California issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants through the AB 60 program

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license under Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal residency to get one. The license is marked "AB 60" and is valid for driving only — it cannot be used as proof of citizenship or legal status, and it does not grant you any immigration benefits.

The license works the same way as a standard California driver license for the purpose of driving: it proves you passed the written and driving tests, and it satisfies California's requirement to carry proof of licensure while operating a vehicle. Insurance companies will write policies for drivers with AB 60 licenses. Law enforcement can run your license through the system like any other, but the DMV does not share AB 60 holder information with federal immigration authorities.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get an AB 60 license without a Social Security number, passport, or proof of legal residency — you need only proof of identity and California residency.
  • The license is valid for driving in California and satisfies the state's requirement to carry proof of licensure, but it cannot be used as identification for other purposes like boarding a plane.
  • Insurance companies will insure drivers with AB 60 licenses, and the license itself does not affect your immigration status or trigger federal reporting.
  • You must still pass the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test, just as any other driver does.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV accepts a limited list of identity documents for AB 60 applicants. You must bring one document that proves your identity, such as a passport from any country, a consular ID card (matrícula consular), a national ID card, or a birth certificate. A driver license or ID card from another state or country also works.

You must also prove you live in California. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your California address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also counts.

You do not need to bring a Social Security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a green card, a visa, or any document showing your immigration status. The DMV will not ask for these.

The written test and driving test are the same for all drivers

Once you submit your identity and residency documents, you take the same written knowledge test that all California drivers take. You can take it in English or one of several other languages, including Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 83 percent to pass.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, merging — and assess whether you drive safely. You must pass this test to receive your license.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though you must wait a certain number of days between retakes depending on which test you failed.

AB 60 licenses cannot be used for federal purposes

An AB 60 license is valid only for driving in California. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or cross the U.S. border. If you need to travel by air within the United States, you would need a passport or another federal Real ID-compliant document.

The AB 60 license also cannot be used as proof of identity for purposes like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or obtaining credit. Some businesses and landlords will accept it as one piece of evidence of identity when combined with other documents, but many will not. It is a driving license only.

How insurance works with an AB 60 license

Insurance companies in California will write auto insurance policies for drivers with AB 60 licenses. You must carry liability insurance to drive legally in California, just as any other driver must. When you explore for insurance, you will provide your AB 60 license number, and the insurer will verify it with the DMV the same way they verify any license.

Your insurance rates depend on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and coverage choices — not on your immigration status or the fact that you hold an AB 60 license. If you have no prior driving record in California, insurers may charge you a higher rate as a new driver, but this applies to all new drivers regardless of license type.

If you cause an accident or receive a traffic citation, it will appear on your driving record under your AB 60 license number. This can affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license, just as it would for any driver.

Renewal and expiration of your AB 60 license

An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. To renew by mail or online, you must not have any medical conditions that would disqualify you from driving, and you must not have any outstanding tickets or violations.

When you renew, you will need to provide updated proof of California residency if your address has changed. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV has reason to believe your driving ability has declined or you have failed to renew for more than five years.

If your AB 60 license expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive in California. Driving with an expired license can result in a citation and fine.

What happens if you are stopped by law enforcement

If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, you must provide your AB 60 license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, just as any other driver would. The officer will run your license through the system to check for outstanding warrants or violations.

The DMV does not share AB 60 holder information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration authorities. However, if you are stopped and the officer discovers other reasons to detain you — such as an outstanding warrant unrelated to immigration — that is a separate matter. Your AB 60 license itself does not trigger immigration enforcement.

If you receive a traffic citation, you can contest it in traffic court or pay the fine. A conviction for a traffic violation will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You must show proof of California residency, which typically means a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you have just arrived, a lease agreement, utility bill, or letter from a government agency can serve as proof. Contact your local DMV office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

What if I don't have a passport or consular ID card?

The DMV accepts a birth certificate, national ID card, or driver license from another state or country as proof of identity. If you have none of these, contact your local DMV office to learn what other documents may be accepted. Some offices have flexibility depending on your circumstances.

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

Obtaining an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or affect any pending immigration proceedings. The license is for driving only and does not grant you any immigration benefits. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have concerns about your specific situation, consult with an immigration attorney before explore.

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

No. An AB 60 license is not a valid travel document for crossing an international border. To cross into Mexico, you need a passport, passport card, or other federally approved travel document. Some people use a consular ID card for this purpose, but check with Mexican border authorities about their current requirements.

What if I fail the driving test multiple times?

There is no limit on how many times you can retake the driving test. You must wait a certain number of days between attempts — typically at least one day. If you are struggling with the test, consider taking a driving course or practicing with someone who is an experienced driver before your next attempt.