AB 60 gives you a California driver license without proof of legal residency status

AB 60 is a California law that allows you to obtain a standard driver license even if you cannot prove you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status. The license itself looks and functions like any other California driver license — it is valid for driving, renewal, and identification purposes within the state. You do not need to show documents proving citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or any particular immigration category.

The law took effect on January 1, 2015. It applies to anyone who meets California's basic driving requirements: you must be at least 16 years old (or 15 years 6 months for a provisional license), pass a written test and driving test, and provide proof of California residency. The key difference is that you can satisfy the residency requirement using documents that do not prove immigration status — such as utility bills, rental agreements, or school enrollment records.

An AB 60 license does not grant you legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit. It is a driving license only. However, it does allow you to drive legally in California without fear that a traffic stop will result in license suspension for lack of documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license is a standard California driver license available to anyone who can pass the driving test and prove California residency, regardless of immigration status.
  • You must provide proof of identity and California residency, but not proof of citizenship or legal immigration status.
  • The license is valid for driving and identification in California and looks identical to a standard driver license.
  • An AB 60 license does not provide work authorization, legal status, or any immigration benefit — it is for driving only.
  • You renew an AB 60 license the same way you renew any California driver license, and the renewal does not require re-proving your residency status each time.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires two main categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You do not need to bring documents proving citizenship or immigration status.

For proof of identity, you can use a foreign passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a foreign driver license, a birth certificate, or other documents the DMV accepts. The DMV maintains a full list of acceptable identity documents on its website. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo (if available).

For proof of California residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, rental agreement, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, school enrollment letter, or bank statement. The documents must be dated within the last 62 days. You cannot use a post office box address; the address must be a physical residence.

You will also need to complete the standard DMV process form (DL 44 for a new license, or DL 44 AB 60 if you are explore specifically under AB 60). Bring your Social Security number if you have one, or be prepared to sign a declaration stating you do not have one.

The step-by-step process at the DMV

Start by scheduling an appointment online through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer. Bring all documents listed above, plus your current out-of-state driver license if you have one.

At your appointment, you will complete the process form and submit your identity and residency documents. A DMV staff member will review them and may ask follow-up questions about your address or documents. You will then take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. The test is offered in multiple languages. You must pass with a score of at least 80 percent.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule a separate appointment for the driving test (also called the behind-the-wheel test). During the driving test, a DMV examiner will ride with you in your vehicle and evaluate your ability to control the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Once you pass both tests, the DMV will issue your AB 60 license. You can usually pick it up the same day or within a few days, depending on the DMV office. Your license will be valid for five years from the date of issue.

How AB 60 differs from a standard California driver license

An AB 60 license and a standard California driver license are legally identical once issued. Both are valid for driving throughout California, both can be used for identification at banks and other institutions, and both expire after five years. There is no marking, notation, or visible difference on the card itself that indicates it was issued under AB 60.

The only practical difference is in how you obtain it. A standard license requires proof of legal presence in the United States (such as a passport, visa, or birth certificate showing U.S. citizenship). An AB 60 license does not. Once you have the license, the rules for renewal, suspension, and reinstatement are the same as for any other California driver license.

Some people mistakenly believe an AB 60 license is temporary or limited in scope. It is not. It is a full, standard California driver license with no restrictions or expiration date sooner than any other license.

Renewal and what happens if your status changes

You renew an AB 60 license through the standard California DMV renewal process. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal by mail or online does not require you to retake the written or driving test, and you do not need to re-submit proof of residency. You only need to pay the renewal fee and confirm that your address and other information are still correct.

If you later obtain legal immigration status (such as a visa, green card, or citizenship), you do not have to exchange your AB 60 license for a different one. Your existing license remains valid and you can continue to renew it under the standard process. You are not required to notify the DMV of a change in immigration status unless you move out of California or your name changes.

If your license is suspended or revoked for any reason — such as accumulating too many traffic violations or failing to pay traffic fines — the suspension or revocation applies the same way it would to any California driver license. AB 60 status does not provide any exemption from traffic enforcement or license suspension rules.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong residency documents. Remember that both documents must show your current California address, must be dated within the last 62 days, and cannot be a post office box. A utility bill from six months ago will not work, even if it shows the correct address. If you have recently moved, bring documents dated after your move date.

Another frequent error is assuming you can use a foreign driver license alone as proof of identity. While a foreign license is acceptable, the DMV may ask for a second identity document if the license is expired or does not clearly show your date of birth. Bring a passport or consular ID card as a backup.

Do not assume you need to disclose your immigration status or answer questions about how you entered the country. The DMV does not ask these questions during the AB 60 process. If a DMV staff member asks about immigration status, you can decline to answer — it is not required to obtain the license.

Finally, do not delay scheduling your appointment. Some DMV offices have long wait times for appointments, especially in urban areas. Scheduling several weeks in advance is common. If you need a license quickly, call ahead to ask which offices have the shortest wait times.

How AB 60 affects insurance, traffic stops, and other legal matters

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver license for the purpose of purchasing car insurance. Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher rates based on the fact that you obtained your license under AB 60. When you buy insurance, you will provide your license number just as you would with any other license.

During a traffic stop, you must provide your driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance — the same documents required of any driver. Having an AB 60 license does not change your rights or obligations during a traffic stop. You are not required to disclose your immigration status to a police officer, and doing so is not necessary to resolve a traffic citation.

An AB 60 license cannot be used to cross the U.S. border or to board a domestic airplane. For air travel, you will need a passport or other federal ID. For border crossing, you will need a passport or passport card from your country of citizenship. The AB 60 license is valid only for driving within California and for in-state identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You must prove California residency with documents dated within the last 62 days. If you have just arrived, you may not yet have utility bills or rental agreements in your name. In that case, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on company letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some DMV offices accept this as proof of residency even if it is not a standard bill.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still obtain an AB 60 license. At the DMV, you will sign a declaration stating that you do not have a Social Security number. The DMV will issue your license without one. Your license number will be your unique identifier for driving purposes.

Can I use an AB 60 license to work in California?

An AB 60 license is a driver license only and does not provide work authorization. Whether you can work in California depends on your immigration status, not on your driver license. Your employer may require you to complete an I-9 form, which requires proof of work authorization separate from your driver license.

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

Obtaining an AB 60 license does not affect your immigration status or any pending immigration case. The DMV does not share information with immigration authorities based on AB 60 applications. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have concerns about immigration enforcement, consult with an immigration attorney before explore.

How long does it take to get an AB 60 license after I pass the driving test?

The DMV typically issues your license the same day you pass the driving test, or within a few business days depending on the office. You can usually pick it up in person or have it mailed to your address. Ask the DMV staff when you can expect to receive it.