Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a California driver license under AB 60

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license through a program created by Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. You do not need to prove citizenship or legal immigration status. Instead, you prove your identity and California residency using documents that do not require immigration authorization — such as a passport, consular ID, utility bills, or lease agreements.

The license itself is marked "Federal Limits explore" on the front, which means it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. It works for driving, opening a bank account, and most state-level identification needs. The license is valid for five years and renews the same way you obtained it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore for a California driver license without proving citizenship or legal immigration status if you can show identity and residency through alternative documents.
  • The AB 60 license is marked "Federal Limits explore" and cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel, but works for driving and most state identification needs.
  • You will need to pass the written test, vision test, and driving test just like any other applicant, and pay the standard license fee.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles does not share your information with immigration enforcement agencies under state law.

What documents prove your identity under AB 60

The DMV accepts a list of specific documents to prove identity without requiring a Social Security number or proof of legal status. A valid passport from any country is the strongest option. If you do not have a passport, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in the United States also works — Mexico's Matrícula Consular de Identidad, for example, is widely accepted.

If you have neither a passport nor consular ID, you can combine multiple documents from the DMV's list. These include a birth certificate, foreign driver license, school records, medical records, or employment records. The DMV requires at least one document showing your name and date of birth, plus a second document confirming your identity. The documents do not need to be in English, but the DMV may ask you to bring a certified translation.

How to prove California residency

You must show that you have lived in California for at least the past 30 days. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or government-issued mail with your name and address. A single document showing your current address is usually sufficient. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have documents in your name, you can use a document in someone else's name at your address — such as a family member's utility bill — along with a signed statement from that person confirming you live there. This is called a Declaration of Residency, and the DMV provides the form at any office or on its website.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

You must pass the same tests as any other applicant. The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs. The DMV offers the test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. You can request an interpreter if your language is not on the standard list, though availability varies by location.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. If you fail any test, you can retake it — there is no limit on attempts, though you must pay the test fee each time.

What happens with your personal information

California law prohibits the DMV from sharing your information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. The DMV does not ask about immigration status and does not report applicants to immigration authorities. Your address, identity documents, and other information you provide stay within the DMV's system unless you are convicted of a crime or the DMV receives a valid court order.

The DMV may share information with other state agencies for legitimate purposes — such as the Department of Child Support Services if you owe child support — but not with immigration enforcement. This protection applies whether you are explore for your first license or renewing an existing one.

The cost and timeline for getting your license

The fee for an AB 60 driver license is the same as a standard California license: currently $39 for a five-year license if you are under 62, though this amount changes periodically. You pay this fee when you submit your process at a DMV office. Some DMV offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce wait times.

After you pass all tests and pay the fee, the DMV mails your physical license to the address you provided. This usually takes two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that you can use for driving while you wait for the card to arrive. If you need your license sooner, some DMV offices offer a Real ID card or standard license with expedited mailing for an additional fee.

What you cannot do with an AB 60 license

The "Federal Limits explore" marking means you cannot use the license to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. You also cannot use it to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada — you will need a passport or passport card for that. Some employers and government agencies may not accept it as proof of identity for their own purposes, though California state agencies must accept it.

The license does work for driving in all 50 states and for most everyday needs: opening a bank account, renting an apartment, getting a job, or buying age-restricted items like alcohol or tobacco. If you need a form of ID that works for federal purposes, you would need to obtain a passport or passport card from your country of citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Obtaining a driver license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. The DMV does not share information with ICE. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration case, you may want to consult with an immigration attorney before explore, as they can advise you on your specific situation.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail or online?

You can renew online if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not changed your address. If your license is expiring soon or you need to update your information, you must visit a DMV office in person. Renewal fees are the same as the initial license fee.

What if I do not have a passport or consular ID?

You can use a combination of other documents from the DMV's approved list, such as a birth certificate and school records, or a foreign driver license and medical records. The DMV requires at least one document with your name and date of birth, plus a second document confirming your identity. Visit your local DMV office to confirm which documents you have will work.

Can I use my AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico?

No. You need a passport or passport card to cross an international border. An AB 60 license is valid only within the United States. You can obtain a passport from your country's consulate in California.

What if I lose my license or it gets stolen?

You can replace it at any DMV office by paying the replacement fee (currently $20) and showing proof of identity and residency again. You do not need to retake the tests. The DMV will issue a temporary paper license while your replacement card is mailed to you.