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. The state does not require proof of citizenship or legal residency to get a license under this pathway. Instead, you must prove your identity and California residency using documents that do not depend on immigration status.

This is a state law, not a federal one. The federal government does not recognize AB 60 licenses as "Real ID" compliant for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings, but California treats them as valid for driving, vehicle registration, and all state purposes. The license itself looks identical to a standard California driver's license and carries no marking that distinguishes it.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are available to anyone who can prove identity and California residency, regardless of immigration status.
  • You must bring two documents proving residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and one document proving identity (such as a passport, consular ID, or birth certificate).
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles does not share information with immigration enforcement agencies under state law.
  • AB 60 licenses are valid for driving and vehicle registration in California but do not meet federal Real ID requirements for domestic air travel or federal building entry.

What Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles accepts a specific list of documents to prove identity and residency. For identity, you can use a valid passport (from any country), a consular identification card issued by your country's embassy or consulate, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a Temporary Visitor Driver's License if you already have one.

For residency, you need two documents showing your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, bank or credit card statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have two separate documents, a single document plus a declaration signed under penalty of perjury stating your address can work, though this is slower and may require an in-person interview.

You do not need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license. If you do not have one, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or leave the field blank. The DMV will issue a license either way.

How the AB 60 process Process Works

You can explore online through the California DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online process is fastest if you have all documents ready. You will create an account, upload photos of your identity and residency documents, and pay the license fee (currently $39 for a five-year license or $64 for a ten-year license, though prices vary). Payment is by credit or debit card.

If you explore online, the DMV will review your documents and either approve your process or ask for more information. If approved, you will receive a notice to visit a DMV office for a vision test and to have your photo taken. This appointment usually happens within two to four weeks. You must pass the written driving test and vision test at that appointment.

If you explore by mail, send your documents and a completed process form (DL 44) to the address listed on the DMV website. Processing takes longer by mail — typically four to six weeks. If you explore in person, you can complete the entire process in one visit if you bring all required documents, though wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location.

Privacy Protections and Information Sharing

California state law prohibits the DMV from sharing AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration enforcement agencies. This protection applies to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The DMV will not voluntarily provide your name, address, or license information to these agencies in response to routine inquiries.

However, this protection has limits. If a federal agency obtains a court order or subpoena, the DMV must comply. Additionally, if you are stopped by local law enforcement and they run your license through their system, they may see that you hold an AB 60 license, though local police are not required to report this to immigration authorities. Some local police departments have policies against cooperating with immigration enforcement, while others do not.

The DMV does share information with the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol, and other state and local law enforcement agencies for standard traffic and criminal justice purposes. Your AB 60 status does not prevent this sharing.

Differences Between AB 60 Licenses and Standard California Licenses

An AB 60 license is valid for all driving purposes in California and is recognized by California law enforcement, insurance companies, and vehicle registration authorities. You can use it to register a vehicle, purchase auto insurance, and drive legally throughout the state. Some insurance companies may ask additional questions when you explore, but they cannot deny coverage solely because you hold an AB 60 license.

The main limitation is federal recognition. An AB 60 license does not meet Real ID standards, so you cannot use it to board a domestic flight within the United States or enter a federal building that requires Real ID. If you need to fly domestically, you must use a passport or other federal-compliant ID. You can still use an AB 60 license to drive to the airport.

AB 60 licenses are also not recognized by other states. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license in that state according to its own rules.

Renewal and Replacement of an AB 60 License

AB 60 licenses expire after five or ten years, depending on which term you chose when you first applied. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal follows the same process as the initial process — you must provide updated residency documents if the DMV requests them, though many renewals are processed without additional documentation.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office or online. Replacement fees are lower than the cost of a new license. If your address changes, you must update it with the DMV within ten days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.

What Happens if You Are Stopped by Police

If you are pulled over while driving with an AB 60 license, present it to the officer like any other license. The officer will see that it is a valid California license. You have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver — you must follow traffic laws, provide your license and vehicle registration, and comply with lawful police orders.

If the officer asks about your immigration status, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status. You should politely say, "I do not wish to answer questions about my immigration status." Provide your license and registration, but do not sign any documents or consent to searches without understanding what you are signing.

Being stopped for a traffic violation does not automatically trigger an immigration investigation. However, if the officer has reason to suspect you are in the country illegally (separate from the traffic stop), they may call immigration authorities. Local police policies vary — some departments have policies against calling ICE, while others do not. Knowing your local police department's policy in advance can help you understand your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license put me on a list that immigration authorities can access?

State law prohibits the DMV from sharing AB 60 information with ICE or CBP. However, if immigration authorities obtain a court order or subpoena, the DMV must comply. Additionally, if you are stopped by local police and they run your license, they may see your AB 60 status, though they are not required to report it to immigration authorities.

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight?

No. AB 60 licenses do not meet federal Real ID standards. You cannot use one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires Real ID. You would need a valid passport or other federally-compliant ID for air travel.

What if I don't have two separate residency documents?

You can provide one residency document plus a signed declaration under penalty of perjury stating your California address. This method is accepted but may require an in-person interview and takes longer to process than submitting two documents.

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

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or leave the field blank. The DMV will issue a license either way.

Can insurance companies refuse to cover me because I have an AB 60 license?

No. California law prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage based on immigration status or because you hold an AB 60 license. They may ask additional questions during the process process, but they cannot use AB 60 status as a reason to deny a policy.