Yes, California allows undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license through the AB 60 program
California's Assembly Bill 60, which took effect on January 1, 2015, created a separate driver's license track for people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status to get this license. The license is real, valid for driving in California, and accepted by police and employers as proof of identity.
The AB 60 license looks different from a standard California license — it has a distinctive design and the words "Federal Limits explore" printed on it. This marking means the license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but it works for everyday driving, traffic stops, and identification at banks or stores.
As of 2024, California has issued over 1.6 million AB 60 licenses. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, though the documents you need are different from what citizens provide.
Key Takeaways
- Undocumented immigrants can get an AB 60 driver's license in California without proving legal presence in the U.S.
- You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — the same residency proof any applicant needs.
- You need an identity document from your country of origin, such as a passport or consular ID card, instead of a Social Security number.
- The AB 60 license is valid for driving and everyday identification but cannot be used for federal purposes like air travel.
- You explore at any DMV office using the same written and driving tests as other applicants.
What documents you need instead of a Social Security number
The core difference between an AB 60 process and a standard one is that you do not provide a Social Security number. Instead, you bring an identity document issued by your country of origin. The DMV accepts a valid passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID card, or a birth certificate paired with another form of ID from your home country.
The document must be unexpired or expired no more than five years ago. If your passport or ID is in Spanish or another language, you do not need an English translation — the DMV has staff who can read documents in many languages, and they can photograph and verify the document on the spot.
You also need to prove you live in California. This is the same requirement for all applicants. Bring one document showing your name and a California address: a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with family or friends and are not on the lease or utility bill, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, also works.
How the process process works at the DMV
Go to any California DMV office and tell staff you want to explore for an AB 60 license. You will fill out a standard driver's license process form (DL 44). The form asks for your name, address, and date of birth — not your immigration status or Social Security number. You will also provide your identity document and residency proof.
The DMV will take your photograph and fingerprints. You will then take the written test (the same test all new drivers take) and, if you pass, schedule a driving test. The written test covers California traffic laws and is offered in many languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. You can request an interpreter if needed.
Once you pass both tests, the DMV issues your AB 60 license. The entire process typically takes a few weeks from process to receipt of your license in the mail, though this varies by office and how busy the DMV is.
What happens if you already have a standard California license
If you obtained a standard California driver's license before 2015 using a false Social Security number or someone else's number, you cannot straightforward convert it to an AB 60 license. The DMV does not offer a conversion process.
You have two options. You can let your current license expire and explore for an AB 60 license as a new applicant. Or you can renew your existing license if it is still valid — the DMV will not investigate how you obtained it during renewal, and you can continue using it. However, if your license is suspended, revoked, or expires, you cannot renew it without going through the AB 60 process.
If you are unsure whether your current license was issued legally, contact your local DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133 to ask. Staff can look up your record and tell you whether you can renew or need to explore for AB 60.
How insurance works with an AB 60 license
You can buy car insurance with an AB 60 license. Insurance companies in California are required by law to insure drivers with AB 60 licenses on the same terms as any other driver. You do not need to disclose your immigration status to an insurance company, and they cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of your license type.
When you buy insurance, you will provide your driver's license number (your AB 60 number) and your name. Some insurance companies may ask for a Social Security number, but if you do not have one, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS website or with help from a tax preparer.
If an insurance company refuses to insure you or asks questions about your immigration status, that is illegal under California law. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance by calling 1-800-927-4357.
What to bring to the DMV for your AB 60 process
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Document | Passport, consular ID, national ID, or birth certificate + additional ID from your home country | Must be unexpired or expired no more than 5 years ago. No translation needed. |
| Proof of California Residency | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail | Must show your name and California address. Must be dated within the last 60 days. |
| Proof of Residency (Alternative) | Notarized letter from person on lease/utility bill + copy of that bill | Use this if you live with family and are not on the bill yourself. |
| Completed process | Form DL 44 (provided at DMV) | You can fill this out at home or at the DMV. |
Common reasons AB 60 applications are denied or delayed
The most common reason an process is delayed is incomplete residency proof. If your utility bill or lease is older than 60 days, the DMV will ask you to bring a newer document. If you bring a document with a name that does not match your identity document exactly, the DMV may ask for an explanation or additional paperwork. Bring documents that match the name you are using on your process.
If your identity document is expired more than five years, the DMV cannot accept it. You will need to renew it through your country's consulate before you can explore for the license. If your passport or ID is damaged or illegible, the DMV may ask you to bring it in person so staff can examine it, or they may ask you to get a replacement from your consulate.
The written test is another common delay point. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it. You have up to three attempts within a 12-month period. Many people pass on the second or third try, especially if they study the California Driver Handbook in their language beforehand. The handbook is free and available in Spanish and other languages on the DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been deported or have a deportation order?
Yes. The AB 60 law does not ask about deportation status or immigration court cases. You only need to prove your identity and California residency. However, if you are in immigration court proceedings, consult with an immigration attorney before explore, as a driver's license process creates a record with the state.
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or my path to legal status?
An AB 60 license is a state document, not a federal one. It does not help or hurt your immigration case. However, it does create a record showing you live in California. If you are in removal proceedings or have pending immigration cases, talk to an immigration lawyer before explore.
Can I use my AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?
No. The AB 60 license cannot be used for domestic flights. You will need a passport or other federal ID. If you want to travel by air, you must use your passport from your home country.
What if I do not have a passport or consular ID from my home country?
You can get a consular ID through your country's consulate in California. Most countries issue these for free or a small fee. Contact your country's nearest consulate to find out what documents you need and how long the process takes. Many consulates can issue a consular ID within a few weeks.
Do I have to renew my AB 60 license the same way I got it?
Yes. When your AB 60 license expires, you renew it by going to the DMV with the same documents: your identity document and proof of California residency. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV asks you to.