What AB 60 does and who can use it

AB 60 is a California law that lets you get a driver license without proving you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need a Social Security number either. The license works the same way as a standard California license — you can drive legally, use it as ID, and renew it like any other license.

You can use AB 60 if you live in California and are at least 16 years old. You do not have to prove your immigration status. The state does not report your information to federal immigration authorities, and having an AB 60 license does not affect any immigration case you may have.

The license itself looks different from a standard California license. It has a different design and says "AB 60" on it, so it is visibly distinct. Some businesses and government agencies may not recognize it as valid ID for certain purposes — for example, you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. But for driving and most everyday ID needs in California, it works like a regular license.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and require proof of California residency, identity, and knowledge of driving rules — but not citizenship or immigration status.
  • You will need documents showing your name, date of birth, and California address; a passport or consulate ID counts as identity proof.
  • The written test and driving test are the same as for a standard license, and you can take them in multiple languages.
  • An AB 60 license is valid for driving in California but is not accepted for federal purposes like domestic air travel or federal building entry.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your name and date of birth. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of citizenship.

For identity proof, bring a valid passport, a consulate ID card from your country of origin, a national ID card, or a foreign driver license. The document must show your photograph and signature. If your passport or ID is expired, you can still use it — the DMV accepts expired documents for identity proof.

For California residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. These can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you do not have two documents in your name, you can bring one document in your name plus a second document showing your address with a co-resident's name, along with a signed statement from that person saying you live there.

For name and date of birth, bring a birth certificate, passport, consulate ID, or national ID. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be an official certified copy.

how the process works at the DMV

Go to a California DMV office in person — you cannot do this by mail or online. Bring all three categories of documents listed above, plus your current driver license if you have one. You will also need to fill out Form DL 44, which is the standard process for a new driver license. You can read it from the DMV website or fill it out at the office.

Tell the DMV staff that you are explore under AB 60. They will process your process the same way as a standard license process. You will take a written test on California traffic laws and signs. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can ask which languages are available at your local office.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. You must bring a vehicle and a licensed driver to the test appointment. The driving test is the same as for a standard license. Once you pass, the DMV will issue your AB 60 license. You will receive it in the mail within two to three weeks.

What happens if you already have a standard California license

If you already hold a valid California driver license, you do not need to switch to an AB 60 license. Your current license remains valid and works the same way. You can renew it normally when it expires.

You might want to get an AB 60 license if your current license is expiring soon and you want to avoid having to prove citizenship or immigration status at renewal. You can explore for an AB 60 license at any time, even if your current license is still valid. The DMV will cancel your old license when you receive the new one.

Costs and timeline

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a new license costs $39 if you are under 70 years old, and $13 if you are 70 or older. Renewal costs are lower. Prices may change, so check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm the current fee.

The entire process usually takes four to six weeks from the day you explore. The written test happens the same day you submit your process. The driving test is typically scheduled within one to three weeks. Once you pass the driving test, your license is mailed to you within two to three weeks.

What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license

You can use an AB 60 license to drive legally in California, get pulled over by police, and show as proof of identity for most everyday purposes. You can use it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or buy age-restricted items like alcohol or tobacco.

You cannot use an AB 60 license to board a domestic airplane flight within the United States. You cannot use it to enter a federal building, a military base, or a nuclear power plant. Some states do not recognize it as valid ID for purposes like buying a gun or getting married. If you plan to travel outside California or need ID for federal purposes, ask the specific agency or business whether they accept AB 60 licenses.

An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or create any record that affects immigration proceedings. The DMV does not share your information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal immigration agencies.

Renewing an AB 60 license

You renew an AB 60 license the same way you renew a standard California 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 a DMV office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to bring documents again — the DMV already has your information on file.

If you renew in person, bring your current AB 60 license and proof of California residency. You will not need to take the written or driving test again unless your license has been suspended or revoked, or unless the DMV asks you to retake them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico or Canada?

No. An AB 60 license is not a valid travel document for crossing an international border. You will need a valid passport or passport card. Some people use an AB 60 license plus a consulate ID card together, but check with the border crossing ahead of time to confirm what documents they require.

Will getting an AB 60 license hurt my immigration case?

No. An AB 60 license does not affect immigration status or proceedings. The DMV does not report your information to immigration authorities. Having a license does not count as a negative factor in any immigration case.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the test. The DMV usually lets you 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 be one to three weeks away. There is no extra fee to retake a test.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once it is cleared, you can explore for an AB 60 license.

Do I need to speak English to get an AB 60 license?

No. The written test is offered in many languages. You can bring an interpreter to help you fill out the process form, though the DMV staff will ask you to confirm your answers. The driving test does not require you to speak English — the examiner will give you instructions and you follow them.