What AB 60 lets you do

California's AB 60 driver license is a state ID card that lets you drive legally in California even if you don't have a Social Security number or proof of legal residency. You can use it to operate a vehicle on public roads, and it works the same way as a standard California driver license for driving purposes — police will recognize it, insurance companies will accept it, and it satisfies California's requirement that drivers carry a valid license.

The license does not change your immigration status, grant you work permission, or affect your may be able to access for any federal benefits. It is purely a driving document issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses let you drive legally in California without a Social Security number or proof of legal residency status.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test — the same tests required for a standard California license.
  • The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration authorities as a matter of state policy.
  • An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license and is valid for five years.
  • You will need documents proving your identity and California residency, such as a passport, consular ID, utility bill, or lease agreement.

Who can get an AB 60 license

You can get an AB 60 license if you are at least 16 years old and a California resident. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to prove your immigration status. The DMV does not ask about immigration status when you explore.

You must be able to pass the same written knowledge test, vision test, and behind-the-wheel driving test that all California drivers take. If you have a suspended or revoked license from California or another state, you cannot get an AB 60 license until that suspension or revocation is lifted.

Documents you will need to bring

The DMV requires proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a foreign driver license, a birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. The document does not have to be from the United States.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your California address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot provide a recent document, you can bring two older documents that together show you have lived in California for at least 30 days.

Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. You will also need to provide your California address and a phone number where the DMV can reach you.

The testing and approval process

Once you submit your documents at a DMV office, you will take a written test on California traffic laws and safe driving. You can take this test in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers. After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test.

If you pass both, the DMV will schedule you for a behind-the-wheel driving test. This test works the same way as for any California driver license — a DMV examiner rides with you and watches you drive. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Once you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your AB 60 license. The entire process from process to license in hand usually takes several weeks, though wait times vary by DMV office and how busy they are.

Privacy and data sharing

California state law directs the DMV not to share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration authorities. This is a state policy choice, not a may provide that federal agents cannot obtain the information through other legal means, but it means the DMV itself will not volunteer the data.

The DMV does share information with other state agencies and law enforcement for driving-related purposes — for example, if you are stopped for a traffic violation, an officer can look up your license and driving record. Your AB 60 license will appear in those systems the same way a standard license does.

Cost and validity period

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs $39 if you are under 70, though this amount can change. You can check the current fee on the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office.

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, using the same renewal process as a standard license. When you renew, you will need to bring updated proof of residency if your address has changed.

Using your AB 60 license outside California

Your AB 60 license is valid only in California. If you travel to another state, that state will not recognize it as a valid driver license. Some states have their own programs for issuing licenses without proof of legal residency, but each state sets its own rules.

If you plan to drive in another state, you will need to check that state's requirements. Some states will not issue a license without a Social Security number; others have their own alternatives. The AB 60 license itself will not help you drive legally outside California.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or affect any immigration proceedings. It is a driving document only. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have pending immigration matters, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney before explore, as any government interaction can have consequences depending on your specific situation.

Can I use an AB 60 license to board a plane or enter federal buildings?

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as identification for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. For those purposes, you would need a passport or other federally recognized ID. The AB 60 license is for driving only.

What happens if I get pulled over with an AB 60 license?

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver license for traffic stops. An officer can look it up in the system just like any other license. You should carry it with you whenever you drive, along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration, as you would with any license.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have had a DUI or other driving violation?

If your license is suspended or revoked due to a DUI, traffic violation, or other reason, you cannot get an AB 60 license until that suspension or revocation is cleared. You would need to resolve the underlying issue first — for example, by completing a DUI program or paying fines — before the DMV will issue any new license.

How long does it take to get an AB 60 license after I explore?

From the time you submit your process to receiving your license usually takes several weeks. The exact timeline depends on how busy your local DMV office is and how quickly you can schedule and pass your driving test. You can check wait times for your local DMV office on the California DMV website.