Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a California driver's license under a program called AB 60
California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license through AB 60, a state law that went into effect in 2015. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to get one. The license is valid for driving only — it does not grant work authorization or change your immigration status, and it does not appear on any federal database that immigration enforcement can access.
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 California residency, since you will not have a Social Security number or passport.
Key Takeaways
- AB 60 licenses are legal California driver's licenses that work for driving, banking, and some other purposes, but they are not federal Real ID documents and cannot be used for air travel or federal building entry.
- You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, and prove identity with a passport, consulate ID, or other document from your home country.
- The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration authorities, and the license itself does not flag your immigration status.
- You pay the same fees as any other California driver and must pass the same written, vision, and driving tests.
- An AB 60 license cannot be used for air travel, federal building access, or any purpose that requires a Real ID, but it works for in-state driving, car insurance, and banking.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
You will need to prove two things: your identity and that you live in California. For identity, bring a passport, a consulate-issued ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your home country, or a birth certificate with a photo ID. The document must be in your current name or show a legal name change.
For California residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, credit card statement, or government mail with your name and address. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have two documents, a notarized letter from someone who lives with you can count as one of them.
Bring your completed DL 44 form (the standard process for a driver's license) or fill it out at the DMV. You will also need to pay the process fee, which is the same as for any other California license — currently around $39 for a five-year license, though this amount changes periodically.
How the AB 60 process process works at the DMV
Go to your local DMV office and tell the staff you are explore under AB 60. Bring your identity document and residency documents. The DMV will not ask about your immigration status, and staff are trained not to report applicants to immigration authorities. The DMV's policy is to keep AB 60 applicant information separate from federal databases.
You will take a written test on California traffic laws (available in multiple languages), a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You can take the written test on a computer or on paper. If you fail any test, you can retake it — there is no limit on attempts, though you may have to pay a retest fee.
Once you pass all three tests, the DMV will issue your AB 60 license. It looks like a standard California driver's license and is valid for five years. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, using the same residency documents.
What an AB 60 license can and cannot be used for
An AB 60 license works for driving in California and other states. You can use it to open a bank account, get car insurance, and rent a car. Some employers accept it as a form of identification for hiring purposes, though this varies by company and industry.
An AB 60 license is not a Real ID document. You cannot use it for air travel within the United States, entry to federal buildings, or access to military bases. If you need to travel by air, you would need a passport from your home country. Some states have begun accepting AB 60 licenses for certain purposes like voting registration, but this is not universal.
The license does not grant you work authorization. Your ability to work legally in the United States is determined by your immigration status, not by having a driver's license. An AB 60 license is purely for driving.
Privacy protections when you explore for an AB 60 license
The California DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. This is a state law requirement. The DMV keeps AB 60 records separate from the federal database that immigration authorities can access.
However, if you are pulled over by police and provide your AB 60 license, local law enforcement can see that it is an AB 60 license. Some local police departments have policies against reporting immigration status to ICE, but this varies by jurisdiction. If you are arrested or detained, you should not sign anything or answer questions without speaking to an immigration attorney first.
Your AB 60 license will not appear on background checks for employment or housing. It is treated like any other state driver's license for those purposes.
How to prepare for the written and driving tests
The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the California DMV handbook, which is available free online in English and multiple other languages at the DMV website. Many community organizations also offer free driving classes in Spanish and other languages.
For the behind-the-wheel test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member — the vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. Some driving schools offer test vehicles for a fee if you take lessons with them.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver's license in California. If you are under 18, you will first get a learner's permit and must hold it for at least six months before taking the driving test.
Costs and timeline for getting an AB 60 license
The process fee for a five-year driver's license is currently around $39, though this amount varies and may increase. If you need to retake the written or driving test, there is typically a retest fee of around $7 to $10 per test. Fees are subject to change, so check the California DMV website for current amounts.
The timeline depends on how busy your local DMV office is. You can usually get an appointment within a few weeks by booking online through the DMV website. Walk-in service is available but often has longer wait times. Once you pass all tests, you receive your license the same day or within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?
No. An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or affect any pending immigration cases. The DMV does not report applicants to immigration authorities. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending case, you should speak with an immigration attorney before explore, as they may have specific information based on your situation.
Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?
No. An AB 60 license is not a Real ID document and cannot be used for domestic air travel. You would need a passport from your home country. Some countries issue travel documents for citizens abroad; you can check with your country's consulate in California.
What if I do not have a passport or consulate ID?
You can use a national ID card from your home country, a birth certificate paired with a photo ID, or other identity documents issued by a foreign government. The DMV accepts a wide range of documents — call your local DMV office or check the website for a full list of acceptable documents if you are unsure.
Can I renew an AB 60 license by mail?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail using the same residency documents you used to get the original license. You do not have to retake the tests. Renewal is available up to 60 days before your license expires.
Do I need car insurance to get an AB 60 license?
No. You do not need insurance to get the license. However, California law requires all drivers to carry insurance while driving. You can get car insurance with an AB 60 license — most major insurers accept it as a valid form of identification.