Yes, you can get a California driver's license without being a U.S. citizen or having legal immigration status

California allows anyone who meets the state's driving requirements to get a driver's license, regardless of immigration status. You do not need to prove citizenship or legal residency. The license is called an AB 60 license, named after the 2013 law that created it. It works the same way as a standard California license for driving purposes — you can use it to operate a vehicle legally in California and show proof of identity to police.

The main difference is what you cannot do with an AB 60 license: you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or cross the U.S. border. If you need to travel by air within the United States, you would need a passport or other federal travel document from your country of origin. For everyday driving, employment verification, or opening a bank account, the AB 60 license works like any other California license.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver's licenses to people without legal immigration status through the AB 60 program, and the license is valid for driving and identification purposes within the state.
  • You need to prove your identity and California residency, but not citizenship or legal status — acceptable identity documents include a foreign passport, consular ID, or birth certificate with a secondary ID.
  • The process process is the same as for any California driver's license: you visit a DMV office, pass a written test and driving test, and pay the standard fee.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or entering federal buildings, but it satisfies California's legal requirement to have a license when driving.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires proof of identity and proof of California residency. You do not need to show proof of citizenship or immigration status.

For proof of identity, you can bring a foreign passport, a consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate, a birth certificate paired with another form of ID, or a foreign driver's license. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo (if the document type normally includes one).

For proof of California residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A lease or rental agreement can be older if it is still active.

Bring your completed process for a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 44), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the DMV office. You will also need to pay the standard California driver's license fee, which varies depending on the license term you choose (typically four, six, or eight years).

The written test and driving test requirements

You must pass the same written knowledge test and driving test that all California applicants take. The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. The DMV website lists all available languages.

If you already have a valid driver's license from another country, you may be able to waive the written test in some cases, but you will still need to pass the driving test. The driving test involves operating a vehicle on public roads while a DMV examiner observes your ability to follow traffic laws and handle the vehicle safely.

You can prepare for the written test by studying the California Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website in multiple languages. Many people also use practice tests online or through DMV-approved study apps. There is no fee to take the written test multiple times if you do not pass on your first attempt.

How to schedule your DMV appointment

You must make an appointment at a California DMV office before you arrive. Walk-ins are not accepted for driver's license applications. You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-777-0133. The website allows you to choose your preferred DMV location and see available appointment times.

Appointment availability varies by location and time of year. Some DMV offices have shorter wait times than others. If your nearest office is fully booked, you may be able to travel to a different location with earlier availability. The DMV website shows wait times for each office so you can choose strategically.

Bring all required documents to your appointment, along with your completed Form DL 44. Arrive a few minutes early. The process typically takes one to two hours from check-in to completion of the written test, though the driving test may be scheduled for a different day depending on the office's schedule.

What happens after you pass the tests

Once you pass both the written and driving tests, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Your temporary license allows you to drive legally during this waiting period.

Your AB 60 license will be marked differently from a standard California license — it will have a different design or notation that indicates it was issued under AB 60. This marking does not affect its validity for driving or for most identification purposes within California, but it does signal to federal agencies that it cannot be used for federal purposes.

Renewing your AB 60 license

You renew an AB 60 license the same way you renew any California driver's license. The DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail when your license is about to expire. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your circumstances. Online renewal is available if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you meet other may be able to access requirements.

If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — you only need to pay the renewal fee and update any information that has changed, such as your address. If you renew in person, you may need to take a new photo and pass a vision test, but not the full written and driving tests.

Important limitations of an AB 60 license

An AB 60 license is valid for driving and for identification within California, but federal agencies do not recognize it. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or cross the U.S. border. If you need to travel by air, you will need a valid passport from your country of origin or another federally accepted travel document.

Some private businesses may also decline to accept an AB 60 license for certain purposes, though this is less common. For example, some banks or financial institutions may require additional documentation. However, California law prohibits discrimination based on the type of driver's license you hold, so most businesses that accept California driver's licenses will accept an AB 60 license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting a California driver's license affect my immigration case?

Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. However, the DMV does share some information with federal agencies in certain circumstances. If you have concerns about your specific situation, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney before explore.

Can I use an AB 60 license to open a bank account?

Many banks will accept an AB 60 license as proof of identity and California residency for opening an account. Some banks may ask for additional documentation. It is worth calling ahead to ask what documents a specific bank requires before you visit.

What if I already have a driver's license from another country?

You can still get a California AB 60 license. You do not need to surrender your foreign license. Having both licenses is legal. You may be able to waive the written test if your foreign license is valid, but you will still need to pass the California driving test.

How much does an AB 60 license cost?

The fee is the same as for any California driver's license. The cost depends on the license term you choose — typically ranging from around $36 for a four-year license to $64 for an eight-year license. Fees change periodically, so check the DMV website for current pricing.

Can I get a Real ID-compliant license without legal status?

No. Real ID licenses require proof of legal status in the United States. An AB 60 license is not Real ID-compliant. If you need a Real ID for federal purposes, you would need to establish legal immigration status first.