California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Under AB 60

California's Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in January 2015, allows you to obtain a driver license even if you cannot prove legal residency in the United States. You do not need a Social Security number, a valid visa, or documentation of immigration status. Instead, you prove your identity and California residency using documents that are available to you regardless of immigration status.

The license you receive is a standard California driver license — not a special or marked document. It works the same way as any other license for driving purposes. However, it cannot be used as federal identification for air travel, entry to federal buildings, or other purposes that require REAL ID compliance. If you need federal ID, you would need to pursue that through separate channels.

The process is straightforward but requires specific documents in a specific order. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has trained staff at most field offices to handle AB 60 applications, though wait times and staff familiarity vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must prove your identity with a passport, consular ID, or other government-issued document from your country of origin, plus your date of birth and current address.
  • California residency is proven with documents like utility bills, lease agreements, tax returns, or bank statements — all dated within the past 12 months.
  • You do not need a Social Security number; the DMV will assign you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a DMV-issued number instead.
  • The AB 60 license cannot be used for federal identification purposes such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
  • Processing typically takes two to three weeks after you submit your process at a DMV field office.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

For identity proof, bring one of the following: a valid passport from any country, a consular identification card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate, a national ID card from your country of origin, or a birth certificate plus an additional document showing your name and date of birth (such as a marriage certificate or school record). The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

For residency proof, bring two documents dated within the last 12 months that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a property tax bill, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, a pay stub, a tax return, an insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A single document showing both your name and address counts as one; you need two separate documents.

You will also need to provide your date of birth and current address. Bring the documents in person to a DMV field office — you cannot submit them by mail for an AB 60 process.

Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Start by scheduling an appointment through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted but typically face longer waits. When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are explore under AB 60.

The DMV will ask you to complete Form DL 44 (process for a Driver License or Identification Card). On this form, you will leave the Social Security number field blank or write "none." The DMV will then assign you an identification number for their records — either an ITIN if you have one, or a DMV-specific number.

You will take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. The test is offered in multiple languages. You will also take an eye exam at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

After passing the written and vision tests, you will have your photo taken and pay the license fee. As of 2024, a standard driver license costs $39 for an eight-year term. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amount when you schedule your appointment.

The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. Your permanent license typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Differences Between AB 60 Licenses and Standard Licenses

An AB 60 license looks identical to a standard California driver license. It has the same format, the same security features, and the same expiration period (eight years for most adults). You use it the same way to drive legally in California and other states.

The key difference is what it cannot do. A standard California driver license is REAL ID compliant, meaning it can be used for federal purposes: boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, accessing military bases, and other federal ID requirements. An AB 60 license is not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used for these purposes.

If you need federal identification, you would need to obtain a passport from your country of origin or explore for a REAL ID through a different process — which typically requires proof of legal residency and is not an option under AB 60.

For all other purposes — driving, proving your age to purchase age-restricted items, renting a car, or opening a bank account — the AB 60 license functions identically to a standard license.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

Your AB 60 license expires eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV field office, depending on your circumstances. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to bring documents again — the DMV has your information on file.

If you renew in person, bring the same residency documents you brought for your original process (two documents dated within the past 12 months showing your name and California address). You will not need to retake the written or vision test unless the DMV requires it based on your age or driving record.

Renewal fees are the same as the original license fee. The DMV typically sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires, so watch for mail from them. You can also check your expiration date on the DMV website using your license number.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent problem is bringing documents that do not meet the DMV's requirements. Utility bills must show your name and address and be dated within the last 12 months — a bill from 13 months ago will not be accepted. Lease agreements must be signed and show both your name and the property address. If your name does not appear on a document, it will not count toward your residency requirement.

Another common issue is arriving without an appointment during peak hours. DMV wait times for AB 60 applications can exceed two hours at busy locations. Scheduling an appointment online reduces your wait time significantly and is free.

Some applicants bring only one residency document or bring documents that are expired or undated. The DMV will not process your process if you do not have two valid residency documents. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the DMV before your appointment and describe it to a staff member.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for retakes. You have up to three attempts to pass before you must wait and reapply.

Where to Find Help and Additional Resources

The California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) has information about AB 60 in English and Spanish. You can schedule appointments, check processing times by location, and read Form DL 44 before you arrive.

If you need help understanding the requirements or preparing your documents, contact a local legal aid organization or immigrant advocacy group. Many offer free consultations and can review your documents before you go to the DMV. Organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRR) and local community centers often provide this service at no cost.

The DMV's phone line (1-800-777-0133) can answer questions about which documents are acceptable and help you schedule an appointment. Call during business hours — wait times are typically shorter in the early morning or mid-afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An AB 60 license is not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. You would need a valid passport from your country of origin or another federally accepted ID. Some airports accept a passport card or a consular ID for boarding, so check with your airline before your flight.

What if I don't have a passport or consular ID?

You can use a national ID card from your country of origin, a birth certificate paired with another document showing your name and date of birth, or a school record or marriage certificate. The DMV accepts a range of identity documents — call ahead to describe what you have and confirm it will work.

Do I need to report my AB 60 license to immigration authorities?

No. Obtaining a driver license does not trigger any immigration reporting or investigation. The DMV does not share license information with immigration enforcement agencies. Your license is a state document for driving purposes only.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I'm currently in removal proceedings?

Yes. Immigration status or pending cases do not disqualify you from obtaining a driver license under AB 60. The DMV does not check immigration status or court records. However, consult with an immigration attorney about whether obtaining a license affects your case, as this depends on your specific situation.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days on the day you pass your tests and pay the fee. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address and typically arrives within two to three weeks. Processing times vary by location and current DMV workload.