California lets you get a driver license without a Social Security number or proof of legal immigration status

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, created a path to a driver license for people who cannot provide a Social Security number or documents proving legal presence in the United States. You do not need to be a citizen or have any particular immigration status. The license you receive is a standard California driver license — it works the same way as any other license for driving purposes, though it cannot be used as federal identification for air travel or entry to federal buildings.

The process itself is straightforward: you prove who you are, prove you live in California, pass the written test and road test, and pay the standard fees. The main difference from the standard path is which documents the DMV will accept to prove your identity and residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain a California driver license under AB 60 without a Social Security number, green card, or visa.
  • You must prove your identity with documents like a passport, consular ID, or birth certificate, and prove California residency with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • You take the same written and road tests as any other driver and pay the same fees.
  • The AB 60 license is valid for driving but cannot be used for federal identification purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

Documents you need to prove identity and residency

The DMV accepts a specific list of documents to prove who you are. These include a valid passport from any country, a consular ID (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, a foreign driver license, or a tribal ID. You need at least one document that shows your name and date of birth. If your document is not in English, bring the original and an official translation.

To prove you live in California, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. A piece of mail from your employer or school also works if it shows your name and address.

You do not need to bring a Social Security number, tax ID, or any document proving immigration status. The DMV will not ask for these things under AB 60.

The written test and road test are the same for everyone

Once you have submitted your identity and residency documents, you take the written knowledge test just like any other new driver. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. Study the California Driver Handbook — the same one used for all applicants — and schedule your test at your local DMV office.

After you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit and can begin practicing to drive. You then schedule a behind-the-wheel road test with a DMV examiner. This test is identical to the one taken by all new drivers: the examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks and checks your ability to follow traffic laws and handle the vehicle safely.

Fees and processing time

The fees for an AB 60 driver license are the same as for a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a new driver license costs around $39 for a four-year license or $59 for an eight-year license, though these amounts may change. You pay when you submit your process at the DMV.

Processing time varies depending on how busy your local DMV office is and whether your documents are complete. Most people receive their license in the mail within two to three weeks after passing the road test. If documents are missing or unclear, the DMV will contact you to ask for corrections or additional paperwork, which can extend the timeline.

What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license

An AB 60 driver license allows you to legally drive in California and throughout the United States. You can use it to rent a car, get car insurance, and prove your identity to police during a traffic stop. Insurance companies will write policies for AB 60 license holders on the same terms as any other driver.

The license cannot be used for federal identification purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal buildings. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or other federally accepted ID. For state purposes — getting a job, opening a bank account, or obtaining a state ID — the AB 60 license works normally.

Where to explore and what to bring

Visit your local California DMV office to explore. You can find the nearest office and check current wait times on the DMV website. Bring your original identity document (or a certified copy), your original residency proof document, and your Social Security number if you have one — though it is not required. Bring your learner's permit if you already have one.

You can make an appointment online through the DMV website, which usually reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, especially at busy locations. Bring all documents in person; you cannot explore by mail for an AB 60 license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. AB 60 does not ask about immigration history or status. The DMV will not report your information to immigration authorities. However, you should speak with an immigration attorney about how obtaining a license might affect your specific situation, as this is a legal question beyond what the DMV handles.

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

The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with immigration authorities. However, immigration law is complex and varies by individual circumstance. Before explore, consider speaking with an immigration attorney who can advise you based on your specific situation.

Can I renew an AB 60 license, or do I have to reapply each time?

You can renew your AB 60 license just like any other California driver license. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person at the DMV, depending on your license type and how much time remains before expiration. You do not have to retake the tests.

What if my identity document is expired?

An expired document can still be used to prove identity for an AB 60 license, as long as it clearly shows your name, date of birth, and photo. The DMV accepts expired passports and other expired ID documents for this purpose.

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

No. The DMV offers the written test in multiple languages. You can request the test in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Arabic, or several other languages when you schedule your appointment.