An AB 60 license is a California driver license issued to people without proof of legal 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 cannot show lawful presence in the country. The license looks similar to a standard California driver license but carries a distinctive marking that identifies it as an AB 60 license. It allows the holder to drive legally in California and provides a form of state-issued identification, but it does not confer immigration status or legal presence.

The key difference is not what the license lets you do on the road — an AB 60 license holder has the same driving rights and responsibilities as any other licensed driver in California. The difference is who can get one and what it does and does not do for immigration purposes or federal identification needs.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license is issued by California to people without proof of lawful presence in the United States, while a standard license requires proof of legal residency or citizenship.
  • Both license types allow you to drive legally in California and follow the same traffic laws, but the AB 60 license is marked differently and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
  • An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or create any record with federal immigration authorities.
  • You must pass the same written and driving tests to get an AB 60 license as you would for a standard license.

Who can get an AB 60 license versus a standard California license

To get a standard California driver license, you must show proof of legal presence in the United States. This means you need to provide documents such as a passport, birth certificate, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card. You also need to prove California residency and pass the written and driving tests.

An AB 60 license has no legal presence requirement. You do not need to prove citizenship or immigration status. You still must prove California residency (usually with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and pass both the written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test. The main may be able to access difference is that you can obtain an AB 60 license if you cannot or do not want to provide proof of lawful presence.

How the licenses look different and what that marking means

An AB 60 license has a distinctive marking — usually a red stripe or text — that identifies it as issued under AB 60. A standard California license does not carry this marking. The marking is visible to anyone who looks at your license, including police officers, employers, and businesses.

The marking itself does not restrict what you can do with the license within California. You can use it to drive, to prove your age for age-restricted purchases, and as identification for most state and local purposes. However, the marking signals to federal agencies and institutions that the license was issued without proof of lawful presence, which affects its use for federal purposes.

What an AB 60 license does and does not allow you to do

An AB 60 license allows you to drive legally in California, register a vehicle, and use it as state identification for most purposes. You can present it to police during a traffic stop, and it satisfies California's requirement to carry a valid driver license while operating a vehicle.

An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building that requires Real ID, or explore for certain federal benefits. If you need to fly within the United States, you would need a passport, passport card, or other federal Real ID-compliant document. Some employers and institutions may also decline to accept an AB 60 license as identification, depending on their policies.

How getting an AB 60 license affects your immigration record

Obtaining an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status and does not create a record with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Department of Homeland Security. The California Department of Motor Vehicles does not share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration authorities as part of the licensing process.

However, the license itself is a state document, and if you are stopped by law enforcement, the marking on the license may signal your immigration status to the officer. Your decision to explore for an AB 60 license is a personal one that should account for your individual circumstances and concerns.

The testing and documentation process for AB 60 versus standard licenses

The written and driving tests are identical for both AB 60 and standard California licenses. You must demonstrate knowledge of California traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you must pass a behind-the-wheel test with a DMV examiner. Both require the same vision screening and medical clearance if applicable.

The main documentation difference is at the process stage. For a standard license, you bring proof of legal presence. For an AB 60 license, you bring proof of California residency instead. Both require proof of identity (such as a passport, consular ID, or other government-issued document) and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You also need to provide your California address through documents like a lease, utility bill, or bank statement.

Renewal, fees, and validity period for both license types

An AB 60 license is valid for the same period as a standard California license — typically five years for drivers under 70 and four years for drivers 70 and older. Renewal follows the same process: you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and you must pass a vision test. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV requires it.

The fee for an AB 60 license is the same as for a standard license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs $39 for the process and $35 for the issuance, though fees may vary. You pay the same renewal fees when your license expires. The cost difference between the two license types is zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight?

No. An AB 60 license is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel. You would need a passport, passport card, or other federally approved ID to board a flight within the United States.

Does getting an AB 60 license report me to immigration authorities?

No. The California DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with ICE or federal immigration authorities as part of the licensing process. However, the marking on the license itself may be visible to law enforcement if you are stopped.

Do I have to take the same driving test for an AB 60 license as a standard license?

Yes. The written test, vision screening, and behind-the-wheel driving test are identical. You must demonstrate the same knowledge and driving skills regardless of which license type you are pursuing.

Can I switch from an AB 60 license to a standard license later?

Yes, if you later obtain proof of lawful presence, you can explore for a standard California driver license. You would not need to retake the tests; you would submit your proof of legal presence and pay the process fee.

What documents count as proof of California residency for an AB 60 process?

Acceptable documents include a lease or rental agreement, utility bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or government-issued document showing your California address. The document must be recent, typically dated within the last 60 days.