California allows you to get a driver license without proving you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, lets you obtain a driver license if you meet the state's basic requirements — age, residency, and passing a written and driving test — regardless of your immigration status. You do not need to show a Social Security number, a visa, or proof of legal entry into the United States. The license is valid for driving only; it does not grant you work authorization or change your immigration status.

The process is the same as for any other California driver license applicant, except that you use different documents to prove your identity and California residency. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not share information with immigration authorities, and getting this license does not trigger any immigration consequences on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a California driver license under AB 60 without a Social Security number, visa, or proof of legal immigration status.
  • You must prove your identity with a passport, consular ID, or other government-issued document from your country of origin, and prove California residency with documents like utility bills or rental agreements.
  • The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other immigration agencies.
  • The license is valid for driving in California and can be used to open a bank account or board a domestic flight, but does not grant work authorization.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

You will need to prove two things: your identity and that you live in California. For identity, bring a government-issued ID from your country of origin — a passport, consular ID card, national ID, or birth certificate are all accepted. The document must be valid or expired no more than five years ago.

For California residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or a letter from a government agency. The documents can be in your name or a family member's name if you live with them; if they are in someone else's name, bring a document showing you live there, such as a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the DMV, pass the written knowledge test, and pass a driving test. If you have a valid license from another state or country, you may be able to skip the written test.

How to schedule your DMV appointment and what to expect

Go to the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) and select "explore for a Driver License" to schedule an appointment. You can also call your local DMV office or walk in without an appointment, though wait times are usually longer. When you book online, you will see appointment slots available at your nearest DMV location.

Bring all your documents, your completed DL 44 form (the driver license process), and your payment. The fee for a driver license is currently $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license, though fees may change. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. At your appointment, a DMV employee will review your documents, you will take the vision test and written test, and if you pass, you will schedule a driving test at a later date.

After you pass the driving test, your license will be issued. You can request that your address not appear on the front of the license for privacy reasons — ask the DMV employee about this option.

Privacy protections and what the DMV does not share

California law prohibits the DMV from sharing AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or other federal immigration agencies. The DMV does not report you to immigration authorities, does not flag your process, and does not create a separate record that marks you as undocumented.

The DMV may share information with other state and local law enforcement agencies for traffic enforcement purposes — for example, if you are pulled over for speeding, the officer can see your license and driving record. However, local police cannot use your DMV record to initiate immigration enforcement. Some California cities and counties have additional policies limiting how they cooperate with immigration authorities.

Your AB 60 license looks the same as any other California driver license. It does not have a special marking or label that identifies you as undocumented.

What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license

You can use your California driver license to drive legally in California and in other states. You can use it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or board a domestic flight within the United States. Some employers accept it as proof of identity for hiring purposes, though federal law requires employers to verify work authorization through the I-9 process regardless of what ID you show.

The license does not grant you work authorization. If you are not authorized to work in the United States under federal immigration law, having a driver license does not change that. You cannot use it to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada, and it is not valid for international travel. If you are stopped by immigration authorities, the license does not protect you from deportation proceedings.

Renewing or replacing your AB 60 license

You can renew your California driver license online, by mail, or in person at the DMV, just like any other driver. Renewals are usually available 60 days before your license expires. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to bring documents again unless your address has changed.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at the DMV. Bring your identity and residency documents again, pay the replacement fee (currently $20), and you will receive a new license. If your address changes, you can update it online, by mail, or at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Getting a driver license itself does not affect your immigration status or pending cases. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have an active immigration case, consult with an immigration attorney before explore. An attorney can review your specific situation and advise whether explore is safe for you.

Can I use my AB 60 license to board an airplane?

Yes, you can use your California driver license to board a domestic flight within the United States. You cannot use it for international flights or to cross the border. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts California driver licenses for domestic air travel.

What if I don't have a passport or consular ID?

You can use other government-issued documents from your country of origin, such as a national ID card, birth certificate, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, contact your country's consulate in California — many can issue a consular ID card or other document you can use for the DMV process.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I am in the United States on a visa?

Yes. AB 60 is available to anyone who meets California's residency and age requirements, regardless of immigration status. If you are on a valid visa, you can also get a standard driver license using your visa and passport, but you can choose to use AB 60 instead if you prefer.

What happens if I am pulled over by police with an AB 60 license?

Show your license to the officer. Local police cannot use your license to initiate immigration enforcement. However, if you are arrested or convicted of a crime, that information may be shared with immigration authorities separately. If you are pulled over, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions about your immigration status.