What California's AB 60 License Is and Who Can Get One

California's AB 60 license is a state-issued driver's license available to people without legal immigration status. It works like a standard California license for driving purposes — you can use it to operate a vehicle legally and prove you passed a driving test. The main difference is that it does not prove citizenship or legal residency, and it cannot be used as federal identification for things like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The law, which took effect in January 2015, lets you get a license if you can prove you live in California and pass the written and driving tests. You do not need a Social Security number, a valid passport, or any immigration documents. California issues the license with the word "AB 60" printed on it so law enforcement and other agencies know it was issued under this program.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California and proves you passed the state's driving test, but it is not valid for federal identification purposes like flying domestically.
  • You need to prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, but you do not need a Social Security number or immigration documents.
  • The license costs the same as a standard California license and lasts five years before renewal.
  • Having an AB 60 license does not affect your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you.
  • You can use the license to register a vehicle, buy car insurance, and drive without fear of being cited for lacking a license.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

To get an AB 60 license, you must bring proof of California residency and proof of identity. The California Department of Motor Vehicles accepts a range of documents for each category, so you do not need a specific document — you need one from each group.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail works. If you rent and do not have a utility bill in your name, a signed letter from your landlord stating your address and move-in date is acceptable. For identity, bring a passport, consular ID card, national ID from your home country, or a document issued by a foreign government that shows your name, date of birth, and photo. A school ID or work ID does not count.

You will also need to pass the written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test at the DMV. Bring proof that you have taken a driver's education course if you are under 18, though this is not required for adults.

How the AB 60 License Differs from a Standard California License

An AB 60 license and a standard California license both allow you to drive and both require you to pass the same written and driving tests. The printed words "AB 60" on your license are the main visible difference. Both licenses are valid for five years and cost the same to issue and renew.

The key difference is what the license can be used for outside of driving. A standard California license is accepted as federal identification — you can use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or open a bank account. An AB 60 license cannot be used for these federal purposes. However, you can still use an AB 60 license to register a vehicle with the California DMV, buy car insurance, and prove you passed a driving test to law enforcement during a traffic stop.

An AB 60 license also does not prove citizenship or legal residency status. It is straightforward proof that you live in California and passed the driving test. This is intentional — the license was designed to let people drive without needing to prove immigration status.

Using Your AB 60 License to Register a Vehicle and Buy Insurance

You can register a vehicle in California using your AB 60 license. The DMV treats it the same as any other California license for registration purposes. You will need to bring your AB 60 license, proof of California residency, and proof of vehicle ownership or a bill of sale to the DMV to register the car.

Car insurance companies in California are required by state law to sell you a policy if you have a valid California driver's license, including an AB 60 license. You do not need a Social Security number to buy insurance — you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which you can obtain from the IRS. Some insurers may ask for an ITIN, and others will issue a policy without one. Call ahead to ask what the company requires before you visit.

Having an AB 60 license and buying insurance under it does not create any record that is shared with immigration authorities. Insurance companies do not report customer information to federal immigration agencies.

What Happens If You Are Stopped by Police with an AB 60 License

If you are stopped by police while driving with an AB 60 license, show the license like you would any other California license. The officer will see "AB 60" printed on it and will know you are a California driver. Having an AB 60 license is not a crime, and it does not give police a reason to question your immigration status or detain you.

However, if you are pulled over and the officer suspects you are driving under the influence, driving without a license, or committing another traffic violation, the stop can proceed like any other traffic stop. The AB 60 license itself protects you from being cited for driving without a valid license — that citation no longer applies to you. If you receive a ticket for another violation, you can contest it in traffic court like any other driver.

If you are arrested for a reason unrelated to driving — for example, if police suspect you of a crime — the fact that you have an AB 60 license does not protect you from immigration enforcement. However, having a valid license and vehicle registration shows you are following the law, which can be relevant in some situations.

Privacy and Immigration Consequences

Getting an AB 60 license does not create a record that immigration authorities can access or use against you. The California DMV does not share driver's license information with federal immigration agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is state law, and it applies to all California driver's licenses, including AB 60 licenses.

Obtaining an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status. It does not make you deportable, and it does not make you may be able to access for any immigration benefits. It is straightforward a license to drive. You remain in the same immigration status you were in before you got the license.

If you are concerned about privacy when visiting the DMV, you have the right to know what information is collected and how it is used. You can ask the DMV staff about their privacy practices, and you can request a copy of your DMV record under California's public records law.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. To renew by mail or online, you will need to pass a vision test and pay the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV asks you to.

If you renew by mail, the DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can mail back the form with the fee, and your new license will arrive by mail. If you renew online through the DMV website, you can complete the process from home and your new license will be mailed to you. If you renew in person, bring your current AB 60 license and proof of California residency to a DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight?

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as federal identification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). To fly domestically, you will need a passport, a passport card, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (which you cannot get without proving legal residency), or another form of federal ID. Some states issue ID cards specifically for people who cannot get a REAL ID license, but California does not currently offer this option.

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

Getting an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or create evidence that can be used against you in immigration court. The California DMV does not share license information with immigration authorities. However, if you are already in deportation proceedings, you should speak with an immigration attorney before taking any action, because the circumstances of your case may be unique.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting an AB 60 license. The DMV evaluates each case individually. If your license was suspended or revoked because of a conviction, you may need to complete certain requirements (like a DUI program) before you can get a new license. Contact your local DMV office to ask about your specific situation.

What if I do not have any documents to prove my identity?

You need at least one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photo to get an AB 60 license. If you do not have a passport or consular ID, ask the DMV what other documents from your home country might be accepted. Some people have been able to use expired passports, national ID cards, or other government-issued documents. If you have no documents at all, speak with a legal aid organization in your area — they may be able to help you find options.

Can I use my AB 60 license to open a bank account or get a credit card?

Some banks and credit card companies will accept an AB 60 license as identification, and others will not. Banks have their own policies about what documents they accept. Call the bank or credit card company ahead of time to ask whether they accept AB 60 licenses. If they do not, you may be able to use a passport, consular ID, or an ITIN letter from the IRS instead.