can get a license, so check the rules in your new state before you move.