Who Can Get a California Driver's License

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license through the AB 60 program, officially called the AB 60 license. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to get one. The state issues the same license to both documented and undocumented drivers — there is no marking or distinction on the card itself.

This program has been in place since 2015. The license is valid for driving purposes only and does not grant work authorization, travel documents, or any immigration benefit. It is recognized by California law enforcement and can be used to rent a vehicle, open a bank account, or prove identity in non-federal contexts.

The main requirement is that you must be a California resident and pass the written and driving tests. You do not need a Social Security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or proof of legal status.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants under AB 60, with no legal status requirement and no marking on the card to show immigration status.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — the same documents required of all applicants.
  • You will take the same written and driving tests as any other driver and pay the same fees, which vary by license type and renewal cycle.
  • The AB 60 license is valid for driving and identity purposes in California but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you have not had any address changes, even if your immigration status has not changed.

Documents You Need to Prove Residency

California requires proof of residency for all driver's license applicants, including those without legal status. You must bring documents that show your name and a California address. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts a range of documents for this purpose.

Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill (gas, electric, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's insurance policy, or a government-issued document with your address. The document must be dated within the past three months and show your current address.

If you do not have any of these documents in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a property owner or landlord stating that you live at that address. Some DMV offices also accept a combination of documents — for example, a utility bill in someone else's name plus a signed statement from that person confirming you live there. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm which documents they will accept.

What Documents to Bring to the DMV

You will need to bring your residency proof, a form of identification, and proof of your identity and date of birth. For identification, the DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your country of origin, or other government-issued documents from outside the United States.

If you bring a foreign passport, it must be valid or expired no more than five years ago. A consular ID card does not need to be current. You will also need to provide your date of birth and legal name — the DMV will record these as you provide them.

Bring your residency documents (utility bill, lease, or equivalent), your foreign ID, and the completed process form DL 44 (for a first-time license) or DL 43 (for a renewal). You can read these forms from the California DMV website or pick them up at any DMV office. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted for residency proof.

The Written and Driving Test Requirements

You must pass a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test. The written test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can request your test in any of these languages when you schedule your appointment.

The written test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the DMV office or on paper. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name — you can use someone else's car as long as the owner is present or gives you written permission. After you pass both tests, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks.

Fees and License Validity

The fee for a first-time driver's license in California is $39 if you are under 21, or $35 if you are 21 or older. This is the same fee charged to all applicants regardless of immigration status. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $20.

An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it by mail or online if you have not had any address changes and your license has not been suspended or revoked. Renewal by mail costs $35 and takes about two weeks. Online renewal is also $35 and is faster, though not all license types are may be able to access for online renewal — check the DMV website to confirm your may be able to access.

If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and the renewal fee. The process is the same as for any other driver.

What the AB 60 License Cannot Be Used For

The AB 60 license is not a federal document and cannot be used for purposes that require federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, explore for federal benefits, or cross an international border. If you need to travel by air within the United States, you will need a passport or a passport card from your country of origin.

The license also does not grant work authorization. If your employer requires proof of work may be able to access, you will need to provide other documents, such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you have one. The DMV does not issue work permits or immigration documents.

Some private businesses and organizations may not recognize the AB 60 license for certain purposes, such as purchasing alcohol or entering age-restricted venues. However, California law requires businesses to accept it as valid proof of identity and age for these purposes. If a business refuses to accept your AB 60 license, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV does not share immigration information with federal immigration authorities. Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status or create a record that can be used against you in immigration proceedings. The license is a state document issued for driving purposes only.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been deported or have a deportation order?

Yes. California law does not require the DMV to check immigration status or deportation history. However, if you are currently in removal proceedings or have an active deportation order, you should speak with an immigration attorney before explore, as the process process may create a record of your location or identity.

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

You can use other government-issued identification from your country of origin, such as a national ID card, a birth certificate with an official seal, a military ID, or a school ID issued by a government agency. The document must show your name and date of birth or be accompanied by a document that does. Call your local DMV office to confirm which documents they will accept.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail if I have not changed my address?

Yes. If your address has not changed and your license has not been suspended or revoked, you can renew by mail or online. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs $35. You do not need to visit a DMV office or retake the driving test.

What happens if I am pulled over by police with an AB 60 license?

The license is valid for driving purposes in California. Police will treat it the same as any other California driver's license. Having an AB 60 license does not give police any additional authority to stop you or question your immigration status. If you are stopped, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions about your immigration status.