An AB 60 driver license is a California state ID that lets you drive legally even if you cannot prove lawful presence in the United States

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, created a separate category of driver license for people who do not have a Social Security number or proof of legal residency. The license looks and functions like a standard California driver license — it lets you drive, it satisfies traffic stops, and it is valid for the same renewal periods as a regular license. The main difference is what you need to prove to get one, not what you can do with it once you have it.

The license does not grant you legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit. It is purely a driving credential. California issues it because the state decided that public safety — having all drivers tested, insured, and registered — matters more than immigration status. Other states have adopted similar programs; some call them "driver privilege cards" or use different names, but the principle is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California and is recognized by police during traffic stops, but it does not change your immigration status or create a path to work authorization.
  • You must prove California residency, pass a written test and driving test, and show a valid passport or consular ID — you do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal presence.
  • The license is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and costs the same as a standard license; it renews every five or ten years depending on your age.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building, because the federal REAL ID Act does not recognize it as proof of identity for those purposes.
  • If you are undocumented, getting an AB 60 license does not trigger immigration enforcement or create a record that immigration authorities can access.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof that you have taken a driver education course (if you are under 18). For identity, you must bring a valid passport, a consular ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate, or a national ID card from your home country. A driver license from another country is also acceptable. You cannot use a Social Security card, tax ID, or ITIN alone.

For residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance documents, or school enrollment letters all work. They must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have two separate documents, some DMV offices will accept one document plus a declaration signed under penalty of perjury stating that you live in California. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm what they will accept, because practices vary slightly by location.

You will also need to pass the written knowledge test (the same test all California drivers take) and the behind-the-wheel driving test. You can take the written test in multiple languages; the DMV offers it in more than 30 languages. Bring your own vehicle for the driving test, and make sure it is insured and registered — the DMV will check this before you can test.

How the AB 60 license differs from a standard California license

The physical card looks nearly identical to a regular California driver license. It has the same format, the same security features, and the same expiration date structure. The main visual difference is that some versions include a small marking or notation, though this varies by when the license was issued and which DMV office processed it. For practical purposes on the road, a police officer will treat it the same as any other license during a traffic stop.

The critical difference is what you cannot use it for. An AB 60 license does not satisfy the federal REAL ID Act, which means you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal buildings. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport, a passport card, a NEXUS card, or another REAL ID-compliant document. For state purposes — renewing vehicle registration, getting a state ID card, or proving residency to a bank — the AB 60 license works fine.

The license also does not appear in any immigration database or get shared with federal immigration authorities. The DMV does not report AB 60 applicants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is a state-level credential maintained by California, and the information stays within the DMV system unless a court order compels disclosure.

How long the license lasts and when to renew

An AB 60 driver license is valid for five years if you are under 70 years old, or ten years if you are 70 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew it online through the California DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option and does not require you to retake the tests — you straightforward update your information and pay the renewal fee.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to bring documents again unless your address has changed or your identity document has expired. If your identity document (passport or consular ID) expires before your license does, you should renew your license in person at a DMV office so they can verify your updated identity document. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so set a reminder a few months before your expiration date.

What happens if you get pulled over with an AB 60 license

A police officer will run your license through the same system they use for any driver. The license will show as valid and registered to you. There is no flag or alert that tells the officer it is an AB 60 license rather than a standard one. You should hand it over just as you would any license, along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the officer may ask for your Social Security number. You can decline to provide one and explain that you do not have one. This is not illegal, and declining does not give the officer grounds to arrest you or call immigration authorities. If the officer insists, you can ask to speak to a supervisor or ask for the officer's name and badge number. Keep the interaction calm and do not physically resist. If you are arrested or cited, you have the right to contact a lawyer before answering further questions.

How AB 60 differs from other state ID programs

California's AB 60 is one of several state programs that issue driving credentials to people without proof of legal presence. As of 2024, at least 16 states and Washington, D.C. have similar programs. Some states call them "driver privilege cards," others use names like "driving authorization cards" or "occupational licenses." The rules vary by state: some require proof of residency, some do not; some allow the card to be used for federal purposes, some do not; and some charge different fees.

If you move to another state, your AB 60 license will not automatically transfer. You will need to follow that state's rules for getting a driver license or ID. Some states will recognize your AB 60 as proof of identity and let you get a license more easily; others will not. Check the DMV website for the state you are moving to before you relocate.

If you are in California temporarily and hold a valid driver license from another country, you can drive legally in California for up to ten days with that license. After that, you must get a California license — either a standard one (if you have proof of legal presence) or an AB 60 license (if you do not).

Costs and processing time at the California DMV

The fee for an AB 60 driver license is the same as for a standard California license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs $39 and a ten-year license costs $89, though these fees can change. You pay at the time you explore. If you renew online or by mail, the fee is the same. The DMV does not charge extra for AB 60 licenses or treat them as a premium product.

Processing time depends on how you explore. If you explore in person at a DMV office, you can usually get your license the same day or within a few days. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks. If you renew online, the DMV will mail your new license to your address, which typically takes one to two weeks after approval. During busy periods (summer months, around holidays), wait times can be longer. You can check wait times for your local DMV office on the California DMV website before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. To cross an international border, you need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. An AB 60 license is not recognized as proof of citizenship or identity for border crossing. If you plan to travel to Mexico or Canada, you will need to obtain a passport from your country of citizenship.

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

Getting an AB 60 license does not help or hurt your immigration case. It is a state driving credential and does not create any immigration benefit or penalty. The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with immigration authorities. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have an active immigration case, you should consult with an immigration lawyer before explore, because they may advise you based on your specific situation.

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

Most banks will accept an AB 60 license as proof of identity and residency for opening a checking or savings account. Some banks may ask for additional documents, such as a tax ID number or consular ID, depending on their internal policies. For loans, it depends on the lender — some will work with an AB 60 license, others will not. Call ahead and ask what documents the lender needs.

What if I lose my AB 60 license or it gets stolen?

Report it to the California DMV when ready by calling 1-800-777-0133 or visiting a DMV office in person. You can request a replacement license, which costs $20. Bring your identity document and proof of residency again. The DMV will issue a new license with a new number. If you suspect the license was stolen and used fraudulently, you can also file a police report.

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

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting an AB 60 license. The DMV evaluates each process based on California driving laws. If you have been convicted of certain serious traffic offenses (like driving under the influence or reckless driving), you may be denied a license or have restrictions placed on it. If you are unsure whether your record will affect your process, contact your local DMV office before you explore.