California lets you get a driver's license without proving you're a U.S. citizen or legal resident

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, allows anyone to obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status. You do not need to prove citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or any specific visa category. The state issues the same standard driver's license to all applicants who meet the age, vision, and driving knowledge requirements — the only difference is a marking on the card that indicates it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

The process itself is identical to any other California driver's license process. You go to the DMV, pass a written test and driving test, and pay the standard fees. The main difference is in which documents you use to prove your identity and California residency, since you won't have a Social Security number or passport from the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues standard driver's licenses to people without legal residency status under AB 60, with no citizenship requirement.
  • You must prove identity and California residency using documents from your home country, such as a passport, national ID card, or consular documents.
  • The license will be marked as valid for state purposes only and cannot be used for federal identification like boarding domestic flights.
  • You still must pass the written knowledge test, vision screening, and behind-the-wheel driving test just like any other applicant.
  • Fees are the same as a standard California license, and you can renew by mail or online if you maintain a valid address in California.

What documents you need to prove identity and residency

The DMV accepts a range of documents from your home country to establish who you are and that you live in California. For identity, you can use a valid passport, national ID card, consular ID card, or similar government-issued document from your country of origin. The document must have your photograph, signature, and date of birth on it.

For proof of California residency, you need two documents that show your current address in the state. These can include utility bills, rental agreements, bank statements, insurance documents, or letters from government agencies — the same types of documents any California resident uses. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address clearly. If you don't have two separate documents, some people use one residency document plus a second form of ID that shows the same address.

Bring originals or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies of identity documents unless they are certified by a consulate or notary. If your documents are in another language, bring the originals plus an English translation certified by a notary public or consulate.

The AB 60 license marking and what it means for you

Your California driver's license will have a marking that indicates it is valid for state purposes only. This means you can use it to drive in California, rent a car, open a bank account, or show it as ID in most everyday situations. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building that requires ID, or use it as proof of identity for certain federal programs.

The marking does not identify your immigration status or reveal anything about how you obtained the license. It straightforward tells federal agencies that this license was not issued under federal Real ID standards, which require proof of lawful status. Many states issue licenses with this same marking for various reasons — it is not unique to AB 60 holders.

If you need to fly domestically, you can use a valid passport from your home country, a consular ID card, or an Enhanced Driver's License if your state offers one. Some people also carry a state ID card in addition to their driver's license for situations where a federal ID is required.

Steps to get your AB 60 license at the DMV

Start by scheduling an appointment on the California DMV website or calling your local office. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. Bring your identity document, two proofs of California residency, a completed DL 44 form (the standard driver's license process), and payment for the license fee, which varies by age and license type but is the same for all applicants regardless of status.

At your appointment, you will take a written knowledge test on California traffic laws. The test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others — ask the DMV which languages they offer at your location. You must score at least 38 out of 46 questions to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

After passing the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test. This is a separate appointment, usually within a few weeks. You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and a licensed driver to accompany you to the test location. During the test, a DMV examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. If you pass, your license is issued that day or mailed to your address within a few weeks.

What happens if you don't have a Social Security number

You do not need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license. On the DL 44 process form, you can leave the Social Security number field blank or write "None." The DMV will process your process without it. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, you can provide that instead, but it is not required.

Some DMV offices may ask why you don't have a Social Security number. You can straightforward say you don't have one — you are not required to explain your immigration status or provide any additional documentation about it. The DMV's job is to verify that you meet the age, residency, and driving knowledge requirements, not to investigate your legal status.

Renewing your AB 60 license and keeping your address current

Your AB 60 license is valid for the same length of time as a standard California license — typically five years for adults under 70. You can renew it by mail or online if you have not had any changes to your name, address, or vision requirements. If you move within California, you must update your address with the DMV within 10 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

If you move out of California, your license becomes invalid in that state. If you move to another state and want to drive there, you will need to get a license from that state. Some states have similar laws allowing licenses without proof of legal status, but many do not — check the rules in your new state before you move.

When you renew, bring the same types of documents you used for your original process: your identity document and two proofs of current California residency. If you renew by mail, the DMV will send you a renewal form and instructions on which documents to include with your process.

Insurance and registration with an AB 60 license

You can register a vehicle and buy auto insurance with an AB 60 license. Insurance companies are required by California law to issue policies to anyone with a valid driver's license, regardless of immigration status. You will need to provide your driver's license number, vehicle information, and driving history when you get a quote.

Some insurance companies may ask for a Social Security number or ITIN on the process form. If you don't have either, ask the company if they have an alternative process — many will accept an Individual Identification Number (IIN) or allow you to leave the field blank. If a company refuses to insure you because you don't have a Social Security number, that is illegal under California law, and you can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance.

Vehicle registration works the same way. You can register a car at your local DMV office or online using your AB 60 license. You will need proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and payment for registration fees. The registration will be issued in your name just like any other registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight?

No. The AB 60 marking means your license is not accepted for federal purposes, which includes boarding domestic flights. You can use a valid passport from your home country, a consular ID card, or a Trusted Traveler card if you have one. Some people also carry an Enhanced Driver's License from another state if they have one.

What if my identity document is expired?

The DMV will accept an expired passport or national ID card as long as it is still readable and shows your photograph and signature clearly. The document does not need to be current — it just needs to prove who you are. If it is damaged or the information is unclear, bring it anyway and ask the DMV staff if they can read it.

Do I have to tell the DMV about my immigration status?

No. The DMV does not ask about immigration status, and you are not required to volunteer that information. The only questions on the process are about your age, residency, vision, medical conditions, and driving history. You can answer honestly without disclosing anything about how you entered the country or your legal status.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I'm under 18?

Yes. The age requirement is the same for all applicants — you must be at least 16 to get a learner's permit and 17 to get a full license (or 18 in some cases depending on when you pass your test). You will need parental consent if you're under 18, and your parent or guardian must sign the DL 44 form. Bring the same identity and residency documents as an adult would.

What if I don't pass the written test on my first try?

You can retake the written test the same day at most DMV offices, or schedule another appointment within a few days. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Many people study using the California DMV handbook, which is available online in multiple languages. Some community organizations also offer free DMV test prep classes in Spanish and other languages.