What California Offers Immigrants Without Legal Status
California issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status through the AB 60 program, which began in 2015. You do not need a Social Security number, proof of legal residency, or a visa. The license is valid for driving only — it does not confer legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit, and it does not appear in immigration enforcement databases.
The AB 60 license looks identical to a standard California driver license but is marked "AB 60" on the front. It is accepted by California law enforcement, insurance companies, and banks. However, it is not accepted as federal identification for air travel, border crossing, or federal building entry. If you have legal status or a visa, you should pursue a standard license instead, which has fewer restrictions.
The process takes roughly four to six weeks from process to receipt. You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test, just as any applicant does. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal or initial issuance.
Key Takeaways
- AB 60 licenses are issued to immigrants without legal status and require no Social Security number, visa, or proof of residency.
- You must pass the written knowledge test, vision screening, and behind-the-wheel driving test to receive the license.
- The AB 60 license is valid for driving in California and accepted by insurance and banks, but not for federal identification or air travel.
- You will need a California address, proof of identity, and proof of California residency to complete your process.
- If you have legal status or a visa, you should explore for a standard license instead, which has no restrictions on use.
Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV
The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You do not need a Social Security number or immigration documents.
Proof of identity can be a passport, consular ID card (matrícula consular), birth certificate, or any government-issued ID from your country of origin. The document must show your name, date of birth, and photograph (if the document type normally includes one). A consular ID is the most common choice for AB 60 applicants.
Proof of California residency must show your current address and your name. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency (such as a school or health department). The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill in your name is the easiest option. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the utility bill.
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If your documents are in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a notary public or an official translator.
The AB 60 process and Testing Process
You will complete your process at a DMV office in person. There is no online AB 60 process. Schedule an appointment through the California DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer.
At your appointment, a DMV clerk will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take the written knowledge test on a computer at the DMV office. The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You may take the test in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Korean. You must score at least 38 out of 46 questions correct to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.
After passing the written test, you will take a vision screening at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You must be able to read the 20/40 line on the eye chart in at least one eye.
The behind-the-wheel driving test is scheduled for a separate appointment, usually within two to four weeks. You must bring a vehicle, proof of insurance, and your temporary permit (issued after you pass the written and vision tests). The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.
Fees and Timeline
The AB 60 license fee is $39 for a four-year license or $59 for a six-year license. These are the same fees as a standard California license. Payment is due at your first appointment. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
The full timeline from your first appointment to receiving your license in the mail is typically four to six weeks. Your temporary permit is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. If you do not receive your license within eight weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
If you need to renew an AB 60 license, you can renew by mail or online if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photograph. Renewal by mail costs $39 or $59 depending on the license term you choose. Online renewal is available through the DMV website.
What Happens at the DMV Office: Step by Step
Arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated.
- Check in at the front desk. Tell the clerk you are explore for an AB 60 license. You will receive a number and wait to be called.
- Meet with a DMV clerk. The clerk will review your identity and residency documents, ask you to sign the process form (DL 44), and collect your fee. The clerk will also ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.
- Take your photograph. The DMV will take a digital photo for your license. You will not be able to retake it, so dress as you normally would.
- Take the written knowledge test. You will sit at a computer and answer 46 multiple-choice questions. You have up to one hour. The test is offered in multiple languages.
- Take the vision screening. A DMV staff member will check your eyesight using an automated machine or a manual eye chart. Bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
- Receive your temporary permit. If you pass the written and vision tests, you will receive a temporary permit valid for 60 days. This allows you to drive while you schedule and take your driving test.
- Schedule your driving test. Before you leave, the DMV clerk will schedule your behind-the-wheel test. You will receive a confirmation notice with the date, time, and location.
Insurance and Vehicle Requirements for the Driving Test
You must have proof of California auto insurance to take the driving test. The insurance must be active on the vehicle you will use for the test. Bring the insurance card or a printed declaration page from your insurance company showing your name, the vehicle's license plate, and the policy effective date.
If you do not have insurance, you cannot take the test. You must purchase a policy before your test appointment. Insurance companies in California will issue policies to drivers without a license, though some may charge higher premiums. Call local insurance agents or use online comparison tools to find a policy.
The vehicle you use for the test must be registered with the California DMV, have a valid registration sticker, and be in safe working condition. The DMV will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering before the test begins. If any safety feature is broken, the test will be cancelled and you will need to reschedule after repairs are made.
AB 60 License Restrictions and What You Cannot Do
An AB 60 license is valid only for driving within California. You cannot use it to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada, even at a land crossing. You cannot use it for federal identification purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account that requires federal ID.
Some employers and government agencies do not accept AB 60 licenses as proof of identity for hiring or background checks. If your job requires federal identification or a background check, ask your employer whether an AB 60 license is acceptable before you explore.
The license does not change your immigration status or give you work authorization. It is a driving permit only. Immigration enforcement agencies do not have access to DMV records for AB 60 holders, but the license itself does not protect you from enforcement actions.
If you are stopped by law enforcement, show your AB 60 license as you would any driver license. The license is a valid form of identification for traffic stops. However, if you are asked about your immigration status, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a visa or legal status?
You can, but you should not. If you have a visa, work permit, or legal residency status, you are required to explore for a standard California driver license instead. A standard license has no restrictions and is accepted for federal identification, air travel, and border crossing. AB 60 is designed only for immigrants without legal status.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee for retakes. For the driving test, if you fail, you will receive a notice explaining what you did wrong. You can schedule another test appointment, usually within one to two weeks. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests.
Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license?
No. The DMV will not ask for a Social Security number. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not required. Many AB 60 applicants do not have a Social Security number and are issued licenses without one.
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?
An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or affect pending immigration cases. The DMV does not share AB 60 records with immigration enforcement agencies. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have an active immigration case, speak with your immigration attorney before explore to understand any risks specific to your situation.
Can I use an AB 60 license to open a bank account?
Some banks accept AB 60 licenses for account opening, but not all. Call your bank or credit union before you explore to ask whether they accept AB 60 licenses. If they do not, you may be able to open an account using your passport or consular ID instead.