An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date you receive it

California's AB 60 license — officially called a Driving Privilege Card — lasts for five years, just like a standard California driver's license. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner. When those five years are up, you will need to renew it to keep driving legally in California.

The five-year validity period applies whether you are a first-time AB 60 holder or renewing one you already have. Your card will show both the issue date and the expiration date so you know exactly when you need to take action.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date the Department of Motor Vehicles issues it to you.
  • Your expiration date appears on the front of your card in the bottom right corner.
  • You can renew your AB 60 license up to six months before it expires, either in person or by mail.
  • Driving with an expired AB 60 license is illegal in California, even if you are otherwise permitted to drive.
  • The renewal process is the same as your original process — you will need to provide proof of California residency and identity documents again.

Where to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your AB 60 card. The expiration date is printed in the bottom right corner, usually formatted as MM/DD/YYYY. This is the last day your card is valid for driving. After midnight on that date, your license is expired.

If you cannot find your card or the print is unclear, you can also check your expiration date online through the California DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm your expiration date over the phone.

When to renew your AB 60 license

You can renew your AB 60 license starting six months before it expires. For example, if your card expires on March 15, 2026, you can begin the renewal process on September 15, 2025. This gives you a window to complete the renewal before your current card becomes invalid.

It is a good idea to start the renewal process at least a few weeks before your expiration date. Even if you renew close to the important date, the DMV will issue your new card with a new five-year validity period, so you will not lose any driving time if you plan ahead.

How to renew in person at the DMV

To renew your AB 60 license in person, visit your local DMV office with the same documents you brought for your original process: proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of identity (such as a passport or consulate ID), and your current AB 60 card. You will need to pay the renewal fee, which varies but is typically under $40.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a new card on the spot or mail it to you within a few weeks, depending on your local office's procedures. Bring your documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency or identity.

Renewing by mail

If your AB 60 license is still valid and you have not had any changes to your address, name, or other personal information, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact your local DMV office or check the California DMV website to see if mail renewal is available for AB 60 holders in your area, as policies can vary by county.

If mail renewal is an option, you will typically send in your current card, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee. The DMV will process your process and mail your new card to the address on file. This process usually takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you choose this route.

What happens if your AB 60 license expires

Driving with an expired AB 60 license is illegal in California. If you are stopped by law enforcement after your card expires, you can be cited for driving without a valid license, even though you hold an AB 60 card. This can result in a fine and other legal consequences.

If your card has expired but you are still may be able to access to hold an AB 60 license, you can renew it at any time — there is no penalty for renewing after the expiration date. However, you should not drive until your new card arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, contact your local DMV to ask about temporary driving privileges while your renewal is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my AB 60 renewal is being processed?

This depends on your local DMV office. Some offices issue a temporary permit or receipt that allows you to drive while your new card is in the mail. Call your local DMV before your expiration date to ask whether they offer this option and what documents you need to carry while you wait.

What if my address changed since I got my AB 60 license?

You must update your address before or during the renewal process. Bring proof of your new California residency (such as a recent utility bill or lease at your new address) along with your other renewal documents. The DMV will issue your new card with the updated address.

Do I need to take a new photo and vision test when I renew?

Yes. The DMV will take a new photo during renewal. A vision test is also required unless you renewed within the last five years and your vision has not changed. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them to your appointment.

Is the renewal fee the same as the original AB 60 process fee?

Renewal fees are typically lower than the original process fee. The exact amount varies by county and changes periodically. Contact your local DMV or check the California DMV website for the current renewal fee in your area.

What if I lost my AB 60 card before it expired?

You can request a replacement card from the DMV. Bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee (usually less than $20). The replacement card will have the same expiration date as your original card, not a new five-year period.