How to Get a California Driver License as an Immigrant

California Issues Driver Licenses to Immigrants Regardless of Immigration Status

California allows you to get a driver license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need to prove legal immigration status. The state issues two types of licenses: a standard driver license (valid for driving) and an AB 60 license (also valid for driving, but marked differently and not accepted as federal identification). Both let you drive legally in California.

The main difference is what you can use the license for. A standard California driver license works for driving, opening a bank account, and other everyday purposes. An AB 60 license works for driving but cannot be used as federal identification — for example, you cannot use it to board a domestic flight. Both are real licenses issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Key Takeaways

California issues driver licenses to immigrants without requiring proof of legal status, and you can get one regardless of your immigration situation.
You will need a valid passport or consular ID, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
You can explore in person at any DMV office, and the process takes about 30 minutes once you are called; the license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
The fee is $39 for a standard license or $36 for an AB 60 license, and you must pass a written test and a driving test to get either one.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid passport or a consular ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. This is your proof of identity. If your passport is expired, California will still accept it as long as it was valid when you entered the country.

You also need proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a letter from a shelter or a pay stub plus a piece of mail.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing it. If you have an ITIN, bring a tax return or a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have neither, you can still get a license — you will fill out a form at the DMV stating you do not have one.

how the process works at the DMV

Go to the California DMV website and use the online appointment system to book a time at your nearest office. Walk-ins are accepted but you may wait several hours. When you arrive, bring all your documents and your completed process form DL 44 (for a first-time license) or DL 43 (if you are renewing). You can fill these out at home or at the DMV.

At your appointment, a DMV staff member will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will then take a written test on California traffic laws — the test has 36 questions and you must answer at least 30 correctly. After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test at a later date.

The driving test happens at the same DMV office. You bring your own car (or borrow one), and a DMV examiner watches you drive for about 15 minutes. You must show you can start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws. If you pass, your license is approved and mailed to your address within one to two weeks.

Fees and Timeline

A standard California driver license costs $39 and is valid for five years. An AB 60 license costs $36 and is also valid for five years. You pay this fee at your first appointment, before you take the written test. If you fail the written test, you do not get your money back, but you can retake it at your next appointment.

The written test usually happens the same day as your appointment. The driving test is scheduled for a later date — typically within two to four weeks, depending on how busy your local DMV is. Once you pass the driving test, your license is printed and mailed to you. The whole process from first appointment to receiving your license in the mail takes four to six weeks.

What Happens If You Do Not Have a Social Security Number or ITIN

You can still get a California driver license without a Social Security number or ITIN. At your DMV appointment, tell the staff member you do not have one. You will sign a form stating this, and the DMV will issue you a license without one. Your license will work exactly the same way as anyone else's — you can drive legally and use it for most everyday purposes.

However, if you later get a Social Security number or ITIN, you can update your license by going back to the DMV. Bring your new Social Security card or IRS letter and your current license. The DMV will reissue your license with the number added at no extra cost.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

Your California driver license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. About 60 days before it expires, the DMV will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — you just pay the renewal fee and send in your documents.

To renew by mail, fill out form DL 44 and mail it with a copy of your current license and your renewal notice to the address on the notice. To renew online, go to the DMV website and follow the online renewal system. Both methods take two to three weeks. If you renew in person at the DMV, you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Using Your License for Other Purposes

A standard California driver license can be used to open a bank account, get a job, rent an apartment, and for most everyday identification needs. Some employers and landlords will accept it without question. Others may ask for additional documents to verify your immigration status — this is their choice, and it is separate from whether the DMV will issue you a license.

An AB 60 license works the same way for driving and most everyday purposes. However, it cannot be used as federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or explore for certain federal benefits. If you think you may need federal identification in the future, ask the DMV staff which type of license is right for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a California driver license if I am undocumented?

Yes. California does not require you to prove legal immigration status to get a driver license. You need a valid passport or consular ID, proof of California residency, and proof of a Social Security number or ITIN (or a signed statement that you do not have one). Your immigration status does not affect whether you can get a license.

What is the difference between a standard license and an AB 60 license?

Both let you drive legally in California. A standard license can be used for federal identification (like boarding a domestic flight). An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal identification but works for driving and most everyday purposes. Ask the DMV staff which one is right for your situation.

Do I need to pass a driving test if I already have a license from another country?

Yes. California requires everyone to pass a written test and a driving test, even if you have a valid license from another country. Your foreign license does not transfer to California. However, if you have a valid International Driving Permit, you can drive in California while you are waiting for your appointment.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at your next appointment. There is no extra fee — you only pay once, at your first appointment. Most people pass on their second or third try. You can practice with a friend or family member who has a valid license before you retake the test.

Can I use my California driver license to fly on a domestic flight?

It depends on which type of license you have. A standard California driver license is accepted for domestic flights. An AB 60 license is not accepted for federal identification purposes, including domestic flights. If you think you may need to fly, ask the DMV staff about getting a standard license instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.