California Issues Driver's Licenses to People Without Legal Immigration Status

California allows people without legal immigration status to obtain a driver's license through the AB 60 program, which launched in 2015. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent resident status. The state issues these licenses under the same rules as standard licenses — they are valid for driving and identification within California, but federal law prevents them from being used for air travel, entry to federal buildings, or crossing international borders.

The license itself looks identical to a standard California driver's license except for a small marking that indicates it was issued under AB 60. Insurance companies, employers, and most businesses treat it as a regular license for their purposes. The main practical difference is what you cannot use it for, not what you can.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 program allows you to get a driver's license without proof of legal immigration status, using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport instead.
  • You must pass the written test, vision test, and driving test just like any other applicant, and you must show proof of California residency through documents like utility bills or rental agreements.
  • The license is valid for driving and most identification purposes in California but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not report your immigration status to immigration enforcement agencies, and the information you provide is protected under state privacy law.

What Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two main categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a valid passport from any country, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID card, or a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your name and date of birth. The document does not have to be in English — the DMV accepts foreign-language documents.

For proof of residency, bring documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and a California address. Utility bills, rental agreements, lease documents, bank statements, or government mail all work. You will also need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport. If you do not have an ITIN, you can obtain one from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing a tax return, even if you have no income — many tax preparation nonprofits help people file for free.

Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. The DMV will not accept photocopies unless they are certified. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation, or the DMV can use its own translator at no cost to you.

The Written Test, Vision Test, and Driving Test

Once you have submitted your documents, you take the same tests as any other applicant. The written test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can take it in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, or Hmong. The DMV provides a free study guide in all these languages on its website.

You must also pass a vision test — the DMV checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you can return with corrective lenses or a doctor's note explaining your vision status.

After passing the written and vision tests, you schedule a driving test with a DMV examiner. You provide your own vehicle, which must be registered and insured. The examiner watches you drive for about 20 minutes and scores your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You can take the driving test in English or Spanish.

How Long the Process Takes and What It Costs

The entire process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how busy your local DMV office is and how quickly you can gather documents and schedule tests. Many DMV offices have long wait times, so plan ahead. You can make an appointment online through the DMV website, which usually gets you in faster than walking in without one.

The fee for an AB 60 driver's license is the same as a standard California license: $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee when you pass all tests and are ready to receive your license. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can test, but you must pay the test fee each time — currently $20 per attempt. You can schedule a retest when ready after failing, or wait and try again later.

Privacy and Reporting to Immigration Authorities

California state law protects the information you provide to the DMV. The DMV does not share your immigration status or personal information with federal immigration enforcement agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless you are convicted of certain serious crimes or there is a court order. This protection is separate from your right to refuse consent to a search — it is a legal barrier that prevents the DMV from voluntarily handing over your data.

The DMV's database is separate from federal immigration databases. Getting an AB 60 license does not trigger any immigration investigation or alert. Your information stays in California's system unless a specific legal process — such as a subpoena or warrant — requires it to be shared.

You should know that other agencies may have different rules. For example, if you are stopped by police and provide your AB 60 license, local law enforcement may have their own policies about reporting immigration status. California's sanctuary law limits what local police can do with immigration information, but it is worth understanding your local police department's specific policies.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

Your AB 60 license expires on the date printed on it — either four or eight years after you receive it, depending on which term you chose. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, just like a standard license. You do not need to retake the written or driving test to renew — you only need to update your address if you have moved and pay the renewal fee.

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will send your new license to the address you provide. If you renew in person, you can pick it up at the DMV office. The renewal process is the same whether you have legal immigration status or not.

What You Cannot Use an AB 60 License For

Federal law prevents AB 60 licenses from being used for certain purposes, even though California issues them. You cannot use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight within the United States, enter a federal building that requires identification, or cross an international border. If you need to travel by air, you will need a passport or another federally accepted form of identification.

Some private businesses — such as banks opening accounts or certain employers — may have their own policies about what forms of ID they accept. An AB 60 license is a valid California ID for most purposes, but individual businesses can set stricter rules. It is worth asking ahead of time if you are unsure whether a specific business will accept it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you in court. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration case, you should discuss it with your immigration attorney before explore, because they may have specific information based on your situation.

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

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted for international border crossing. You need a valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license. If you need to cross the border, you will have to use your passport from your country of origin.

What happens if I am pulled over by police and show my AB 60 license?

Police will see that it is a valid California license and can use it to verify your identity and driving record. California's sanctuary law limits what local police can do with immigration information, but the specific rules vary by county and city. If you are concerned, you can ask your local police department about their policies on immigration reporting.

Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license?

No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have an ITIN, you can obtain one by filing a tax return with the IRS. Many nonprofits offer free tax preparation help and can information you in getting an ITIN.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been convicted of a crime?

Most convictions do not prevent you from getting a driver's license. However, certain serious crimes — such as human trafficking or drug manufacturing — can disqualify you. The DMV will tell you during the process process if there is a problem. If you have questions about your specific situation, you can contact your local DMV office or speak with a legal aid attorney.