What an AB 60 driver license is and who can get one

An AB 60 driver license is a California state ID that lets you drive legally without proving citizenship or immigration status. The law, which took effect in 2015, allows the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue licenses to anyone who meets California's driving requirements — age, vision, written test, driving test — regardless of how they entered the country or their current immigration status.

You do not need a Social Security number to get one. You do not need to prove you are in the country legally. The DMV will issue the license based on your identity documents, driving history, and test performance alone. The license looks and functions like a standard California driver license, with one difference: it has a distinctive design that marks it as issued under AB 60.

The law applies to anyone living in California who wants to drive. That includes undocumented immigrants, people on certain visa types that do not allow driving privileges, and others who could not obtain a license under previous rules.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are issued by the California DMV to anyone who passes the driving test and provides acceptable identity documents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
  • You will need to bring documents that prove your identity and California residency, such as a passport, consulate ID, utility bill, or lease agreement.
  • The AB 60 license has a different appearance than a standard California license and is marked to show it was issued under this law.
  • The license allows you to drive legally in California and can be used for in-state purposes, but federal agencies do not recognize it for air travel or federal building access.
  • You must still pass the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test, just as any other driver would.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a foreign passport, a consulate ID card (matrícula consular), a foreign driver license, a birth certificate with a photo ID, or other documents the DMV accepts. The document does not have to be in English, but it must show your name, date of birth, and photograph or physical description.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A pay stub with your address also works. You will need at least one residency document; the DMV recommends bringing two in case one is unclear.

Bring your Social Security number if you have one, but the DMV will not require it to issue the license. If you do not have one, you can still proceed. You will also need to pay the standard California driver license fee, which varies but is typically under $40 for a regular license.

How the written test and driving test work

The written knowledge test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. Study materials are available free on the DMV website. You must answer at least 30 out of 36 questions correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver (not the examiner) must accompany you to the test.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can try, though you may need to wait a few days between attempts and pay a fee each time you test.

How AB 60 licenses differ from standard California licenses

An AB 60 license looks different from a regular California driver license. It has a distinct design that clearly marks it as issued under AB 60. This marking is visible to anyone who sees the card, including law enforcement and businesses.

The license is valid for driving in California and for in-state purposes like opening a bank account or renting an apartment. However, federal agencies do not recognize it. You cannot use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access other federal facilities that require a Real ID-compliant document. If you need to fly or access federal facilities, you would need a passport or other federal ID.

The license is otherwise identical in function to a standard California license. It allows you to drive on all California roads, and it carries the same driving privileges and restrictions based on your age and driving record.

Where to go and how long it takes

You can explore at any California DMV office. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Many DMV offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

Bring all your documents with you on your first visit. The DMV staff will review them and tell you if anything is missing or unclear. If everything is in order, you can take the written test the same day. If you pass, you can schedule your driving test, which may be the same day or a few days later depending on examiner availability.

The entire process — from first visit to receiving your license in the mail — typically takes two to four weeks. Your temporary license is issued when ready after you pass the driving test, and the permanent card arrives by mail.

What happens if you are stopped by police

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver license. If you are stopped by police, you show it like any other license. The officer can see from the card that it was issued under AB 60, but that does not change your legal right to drive or your obligations under traffic law.

The license does not tell an officer anything about your immigration status. Showing the license does not trigger any immigration inquiry or report. Your driving record and the reason for the stop determine what happens next, just as with any other driver.

If you are arrested or detained, do not answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status without a lawyer present. Having an AB 60 license does not change your rights during a police encounter.

Renewing or replacing your AB 60 license

AB 60 licenses expire five years after issue, just like standard California licenses. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV, depending on your situation. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the tests — you only need to update your information if anything has changed.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your identity and residency documents again. The replacement license will have a new expiration date and will cost a replacement fee, typically around $20.

If your address changes, you can update it online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person. You do not need to get a new license just to change your address, though you can request a new card with the updated information if you want one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Federal law requires a Real ID-compliant document for domestic air travel. An AB 60 license does not meet this standard. You would need a passport, passport card, or other federal ID to board a domestic flight. Some states offer Real ID driver licenses to people regardless of immigration status, but California does not.

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

The DMV does not share driver license information with immigration authorities. Getting a license does not report you to anyone or change your immigration status. However, you should speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation if you have concerns about how any government interaction might affect you.

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

The DMV accepts other identity documents, including a foreign driver license, birth certificate with a photo ID, or other documents that show your name and date of birth. Contact your local DMV office to ask which documents they will accept in your situation, as options vary slightly by location.

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

Yes. Many banks and employers accept AB 60 licenses as valid ID. However, some employers or financial institutions may have their own policies about which documents they accept. It is worth asking ahead of time if you are unsure whether a specific bank or employer will take it.

How much does an AB 60 license cost?

The fee is the same as a standard California driver license, typically under $40 for a five-year license. Exact fees vary and may change. Check the DMV website or call your local office for the current fee in your area.