Who Can Get a California Driver License Without Proof of Legal Status

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license through the AB 60 program, which launched in 2015. You do not need to prove citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or any immigration status to get this license. The state issues it the same way it issues standard licenses — it is a real, valid California driver license that works for driving and identification purposes within the state.

The AB 60 license is marked differently from a standard license (it says "AB 60" on the front), but it carries the same legal weight for driving. You can use it to rent a car, pass a traffic stop, and prove your identity to California law enforcement. It does not change your immigration status, does not report you to federal immigration authorities, and does not make you ineligible for other programs.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes AB 60 applications at any field office. You do not explore through a separate program or website — you walk into a DMV office and request an AB 60 license, just as you would request any other license type.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 driver licenses to undocumented immigrants with no proof of legal status required.
  • You must provide a valid passport or consular ID from your country of origin, plus proof of California residency and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • The AB 60 license is marked on the front but functions as a standard California driver license for all driving and in-state identification purposes.
  • Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time you submit your process at a DMV office.
  • The fee is the same as a standard driver license renewal or issuance — currently $39 for a five-year license or $64 for a ten-year license.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires three categories of documents for an AB 60 process: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

Proof of identity must be a valid passport or a consular ID card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate. A driver license from another state or country does not count. The document must not be expired, though the DMV may accept a passport that expired within the last five years — call your local DMV office to confirm their specific policy before you go.

Proof of California residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail also works. You need only one document, and it must show your current address. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.

Proof of your Social Security number or ITIN can be a Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, bring a letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN. The DMV will not accept a document that shows only part of the number.

Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Start by scheduling an appointment online through the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. When you book, select "Driver License" as your transaction type — the system does not have a separate AB 60 category, so you choose the standard license option.

Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus your completed DL 44 form (process for California Driver License or Identification Card). You can fill this out at home before you go or at the DMV office. Bring the form printed or blank — either is fine. You will also need to bring $39 or $64 depending on whether you want a five-year or ten-year license.

At your appointment, tell the DMV staff member that you are explore for an AB 60 license. Hand over your documents. The staff member will verify your identity, check your residency proof, and confirm your Social Security number or ITIN in the DMV system. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. You will also take a written test on California traffic laws unless you hold a valid driver license from another state or country — if you do, you may be waived from the written test, though the DMV has discretion here.

After you pass the vision and written tests, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. Your permanent AB 60 license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. The mailing address must match the address on your residency proof document.

What Happens if You Do Not Have a Social Security Number or ITIN

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you cannot currently get an AB 60 license through the standard DMV process. The state requires one or the other. However, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS even if you are undocumented — you do not need a Social Security number or work authorization to get one.

To get an ITIN, file a federal tax return with the IRS using Form 1040 and Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can file by mail or through a tax preparer. The process takes four to six weeks. Once you receive your ITIN, you can return to the DMV with proof of it (a letter from the IRS or a tax return showing the number) and complete your AB 60 process.

Some community organizations and legal aid groups in California offer free tax preparation and ITIN information to undocumented immigrants. Search online for "ITIN help near me" or contact your local legal aid office to find one in your area.

Renewal and Replacement of an AB 60 License

An AB 60 license expires on the same schedule as a standard California license — either five or ten years from the issue date, depending on which term you chose. You renew it the same way you renew any driver license: online through dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to bring documents again — the DMV already has your information on file. The fee is the same as the initial issuance. If you renew in person, bring your current AB 60 license and the renewal fee.

If your AB 60 license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DMV office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, just as you did for the initial process. The replacement fee is $39 or $64 depending on the license term you choose.

AB 60 License and Federal Immigration Consequences

Getting an AB 60 license does not trigger any federal immigration reporting or consequences. The California DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. The license is issued under state law, and California law protects the privacy of DMV records from federal immigration authorities.

You can use an AB 60 license to drive legally in California without fear of immigration-related consequences from the act of obtaining or carrying the license itself. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement for a traffic violation or other reason, the officer may investigate your immigration status based on that stop — the license itself does not shield you from that possibility.

An AB 60 license does not affect your may be able to access for other state programs, nor does it disqualify you from any program. It is purely a driver license and identification document under California law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?

No. The AB 60 license is not accepted as federal identification for air travel. You would need a passport or consular ID to board a domestic flight. However, you can use the AB 60 license for all ground transportation and in-state identification purposes.

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

No. Obtaining an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or create any legal record that would harm an immigration case. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have an active immigration case, consult with an immigration attorney before explore to understand your specific situation.

What if I move to another state after getting an AB 60 license?

Your AB 60 license remains valid in California and is recognized as a valid California driver license. If you move to another state, that state's DMV will not recognize it as proof of legal residency or status for obtaining a new license there. You would need to follow that state's rules for driver license issuance, which vary widely.

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

Criminal history does not automatically disqualify you from an AB 60 license. The DMV evaluates criminal convictions the same way for AB 60 applicants as for any other applicant — certain serious convictions (like multiple DUIs or reckless driving causing injury) can result in denial. Contact the DMV or a legal aid organization to discuss your specific record before explore.

How long does the AB 60 process take from start to finish?

The DMV appointment itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 60 days. Your permanent AB 60 license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. Total time from appointment to receiving your card is roughly three weeks.