What an AB 60 License Is and Who Can Get One

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. It has the same driving privileges as a standard California license — you can operate any vehicle class you pass the test for — but it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building.

California law allows anyone who meets the state's driving requirements to get this license, regardless of immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to prove citizenship or legal residency. The license looks different from a standard California license so that federal agents and employers can tell the difference, but it works the same way for driving.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing AB 60 licenses in 2015. As of now, California is one of a small number of states that offers this option.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport or travel document from your country of origin, plus proof of California residency and your Social Security number if you have one.
  • The DMV charges the same fee as a standard driver license — currently $39 for a four-year license — and you must pass the written and driving tests.
  • You can explore in person at any DMV office, and you do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
  • The entire process from process to receiving your license in the mail takes roughly two to four weeks after you pass your driving test.
  • An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal identification purposes, but it is valid for driving, banking, and most state transactions.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring your original passport or travel document issued by your country of origin. This is the main document the DMV uses to verify your identity. A photocopy will not work — it must be the original. If your passport is expired, you can still use it for the AB 60 process.

You also need proof that you live in California. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, a letter from a government agency, school, or employer with your name and address can work, though policies vary by DMV office — call ahead if you are unsure.

Bring your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have one and have never had one, you can still explore; just tell the DMV staff. If you once had a number but do not remember it, the DMV can look it up during your appointment.

Bring a completed process for California Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). You can fill it out at home or at the DMV office. The form is available on the DMV website or in person.

How to Schedule and Complete Your DMV Visit

Walk into any DMV office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for an AB 60 process, though some offices offer optional appointments that may reduce wait time. Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you are explore for an AB 60 license. They will take your documents, verify your identity, and have you sign your process. They will also take your photograph and your thumbprint. This part usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Next, you will take the written test. This covers California traffic laws and road signs. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages. You need to pass with a score of at least 38 out of 46 questions. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. The DMV will give you a date and time, usually within one to three weeks. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered and insured. A licensed driver over 18 must accompany you to the test.

Taking the Driving Test and What Happens After

On the day of your driving test, arrive 10 minutes early with your vehicle, your test appointment notice, and a licensed driver. The examiner will check your vehicle's lights, brakes, and windshield wipers, then have you drive for about 20 minutes on local streets. They will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.

You pass if you make fewer than 15 points of errors. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, hitting the curb while parking, or failing to signal. If you fail, you can retake the test, though you may need to wait a few days or schedule another appointment.

Once you pass, the DMV will process your license. You will receive it in the mail within two to four weeks. Your temporary driving permit, issued on the day you passed your test, is valid during this waiting period.

The Cost and How Long It Takes

The fee for an AB 60 license is the same as a standard California driver license. As of now, a four-year license costs $39. A six-year license costs $63. These fees cover the process, the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. You pay once, at your first DMV visit.

The timeline breaks down like this: your first DMV visit takes 30 minutes to an hour. You then wait one to three weeks for your driving test appointment. The driving test itself takes about 20 minutes. After you pass, the DMV mails your license within two to four weeks. From start to finish, plan for four to eight weeks, though it can be faster if appointments are available quickly in your area.

What You Can and Cannot Do With an AB 60 License

You can use your AB 60 license to drive any vehicle you are licensed for, just like any other California driver. You can also use it to open a bank account, get a library card, or register to vote. Most state agencies and private businesses accept it as valid identification.

You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or explore for federal benefits. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport or another federally accepted ID. Some employers and landlords may ask for additional identification because the AB 60 license signals non-citizen status, though discrimination based on immigration status is illegal in California.

The license is valid for four or six years, depending on which you choose. You renew it the same way you would renew a standard California license — by mail, online, or in person at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you have a Social Security number, bring it. If you do not have one and have never had one, you can still explore. The DMV will note this on your record. If you once had a number but lost it, the DMV can look it up during your visit.

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

No, not for domestic flights. The federal government does not recognize AB 60 licenses as valid ID for air travel. You would need a passport, a passport card, or a trusted traveler card like Global Entry. For international flights, you must have a passport.

What if I fail the written test or the driving test?

You can retake either test. For the written test, you can often retake it the same day at the DMV. For the driving test, you will need to schedule another appointment, which may be a few days to a few weeks away depending on availability in your area. There is no extra fee to retake a test.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?

The DMV mails your license within two to four weeks after you pass. You will receive a temporary driving permit on the day you pass that is valid while you wait. If you need your license sooner, some DMV offices offer rush processing for an additional fee.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail or online?

Yes. When your license is about to expire, the DMV will send you a renewal notice. You can renew by mail, online, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if you have not changed your address or your documents since your last renewal.