AB 60 licenses expire the same way standard California licenses do

An AB 60 driver license issued in California expires on your birthday, five years after you receive it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before that date, but you do not have to wait for the notice — you can renew whenever you want after your license is within six months of expiring.

The key difference between AB 60 and a standard license is not the expiration timeline, but what you need to bring when you renew. AB 60 licenses are issued to people without a Social Security number, so the renewal process requires the same documents you used to get the original license.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses expire five years from the date of issue, on your birthday, just like standard California licenses.
  • You will receive a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you can renew early if your license is within six months of the expiration date.
  • Renewing an AB 60 license requires the same identity and residency documents you used to obtain the original license.
  • You can renew in person at a DMV office or by mail if you meet certain conditions, such as having no changes to your information.

What documents you need to renew your AB 60 license

When you renew, bring the same types of documents you used to get your original AB 60 license. This means you will need proof of identity (such as a passport or consular ID), proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your date of birth. You will also need your current AB 60 license or a receipt showing you applied for one.

Do not bring a Social Security number or attempt to provide one during renewal, since AB 60 licenses are specifically for people without one. If your residency or identity documents have changed since you first received the license, bring the new documents showing your current information.

Renewing by mail versus in person at the DMV

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no changes to your address or name, and you do not need to update your photograph. To renew by mail, the DMV will send you a renewal notice with instructions. You return the notice with your current license and the required fee, and the DMV mails you a new license.

If any of your information has changed, or if you want a new photograph on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your documents, your current license, and proof of payment (or be prepared to pay at the office). Processing times at the DMV vary by location, but you can usually walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

What happens if your AB 60 license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in California, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. However, if your license expired within the last six months and you can show proof that you have renewed it, the citation may be dismissed in court.

If you are pulled over and your license is expired, tell the officer that you have applied for renewal or that your renewal is in the mail. Carry your renewal notice or receipt if you have one. After your new license arrives, keep it with you at all times while driving.

Renewing early if your license is about to expire

You do not have to wait until your license is about to expire to renew it. You can renew any time after your license is within six months of the expiration date. Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip, want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date, or prefer to have a fresh license with a new photograph.

To renew early, visit a DMV office with your documents and current license. You will pay the standard renewal fee. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew, not five years from your original expiration date.

Fees and payment methods for renewal

The renewal fee for an AB 60 license is the same as for a standard California driver license. As of the most recent update, this fee varies depending on whether you are renewing for five years or a shorter period, but you can confirm the exact amount on the California DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card at DMV offices, and check or money order by mail.

If you are renewing by mail, include payment with your renewal notice. If you are renewing in person, you can pay at the counter. Some DMV offices also accept online payment before you visit, which can speed up your appointment.

What to do if you lose your license before it expires

If your AB 60 license is lost, stolen, or damaged before the expiration date, you will need to replace it rather than renew it. Bring your documents and a report of the loss or damage to a DMV office. You will pay a replacement fee, which is lower than a renewal fee. The new license will have the same expiration date as your original license, not a new five-year timeline.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can sometimes renew it early by mail and request a replacement at the same time. Contact your local DMV office to ask whether this option is available in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

No. AB 60 licenses cannot be renewed online because the renewal process requires you to bring original identity and residency documents to verify your information. You must renew either in person at a DMV office or by mail if you meet the conditions for mail renewal.

What if I moved to a different state after getting my AB 60 license?

If you no longer live in California, you cannot renew your AB 60 license. You will need to obtain a driver license in your new state. If you still live in California but moved to a different address, bring proof of your new address when you renew.

Do I need an appointment to renew my AB 60 license in person?

Many DMV offices now require appointments for in-person services, including renewal. Check the California DMV website or call your local office to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but appointment holders are usually prioritized.

How long does it take to receive my renewed AB 60 license by mail?

After the DMV processes your mail renewal, your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks. Processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DMV office and request a temporary license.

What if my AB 60 license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?

If you renewed by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary license extension from the DMV. Contact your local office or check the renewal notice for instructions. You can also renew in person at a DMV office to receive a temporary license when ready.