The AB 60 license is a standard California driver license that does not require proof of legal residency or immigration status
California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, allows the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue a regular driver license to anyone who meets the state's driving requirements, regardless of immigration status. The license itself looks identical to a standard California driver license — same size, same format, same security features. The only difference is what you do not have to show to get one.
The AB 60 license carries the same legal weight as any other California driver license. You can use it to drive legally, rent a car, open a bank account, and board domestic flights. It does not mark you as undocumented, and it does not trigger any special reporting to immigration authorities. The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration agencies.
The license expires after five or ten years, depending on your age at issuance, just like a standard license. You renew it the same way — by mail, online, or in person at the DMV — and you use the same renewal process every time after that.
Key Takeaways
- An AB 60 license is a regular California driver license with no visual marker or notation that distinguishes it from any other state license.
- You do not need to prove citizenship, legal residency, or immigration status to obtain one, but you must pass the written and driving tests like any other applicant.
- The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal immigration agencies.
- The license is valid for driving, banking, domestic air travel, and other purposes that require a state ID.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not have to prove citizenship or legal immigration status.
For identity, the DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a birth certificate, or other documents listed on the DMV website. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form.
You will also need to pass the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test, the same as any other applicant. If you have held a license in another state or country, you may be able to waive the written test, depending on the DMV's current rules.
How the AB 60 process process works at the DMV
You start by scheduling an appointment on the DMV website or calling the DMV. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. When you arrive, you will fill out the standard driver license process form (DL 44) and submit your documents.
The DMV staff will verify your identity and residency, check your driving record if you have one, and schedule you for the written test. If you pass the written test, you will schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, usually within a few weeks. Once you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days.
The entire process — from first appointment to license in hand — typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you can schedule your driving test and how busy your local DMV is. Some DMV locations have longer wait times than others.
Security features and how to spot a real AB 60 license
A California AB 60 driver license has the same security features as any other California license: a hologram, a ghost image of your photo, microprinting, and a barcode on the back. The card is the same size and color as a standard license. There is no special marking, no asterisk, and no notation anywhere on the card that says "AB 60" or indicates that you did not prove citizenship.
The security features make the license difficult to counterfeit. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can replace it at the DMV by paying a replacement fee and providing your driver license number or date of birth. A replacement license looks exactly like the original.
What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license
You can use an AB 60 license to drive legally in California and in other states. You can use it to board domestic flights within the United States, though you will need to bring it along with a second form of ID (such as a passport) if you are traveling internationally. You can use it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or explore for a job that requires a state ID.
You cannot use an AB 60 license to board international flights or to cross the U.S. border by land or sea. If you need to travel internationally, you will need a passport or passport card. You also cannot use it to purchase alcohol or firearms, because those transactions require proof of legal residency or citizenship — the license alone does not provide that proof.
Some employers and landlords may ask for additional documentation beyond the license, such as proof of work authorization. The AB 60 license does not prove work authorization, so you may need to provide an ITIN, a Social Security number, or other documents depending on what the employer or landlord requires.
Renewal and updating your AB 60 license
You renew an AB 60 license the same way you renew any California driver license. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV, depending on your age and whether your license has been suspended or revoked.
If you renew online or by mail, you do not have to bring documents or take a new test — the DMV will straightforward reissue your license. If you renew in person, you may need to bring proof of residency and pass a vision test, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.
If your address changes, you can update it online, by mail, or at the DMV. If your name changes, you will need to visit the DMV in person and bring a court order or marriage certificate showing the name change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an AB 60 license show that I am undocumented?
No. The license looks identical to any other California driver license. There is no marking, notation, or visual indicator on the card itself that shows whether you proved citizenship or legal residency. Only the DMV knows which licenses were issued under AB 60, and that information is not visible to police, employers, or anyone else who sees your license.
Can I use an AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico or Canada?
No. An AB 60 license is not a travel document. To cross an international border, you need a passport, passport card, or other federally approved travel document. You can use the license to drive within the United States, but not to enter another country.
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?
The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal immigration agencies. However, you should speak with an immigration attorney if you have an active immigration case, because other actions you take (such as explore for a job or opening a bank account) could have immigration consequences.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test. Most DMV locations allow you to retake the written test the same day or within a few days. For the driving test, you will need to schedule another appointment, which may take a few weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is. You can retake the test as many times as you need.
Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight?
Yes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts California driver licenses, including AB 60 licenses, as valid ID for domestic flights. You do not need a passport for domestic travel. If you are traveling internationally, you will need a passport or passport card.