An AB60 license lets you drive legally in California even if you cannot prove legal residency or citizenship

California's AB60 driver's license is a standard California driver's license issued to people who cannot present proof of legal presence in the United States. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need to prove your immigration status at all. If you have a Social Security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or a passport from any country, you can use that to establish your identity and get behind the wheel legally.

The license itself looks identical to a regular California driver's license. It carries the same driving privileges, the same renewal timeline, and the same legal weight. The only difference is what you bring to the DMV to prove who you are — and what you do not have to bring.

AB60 was signed into law in 2013 and took effect in 2015. It exists because many people live and work in California but lack the documents a standard license requires. Without it, they either drove without a license or did not drive at all. The law treats driving privilege as separate from immigration status.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB60 license is a full California driver's license with no restrictions, issued to people who cannot prove legal U.S. presence.
  • You need to prove your identity with documents like a passport, ITIN, or Social Security number — not your immigration status.
  • The license looks and functions exactly like a standard California license and renews on the same schedule.
  • You must pass the written test and driving test just like any other applicant, and you must show proof of California residency.
  • Insurance companies will cover you if you hold an AB60 license, though some may charge higher rates or require an SR22.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You cannot use a U.S. passport or state ID from another state to prove identity — those documents imply legal presence, which defeats the purpose of AB60.

For identity, you can bring a passport from any country, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in the U.S., a birth certificate, a national ID card from your home country, or a combination of documents that together establish who you are. An ITIN or Social Security number also counts as identity verification. The DMV accepts documents in any language, though you may need to bring a certified translation.

For residency, bring documents showing your name and a California address from the past 12 months. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, tax returns, or mail from a government agency all work. You need at least one document. If your name does not match exactly across documents, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order explaining the change.

How the AB60 process process works

You start at your local DMV office — there is no online route for AB60. Bring your identity documents, residency documents, and a completed Driver License or Identification Card process (Form DL 44). You will also need to pass a vision test at the DMV.

Next, you take the written knowledge test. This is the same test every California driver takes. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers. You need to score at least 38 out of 46 questions correct.

If you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at a later date. This is also identical to the standard test. You bring a vehicle, a licensed driver to accompany you, and proof that the vehicle is registered and insured. The examiner watches you drive and scores your ability to handle the car safely.

Once you pass both tests, the DMV issues your AB60 license. You can usually pick it up within a few days, though some offices mail it instead. The license is valid for five years from the date of issue.

How insurance works with an AB60 license

You can buy car insurance with an AB60 license. Most major insurers — including State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate — will write a policy for you. Some smaller or regional insurers may decline, but the large carriers generally do not.

Insurance companies treat an AB60 license as a standard California license for coverage purposes. You are not in a separate risk category just because of how you obtained the license. However, your rate depends on the same factors as anyone else: your driving record, age, type of vehicle, coverage limits, and claims history.

If you have had a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple accidents, an insurer may require you to carry an SR22 — a form that proves you are carrying the state's minimum liability insurance. This is not unique to AB60 holders; any driver with certain violations may need one. An SR22 typically costs $15 to $25 to file and does not change your insurance rate, but it does mean your insurer will report your coverage status to the DMV.

Shop around. Rates vary significantly between insurers, and some may offer discounts for things like bundling home and auto coverage, paying in full, or completing a defensive driving course.

AB60 vs. a standard California driver's license

The two licenses are functionally identical once issued. Both allow you to drive anywhere in California, both are valid for five years, and both require the same renewal process. You renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV, just like any other driver.

The difference is only in what you bring to get it. A standard license requires a Social Security number or ITIN, proof of legal presence (like a passport showing citizenship, a green card, or a visa), and proof of residency. An AB60 license requires identity documents and proof of residency — but not proof of legal presence.

Some states do not recognize AB60 licenses for certain purposes. If you travel to another state and are pulled over, that state's law enforcement will see a valid California license and treat it as such. However, some states have their own rules about what licenses they will accept for things like opening a bank account or boarding a domestic flight. This is rare and usually does not affect driving.

What happens if you move out of California

Your AB60 license remains valid as long as you live in California. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. Most states will not issue a license without proof of legal presence, so you would need to meet that state's requirements — which may be stricter than California's.

If you move back to California later, you can renew your AB60 license or explore for a new one. The process is the same as your first process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB60 license if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from an AB60 license. The DMV looks at whether you are medically and physically fit to drive and whether you understand traffic laws. However, certain convictions — like a felony involving a vehicle or a DUI — may result in denial or suspension. Contact your local DMV to discuss your specific situation.

What if my passport or consular ID is expired?

An expired passport or consular ID can still be used to prove identity for an AB60 license. The DMV accepts expired documents as long as they clearly show who you are. Bring it along with other supporting documents if you are concerned about its condition.

Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB60 license?

No. You can use an ITIN, a passport, a consular ID, or other identity documents instead. A Social Security number is one option, but it is not required. The point of AB60 is that you do not need to prove legal presence, which a Social Security number might imply.

Will my AB60 license show up differently on a background check?

Your AB60 license will appear as a valid California driver's license on a background check. It does not flag you as having a different type of license. Employers, landlords, and other entities see only that you hold a current California license.

Can I use an AB60 license to fly domestically within the U.S.?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts AB60 licenses for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security just like any other state driver's license. However, you may be asked additional questions or asked to provide a second form of identification, depending on TSA procedures at the time.