California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Through AB 60
California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license under Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal residency to get one. The state issues two types of licenses under this law: a standard AB 60 license and an AB 60 license with a federal REAL ID mark (the gold star). Both are valid for driving in California, but only the REAL ID version works for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering military bases.
The process is the same as for any other California driver license applicant — you visit the DMV, pass a written test and driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and California residency. The main difference is which documents you can use to prove who you are and where you live.
Key Takeaways
- California issues AB 60 driver licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring a Social Security number or proof of legal status.
- You must prove your identity with a passport, consular ID, or other government-issued document from your home country, and prove California residency with utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements.
- An AB 60 license with the REAL ID star allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings, while a standard AB 60 license is valid only for driving in California.
- The written and driving tests are the same for all applicants, and you can take the written test in your choice of languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others.
Documents You Need to Prove Identity
You must bring a government-issued photo ID from your home country. A valid passport is the most straightforward option. If you do not have a passport, you can use a consular ID card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate in California. Some applicants also use a national ID card, driver license from another country, or military ID from their home country.
The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago. The DMV will make a copy and keep it on file. If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation, or the DMV can refer you to a certified translator.
Documents You Need to Prove California Residency
You must show that you have lived in California for at least 30 days. Bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, a pay stub from a California employer, or a government document like a tax return or court document.
The documents do not have to be recent — a utility bill from three months ago counts — but they must show your current address. If you have just moved, bring one document with your old address and one with your new address to show the move was recent. A letter from a shelter, religious organization, or social services agency can also count as proof of residency if you are unhoused.
The Written Test and Driving Test
You take the same written test as any other applicant. The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, Hmong, Japanese, or Punjabi. You get 40 minutes to answer 36 multiple-choice questions and must answer at least 30 correctly to pass.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test appointment. During the driving test, a DMV examiner sits in your car while you drive on local roads. The examiner watches for safe handling, following traffic laws, and proper use of signals and mirrors. You must pass the driving test to receive your license.
You can take both tests in the language of your choice, and the DMV provides interpreters at no cost if you request one when you schedule your appointment.
AB 60 License Versus AB 60 REAL ID License
A standard AB 60 license is valid for driving in California and can be used as a form of identification in the state. It is not valid for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base.
An AB 60 license with the REAL ID star meets federal identification standards and works for domestic air travel and federal building access. To get the REAL ID version, you must provide additional proof of California residency — specifically, two documents instead of one — and your process is sent to federal authorities for a background check. The REAL ID version costs the same as the standard AB 60 license and takes the same amount of time to process.
If you are unsure which version to get, ask the DMV representative when you explore. Many people choose the REAL ID version because it gives them more options, even if they do not plan to fly soon.
What Happens at the DMV Appointment
Bring all your documents — your identity document, your residency documents, and your completed process form (DL 44). You can fill out the form online before you go, or the DMV will give you a blank one to fill out in the office. Bring your current driver license if you have one from another state or country.
At the appointment, a DMV representative will review your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, and have you sign your process. You will pay the license fee (the amount varies by license type and validity period). Then you will take the written test in the language of your choice. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test for a later date.
The entire process from process to receiving your license usually takes four to six weeks. You will receive your license by mail at the address you provided on your process.
Renewing Your AB 60 License
AB 60 licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — you just pay the renewal fee and submit a new photo if the DMV requests one.
If your address has changed since you got your license, update it when you renew. If you want to upgrade from a standard AB 60 license to an AB 60 REAL ID license during renewal, you can do that by providing the additional residency documents and paying any difference in fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an AB 60 license to get a job in California?
An AB 60 license is a valid form of identification and can be used for employment purposes in California. However, federal law requires employers to verify work authorization through the I-9 process, which is separate from your driver license. Your license alone does not prove you are authorized to work in the United States.
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration status?
No. California law protects the privacy of AB 60 applicants. The DMV does not share your information with immigration authorities unless required by a court order. Getting a driver license does not change your immigration status or put you at risk of deportation.
What if my passport or consular ID is expired?
You can use an expired passport or consular ID as long as it expired no more than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it through your country's consulate before you can use it at the DMV.
Can I get an AB 60 license if I do not have a fixed address?
Yes. If you are unhoused, you can use a letter from a shelter, religious organization, or social services agency as proof of residency. The letter must show your name and the organization's California address. Some DMV offices also accept a statement from a trusted contact who can verify you have been staying in California for at least 30 days.
How much does an AB 60 license cost?
The fee varies depending on the license type and how long it is valid. A standard five-year AB 60 license costs less than a REAL ID version. Exact fees change periodically, so check the California DMV website or call your local DMV office for current pricing.