What an AB 60 license is and who can get one

An AB 60 driver license is a California state ID that you can get without proving citizenship or legal immigration status. It works the same way as a standard California driver license — you can use it to drive legally, and it's accepted as identification at banks, airports, and other places that ask for ID. The main difference is that it doesn't appear on any federal database, so it won't affect your immigration case or trigger any federal checks.

California created this license in 2015 specifically so people without legal status could drive without fear. You don't need to be a citizen, a permanent resident, or have any particular visa. You just need to show that you live in California and that you can drive safely.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California without proving citizenship or immigration status, and it's accepted as ID at banks and airports.
  • You need to prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, and pass the written and driving tests.
  • The DMV processes AB 60 applications the same way as regular licenses, and you can make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov.
  • An AB 60 license does not appear in federal databases and will not affect your immigration case or status.
  • The license costs the same as a regular California driver license and is valid for five years.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

You'll need to show proof of California residency and proof of identity. For residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government benefit statement. The document must show your name and a California address, and it can't be more than two months old.

For identity, you can bring a passport, consular ID, birth certificate, or any government-issued ID from another country. If you have an expired California ID or license, that works too. You don't need a Social Security number — if you don't have one, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, or you can leave that field blank on your process.

Bring the originals of these documents, not copies. The DMV will make copies for you. You'll also need to bring proof of your California address a second time — some people bring two different documents to cover both the identity and residency requirements in one visit.

How to schedule your DMV appointment

Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment." Select your county and the closest DMV office to you. Choose "Driver License" as the transaction type, then select "Original Driver License" from the dropdown. The system will show you available appointment times.

You can also call your local DMV office directly to schedule, or walk in without an appointment — though wait times are usually much longer. When you arrive for your appointment, bring all your documents and be ready to take the written test and the driving test on the same day if you pass the written portion.

The written test and driving test

The written test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. The DMV provides a free study guide at dmv.ca.gov that covers everything on the test. You need to pass with a score of at least 83 percent.

If you pass the written test, you'll take the driving test next. A DMV examiner will sit in your car while you drive on local streets for about 10 to 15 minutes. They're checking that you can start and stop safely, turn, park, and follow traffic signs. You need to bring a car that's registered and insured, and someone with a valid license must be in the car with you during the test — they can sit in the back seat.

If you don't pass either test, you can retake it. There's no limit to how many times you can try, though you'll need to pay the test fee each time.

Cost and how long it takes

An AB 60 license costs the same as a regular California driver license. The fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid — a five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You'll pay the fee when you pass your tests and submit your process at the DMV.

Processing usually takes two to three weeks after your appointment. The DMV will mail your license to the address you provided. If you need your license faster, some DMV offices offer a service to print it on the spot, though this isn't available at every location — ask when you schedule your appointment.

What happens after you get your license

Your AB 60 license works exactly like any other California driver license. You can use it to drive, and you can show it as ID when you need to. It's valid for five years, and you'll need to renew it before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV.

Your AB 60 license will not show up in federal immigration databases, and it will not trigger any immigration enforcement action. It's a state ID only. However, if you're pulled over by police, they can still run your information through state and local systems — the license itself doesn't hide you from law enforcement, it just doesn't connect you to federal immigration authorities.

If you already have a California license and want to switch to AB 60

If you already have a regular California driver license and want to convert it to an AB 60 license, you can do that. Schedule a DMV appointment and bring your current license along with your residency documents. You won't need to retake the written or driving tests — the DMV will straightforward reissue your license under the AB 60 rules. You'll pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license.

Some people switch to AB 60 if their immigration status changes, or if they want to make sure their license doesn't appear in federal databases. The process is straightforward and takes the same amount of time as getting a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?

Yes. The TSA accepts AB 60 licenses as valid ID for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security checkpoints the same way you would use any other state driver license. It's also accepted at banks, government offices, and most places that ask for ID.

Will getting an AB 60 license hurt my immigration case?

No. An AB 60 license does not appear in federal immigration databases and will not affect your immigration status or any pending case. It's a state ID only. However, if you're working with an immigration attorney, you may want to tell them you're getting one, just to make sure it fits with your overall situation.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You don't need one. You can leave that field blank on your DMV process. Some people get an ITIN from the IRS instead, but it's not required for an AB 60 license. The DMV will process your process either way.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I'm under 18?

Yes. Minors can get an AB 60 license the same way adults do. You'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process, and you'll still need to pass the written and driving tests. The rules about residency documents and identity documents are the same.

What do I do if I lose my AB 60 license?

Report it to the DMV right away and schedule an appointment to get a replacement. Bring your residency documents again. The DMV will issue a new license with the same number. You'll pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license.