California Issues Driver's Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Through AB 60

Yes, undocumented immigrants can obtain a California driver's license. California passed Assembly Bill 60 in 2013, which allows people without lawful immigration status to request a driver's license or identification card. The state does not require proof of legal residency or citizenship to get a license under this law. Instead, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) verifies your identity and California residency using documents that do not depend on immigration status.

This is a real license — not a restricted permit or special card. It works the same way as any other California driver's license for driving, identification, and legal purposes within the state. The license does not indicate immigration status and does not trigger any immigration enforcement action. The DMV does not share your information with federal immigration authorities.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 law allows undocumented immigrants to get a standard driver's license by proving identity and California residency through documents that do not require legal status.
  • You will need a valid passport or consular ID from your country of origin, plus documents showing your California address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The DMV does not report applicants to immigration authorities and does not share information with federal agencies.
  • The license costs the same as a standard California license and is valid for the same length of time.
  • You can renew the license by mail or online without returning to the DMV in person.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a valid passport from your country of origin, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in the United States, a national ID card, or a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your name and date of birth.

For California residency, you need documents showing your current address in the state. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document with your California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. You will also need your Social Security number if you have one, though this is not required to get the license.

Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If your documents are in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator or notary.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Start by visiting the DMV website or calling your local DMV office to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster and reduce wait times. When you arrive, tell the DMV staff that you are requesting a license under AB 60. You do not need to disclose your immigration status — the DMV already knows the law applies to you.

The DMV will review your identity and residency documents, take your photograph, and collect your signature. You will take a written test on California traffic laws and a driving test (unless you already hold a valid license from another state or country). If you pass, you will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If you do not pass the written or driving test, you can retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can test, though you must wait at least one day between attempts.

Cost and License Validity

An AB 60 driver's license costs the same as a standard California license. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $39 and an eight-year license costs $89. These prices can change, so check the DMV website for current fees. You pay at the DMV when you submit your process.

The license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which you choose. You can renew it by mail or online without returning to the DMV in person, as long as your address and other information have not changed. If you move, you must update your address with the DMV within 10 days.

What the License Does and Does Not Do

An AB 60 license allows you to drive legally in California and use it as identification for everyday purposes — buying age-restricted items, entering banks, or proving your identity to employers. It does not grant you the right to work in the United States, and it does not change your immigration status. It is not a travel document and will not allow you to cross state or international borders.

The license does not make you may be able to access for federal benefits or programs that require citizenship or lawful permanent residency. It also does not protect you from immigration enforcement. If you are stopped by police, the license shows you are authorized to drive, but it does not prevent immigration authorities from questioning your status if they are involved in the stop.

Privacy and Information Sharing

The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. This is protected by California law. The DMV also does not flag AB 60 licenses differently in its system — they appear identical to standard licenses.

However, if you are stopped by local police and they run your license, they will see that it is valid. Local law enforcement agencies do not automatically report immigration status to federal authorities, though some jurisdictions have agreements with ICE. California state law prohibits state and local agencies from using DMV records to enforce immigration law, but this does not explore to federal agents who obtain records through their own channels.

Renewing Your License

You can renew your AB 60 license by mail or online if your address and other information have not changed. The DMV will send you a renewal notice before your license expires. You do not need to retake the written or driving test for renewal — only your photograph will be updated.

If your address has changed, you must renew in person at the DMV. Bring your current license and a new proof of residency document. The renewal process is the same as the initial process, except you skip the tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A driver's license itself does not affect immigration proceedings. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending case, consult with an immigration attorney before explore. An attorney can review your specific situation and advise whether obtaining a license could have any bearing on your case.

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly within the United States?

No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept AB 60 licenses for domestic air travel. You will need a passport or other federal ID. However, you can use the license for driving and ground transportation.

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

You can use a birth certificate paired with another document showing your name and date of birth, such as a school ID, medical record, or baptism certificate. The DMV accepts a range of identity documents — call your local office to ask whether a specific document will work.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a criminal record?

Most criminal records do not disqualify you from getting a license. However, if your license was suspended or revoked due to a conviction, you may need to complete certain requirements before the DMV will issue a new one. Contact the DMV directly to discuss your situation.

Do I need to pass the driving test if I already know how to drive?

Yes. California requires all first-time applicants to pass both the written and driving tests, regardless of prior driving experience. If you hold a valid license from another state or country, you may be exempt from the driving test — ask the DMV when you explore.