Yes, California allows you to get a driver's license without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, lets you obtain a driver's license if you meet the state's basic requirements — even if you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have legal immigration status. You do not need to prove you are in the country legally. The license is valid for driving only and does not grant you any immigration benefits or change your immigration status.

The process is the same as for any other California driver: you pass a written test, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The main difference is which documents you use to prove your identity and residency instead of a Social Security number or passport.

As of 2024, California has issued over 1.6 million AB 60 licenses. The program is straightforward, but the paperwork requirements are specific, and you need to know which documents the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will accept.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 law allows you to get a driver's license without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status.
  • You must prove your identity and California residency using documents the DMV accepts — a foreign passport, consular ID, or other official documents work, but a Social Security number is not required.
  • You still take the written test, vision test, and driving test just like any other new driver in California.
  • An AB 60 license is valid only for driving and does not affect your immigration case or status in any way.

What documents you need to prove identity and residency

Instead of a Social Security number, you will need to show the DMV two things: proof of identity and proof that you live in California. The DMV has a specific list of documents it accepts for each.

For identity, you can use a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID card from your home country, a foreign driver's license, or a birth certificate with a photo ID. The document must be current and not expired.

For California residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or other official mail showing your name and a California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, bank statement, or government mail also works.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If your documents are in another language, bring the original and an official English translation.

The written test, vision test, and driving test are the same

Once you have submitted your documents, you take California's written knowledge test, which covers traffic laws and safe driving. You can take it in English or one of several other languages the DMV offers. You must score at least 38 out of 46 questions correct to pass.

You also take a vision test at the DMV to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

After you pass both tests, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. This test is identical to the one any new driver takes — you drive a car and demonstrate that you can handle basic driving tasks safely. You can use your own car, a friend's car, or a driving school's car for the test.

Your AB 60 license is valid for driving only

An AB 60 license looks different from a standard California driver's license — it has a red stripe across the top and says "AB 60" on the front. It is a real, legal driver's license that lets you drive on California roads and is recognized by law enforcement.

However, it is valid for driving only. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or prove your identity for other purposes. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or another federal ID.

Getting an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status, does not help or hurt any immigration case you may have, and does not report you to immigration authorities. It is purely a driving document.

How to start the process at the DMV

Go to your local DMV office in person. You cannot start an AB 60 process online. Bring your identity document, your residency proof, and any other documents the DMV asks for. You may also want to bring a completed DL 44 form (the standard California driver's license process), though the DMV can provide one.

Tell the DMV staff that you are explore under AB 60. They will guide you through the process. You will pay the standard California driver's license fee, which varies but is typically around $39 for a four-year license.

Wait times at the DMV vary by location and time of day. Some offices are less crowded early in the morning or on weekday afternoons. You can check wait times online before you go.

Timeline from process to getting your license

After you pass your behind-the-wheel test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. The entire process — from your first visit to the DMV through passing the driving test — usually takes several weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many times you need to retake them.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can retake it. Many people pass on their first try, but some need two or three attempts.

What happens if you are stopped by police with an AB 60 license

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver's license. If you are stopped by police, show your license just as any other driver would. The red stripe and "AB 60" marking do not mean you have broken any law or that you are in the country illegally — it straightforward tells the officer that you obtained your license under that program.

Police in California are not immigration agents. A traffic stop for a broken taillight or speeding ticket does not automatically trigger an immigration check. However, if you are arrested for a crime, immigration authorities may become involved depending on the circumstances. Having a valid driver's license does not protect you from immigration enforcement, but it also does not increase your risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license hurt my immigration case?

No. An AB 60 license does not report you to immigration authorities, does not change your immigration status, and does not help or hurt any pending immigration case. It is a state driving document only. If you are working with an immigration attorney, you can mention that you obtained a license, but it will not affect your case.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

No. You must renew in person at the DMV, just like your first process. You will need to bring updated residency proof and your current license. AB 60 licenses are valid for four years, so you will need to renew every four years.

What if my identity document is expired?

The DMV prefers current documents, but an expired foreign passport or consular ID may still be accepted as proof of identity. Call your local DMV office before you go to ask whether your specific document will work.

Can I use an AB 60 license to rent a car?

Most car rental companies will not rent to you with an AB 60 license because it is not accepted for federal purposes. Some smaller or local rental agencies may accept it, but you should call ahead and ask. A passport may work instead.

Do I need to speak English to take the written test?

No. The DMV offers the written test in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and several other languages. Tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive.