Yes, California allows undocumented immigrants to get a driver license

California's AB 60 driver license is available to undocumented immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number, a visa, or proof of legal residency. The state treats AB 60 licenses the same as standard licenses for driving purposes — they are valid for the road and for identification at traffic stops.

The catch is that an AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or cross into Mexico or Canada at a land border. For those activities, you would need a passport or other federal-approved ID. But for driving in California, working, and everyday identification, an AB 60 license works like any other California license.

The process is nearly identical to a standard license: you pass a written test, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The main difference is the documents you bring to prove identity and California residency, since you cannot provide a Social Security number or immigration documents.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 license is open to undocumented immigrants and requires no Social Security number or visa.
  • An AB 60 license is valid for driving and state identification but cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or federal building entry.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements — not immigration status.
  • The written, vision, and driving tests are the same as for any California license, and you can take them in multiple languages.
  • Processing takes roughly two to three weeks after you pass all tests, and the license is valid for five years.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

You need to prove two things: who you are and that you live in California. You do not need to prove immigration status.

For identity, bring a document issued by your country of origin. This can be a passport, a national ID card, a consular ID (like a Mexican matricula consular), a birth certificate, or a driver license from another country. The document must have your photo, your name, and your date of birth. If it is not in English, bring the original plus a certified English translation.

For California residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. These can include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a pay stub, a property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.

You will also need to provide a California address on your process, even if you are currently homeless. If you do not have a permanent address, the DMV can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a general delivery address at your local post office.

How to schedule your DMV appointment and what to expect

You must schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are not accepted for AB 60 licenses. When you schedule, select "AB 60 License" as your transaction type. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in busy areas, so book as early as you can.

Bring all your documents in the order listed above, plus your completed process form (DL 44). You can fill this out online before your appointment or at the DMV. Bring the original documents and one copy of each residency document. If any document is not in English, bring both the original and a certified translation.

At your appointment, a DMV staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fingerprints. You will then take the written test (the permit test), which covers California traffic laws and road signs. You can take this test in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, or several other languages. You need a score of at least 38 out of 46 questions to pass.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. If you pass, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at a later date. The driving test is typically scheduled within two to four weeks.

Preparing for the written and driving tests

The written test covers the California Driver Handbook, which is available free online in multiple languages on the DMV website. Study the handbook for at least one week before your appointment. Focus on right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. Many people take practice tests online through the DMV website to build confidence.

For the behind-the-wheel test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be legal to drive. You can borrow a car from a friend or family member. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe, controlled driving — not perfection.

You can take the driving test in English or Spanish. If you need an interpreter for another language, contact your local DMV office at least two weeks before your test to request one.

What happens after you pass all tests

Once you pass the behind-the-wheel test, you are done. The DMV will process your license and mail it to the address you provided. This usually takes two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Renewal is simpler than the first license — you do not have to retake the tests unless the DMV asks you to.

Your AB 60 license will look slightly different from a standard California license. It will have the words "AB 60" printed on it. This marking does not affect your ability to drive or use it for state identification purposes, but it does mean you cannot use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

Using your AB 60 license for work and identification

An AB 60 license is accepted as valid identification by California employers, landlords, and police officers during traffic stops. You can use it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or get a job. Many employers accept it as proof of identity and work authorization under California law, though some large corporations or federal contractors may have their own policies.

If a police officer stops you while driving, your AB 60 license is valid proof that you are authorized to drive. You should carry it with you at all times while driving, just as you would any other license. An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or put you at risk during a traffic stop — it is a state-issued document that proves you passed the driving tests.

For activities that require federal ID — such as boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal courthouse, or crossing a land border — you will need a passport, a passport card, or a trusted traveler card (like NEXUS or SENTRI). An AB 60 license cannot be used for these purposes.

Common reasons the DMV may deny or delay your AB 60 process

The DMV may ask for more documents if your residency proof is unclear or if your identity document is hard to verify. If your documents are in a language other than English, make sure you bring certified translations — photocopies are not enough. If your identity document has expired, it may still be accepted, but bring it anyway and let the DMV staff decide.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can test again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test.

The DMV will deny your process if you cannot prove California residency or if your identity document is fraudulent or unverifiable. If your process is denied, the DMV will tell you why in writing and explain how to appeal or reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or put me at risk?

An AB 60 license is a state document and does not affect your immigration status or case. It does not create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. However, if you are concerned about your specific situation, speak with an immigration attorney before explore.

Can I use an AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico?

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted at land borders. To cross into Mexico, you need a passport, a passport card, or a trusted traveler card like SENTRI. You can still drive to the border with your AB 60 license, but you cannot cross it.

What if I do not have two documents to prove California residency?

Contact your local DMV office and explain your situation. The DMV may accept alternative documents, such as a letter from a shelter, a school enrollment letter, or a utility bill in someone else's name if you can explain your relationship to that person. Each case is reviewed individually.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail or online?

Yes. After your first license, you can renew by mail or online if you have not had any major changes (like a new address or a name change). The renewal process is faster and does not require you to retake the tests or visit the DMV in person.

How much does an AB 60 license cost?

The fee varies depending on the length of validity you choose. A five-year license costs less per year than a shorter license. Check the California DMV website for current fees, as they change periodically. Some counties offer fee reductions for low-income applicants — ask at your local DMV office.