Yes, California issues driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license through a program called AB 60, which has been in effect since 2015. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to get one. The license looks and functions like any other California driver's license — you can use it to drive legally, and many businesses accept it as a form of identification.

The main difference is that an AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building. It is designed specifically for driving and identification within California. If you are undocumented and want to drive legally in the state, this is the path available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 program lets undocumented immigrants get a driver's license without proof of legal status or a Social Security number.
  • You will need to prove your identity, California residency, and that you meet the age and vision requirements — the same as any other driver.
  • The process process happens at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you can bring documents like a passport, consular ID, or birth certificate to prove who you are.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like flying domestically or entering federal buildings, but it is valid for driving and most everyday identification needs.
  • Processing typically takes a few weeks, and you will need to pass a written test and a driving test just like other applicants.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires you to prove three things: your identity, your California residency, and that you meet the age and vision requirements. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal status.

For identity, you can bring a passport, a consular ID (issued by your country's consulate), a birth certificate, or a combination of documents that together establish who you are. The DMV accepts documents from other countries. If you have a passport, that is usually the simplest option because it covers both identity and citizenship information in one document.

For California residency, bring something that shows your name and a California address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or tax return all work. The document should be recent, typically from the last two months. If you do not have utilities in your name, a letter from someone you live with stating your address can sometimes work, but call your local DMV first to confirm what they will accept.

You will also need to pass an eye exam at the DMV, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, though it is not required.

The written test and driving test

After you submit your documents, you will take the written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. You can take this test in multiple languages — the DMV offers it in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and several others. You need to pass with a score of at least 38 out of 46 questions.

If you pass the written test, you will then schedule a driving test. During the driving test, a DMV examiner rides with you in your vehicle and watches you drive for about 20 minutes. They are checking that you can handle basic driving tasks safely — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and someone with a valid license must accompany you to the test location (they cannot ride during the actual test).

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can try, though you will pay the test fee each time.

How to start the process at the DMV

Go to your local DMV office in person — you cannot do this entirely online or by mail. Bring all your documents (identity, residency proof, and any glasses you need). You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on the California DMV website.

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are explore for an AB 60 license. They will take your documents, verify your identity and residency, and have you take the eye exam. If everything checks out, you will pay the license fee (currently $39 for a four-year license, though this can change) and schedule your written test.

You do not need to make an appointment in advance for most DMV offices, but some locations now use an online appointment system. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available or required.

Timeline and what happens after you pass the tests

The written test usually happens the same day or within a few days of your first visit. Once you pass it, the DMV will schedule your driving test, which typically happens within two to four weeks depending on how busy your local office is.

After you pass the driving test, your license is usually ready within two to three weeks. The DMV will mail it to the address you provided. Some offices offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Your AB 60 license is valid for four years. When it expires, you can renew it by mail or online — you do not have to go back to the DMV in person for renewal.

What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license

You can use an AB 60 license to drive legally in California, and most businesses accept it as a form of identification for everyday purposes like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or buying age-restricted items. Many employers accept it as proof of identity for hiring purposes.

You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or explore for federal benefits. If you need to fly within the United States, you would need a passport or another federally acceptable ID. Some states have agreements with California about accepting AB 60 licenses for certain purposes, but this varies.

The license does not change your immigration status or create any legal record that could be used against you in immigration proceedings. The DMV does not share your information with immigration authorities.

If you already have an out-of-state license

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can convert it to an AB 60 California license. Bring your out-of-state license along with your identity and residency documents. You will still need to pass the written test and the driving test, just like a first-time applicant. You cannot straightforward exchange your out-of-state license for a California one without testing.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you can still use it as part of your identity proof, but you will go through the full testing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with immigration authorities. Getting a license does not create a legal record that can be used against you in immigration proceedings. However, if you have an active immigration case, you may want to consult with an immigration attorney before explore, just to be certain about your specific situation.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You do not need one. AB 60 licenses are issued without a Social Security number. The DMV will assign you an ID number instead. This is the whole point of the AB 60 program — it removes the Social Security requirement that used to block undocumented immigrants from getting licenses.

Can I use an AB 60 license to rent a car?

Some rental car companies accept AB 60 licenses, but not all. Call ahead to ask. Many major companies do accept them, but policies vary by location and company. Having a passport or consular ID in addition to your license sometimes helps, as it provides a second form of identification.

What if I fail the driving test multiple times?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. Some people find it helpful to take a driving school course before retesting, though it is not required. The DMV website has practice materials for the written test if you want to study before your next attempt.

Do I need to have car insurance to get the license?

You do not need insurance to get the license itself. However, you must have insurance to legally drive in California — that is true for everyone, regardless of immigration status. When you take your driving test, you need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, but the insurance does not have to be in your name.