Yes, California issues driver's licenses to people without proof of legal residency status

California's AB 60 program lets you obtain a driver's license even if you cannot show proof of legal residency in the United States. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have a Social Security number. The state issues these licenses with the same validity period and driving privileges as standard licenses — they work for driving, not for federal identification like boarding a plane.

The program launched in 2015 and has issued millions of licenses. The license itself looks identical to a standard California license and carries no marking that indicates your residency status. Insurance companies, employers, and law enforcement treat it the same way they treat any other California driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 program issues regular driver's licenses to people without proof of legal U.S. residency, and the license carries no special marking or designation.
  • You must prove your identity, California residency, and that you pass a written and road test — the same requirements as any other applicant.
  • Proof of identity can include a foreign passport, consular ID, or other documents from your home country; proof of California residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • The license is valid for driving and insurance purposes but cannot be used for federal identification like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.

What documents you need to bring

You must prove three things: your identity, your date of birth, and that you live in California. The state accepts a wider range of documents than it does for standard licenses.

For identity, you can bring a foreign passport, a consular ID card from your home country's embassy or consulate, a national ID card, a birth certificate paired with another document, or a foreign driver's license. The document must show your name and date of birth clearly enough that staff can read it.

For proof of California residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents that together show your residency — for example, a library card and a letter from a community organization.

The written test and road test are the same as for any driver

You take the same written knowledge test that all California drivers take. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must pass with a score of at least 83 percent.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. This test is identical to the one given to any other applicant. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, merging — and rates your safety and control.

how the process works at the DMV

Visit your local California Department of Motor Vehicles office in person. You cannot complete an AB 60 process online or by mail. Bring all your identity and residency documents, your completed DL 44 form (the standard driver's license process), and any other documents the DMV requests.

The DMV staff will verify your documents, take your photograph and fingerprints, and administer the written test on the same visit if you are ready. If you pass the written test, you will schedule your road test for a later date. Processing times vary by location, but most people receive their license within two to four weeks after passing the road test.

What the license can and cannot be used for

An AB 60 license works for all driving purposes — it satisfies the legal requirement to carry a license while operating a vehicle, and insurance companies recognize it as valid proof of licensure. Police officers, employers, and other parties treat it identically to a standard California license.

The license cannot be used for federal identification purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access other services that require a Real ID. If you need federal identification, you would need to explore other options through your country's consulate or embassy.

Costs and timeline

The process fee for an AB 60 license is the same as for a standard California driver's license. As of 2024, that fee is $39 for an eight-year license, though fees can change. You pay this fee at the time you explore.

The timeline depends on how quickly you pass both tests. The written test can happen on your first visit. The road test is usually scheduled within one to three weeks. Once you pass the road test, the DMV mails your physical license to the address you provided, which typically takes another one to two weeks.

What happens if you are stopped by police

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver's license. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the officer will see a standard license and will not know your residency status unless you tell them. The license itself carries no marking or code that indicates anything other than that you are a licensed California driver.

Your license status does not change your rights or obligations during a traffic stop. You must provide your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance just as any other driver would. The license is not a document that immigration authorities use to determine residency status.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A driver's license is a state document for driving purposes only. It does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities use in deportation proceedings. However, you should speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation, as immigration law is complex and varies by case.

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

No. AB 60 licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring updated proof of California residency and pass a new written test. You do not need to take another road test unless the DMV requires it based on your driving record or age.

What if I do not have a foreign passport or consular ID?

The DMV accepts other identity documents, including a national ID card, a birth certificate paired with another form of ID, or a foreign driver's license. If you are unsure whether your documents will work, call your local DMV office before you visit, or bring what you have and ask staff whether it meets the requirements.

Does an AB 60 license work for insurance?

Yes. Insurance companies recognize AB 60 licenses as valid proof of licensure. You can purchase auto insurance using your AB 60 license, and the insurance will be valid. Some companies may ask additional questions during the process process, but the license itself is not a barrier to getting insured.

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

A California driver's license alone is not sufficient to cross an international border. You will need a valid passport or travel document from your home country. Check with the Mexican consulate or your country's travel authority for current border crossing requirements.