California issues driver licenses to people without proof of legal residency status

California allows you to obtain a driver license even if you cannot provide proof of legal residency in the United States. You do not need to show immigration documents or citizenship papers. The state's AB 60 program (Assembly Bill 60) created this pathway, and it has been in place since 2015. The license looks identical to a standard California driver license and works the same way for driving purposes.

The main difference is that an AB 60 license cannot be used as federal identification for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. It works for driving, opening a bank account, and obtaining an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS. You will need to prove your identity and California residency through documents that do not require legal status — such as a passport from your home country, a consulate ID, utility bills, or rental agreements.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 driver licenses to people without proof of legal residency, and the process process is the same as for any other driver license.
  • You must prove your identity with a passport, consulate ID, or other document from your country of origin, plus prove California residency with a utility bill, lease, or similar document.
  • The license cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel or federal building entry, but works for driving and most state-level identification needs.
  • You must pass the written knowledge test and the driving test just like any other applicant, and you pay the same fees as other California drivers.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles does not share immigration information with federal authorities, and obtaining a license does not affect your immigration status.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, the DMV accepts a passport from your country of origin, a consulate ID card, a national ID from your home country, or a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your name and date of birth. The document does not need to be in English, but if it is not, bring a certified translation.

For California residency, bring one document that shows your name and a California address from the past 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. A letter from a government agency, school, or employer with your name and address also works. You do not need to own property or have a long history in California — 60 days of residency is the minimum.

Bring your Social Security number if you have one, or be prepared to sign a form stating you do not have one. You will also need to pass a vision test at the DMV, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.

The written test and driving test requirements

You must pass the same written knowledge test and driving test as any other California driver. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. Study materials are free on the DMV website.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test appointment. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has a valid smog certificate (if required). The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name — a family member or friend's vehicle works as long as it meets these requirements. The driving test is the same for all applicants and takes about 20 minutes.

how the process works at the DMV

Visit your local DMV office in person — you cannot complete an AB 60 process online. Bring all your documents (identity, residency proof, and vision correction if needed) and fill out Form DL 44, which is the standard California driver license process. The DMV staff will not ask about your immigration status. Tell them you are explore under AB 60 if they ask, but the form itself does not require you to state your status.

Pay the process fee, which is the same as for any California driver license. As of 2024, the fee is $39 for a four-year license or $69 for an eight-year license. Fees may change, so check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm the current amount. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot if you pass the written test, and your plastic license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from process to receiving your plastic license in the mail. You will get a temporary paper license when ready after passing the written test, and you can drive legally with this paper license while you wait for the plastic one. The paper license is valid for 60 days, which gives you time to schedule and complete your driving test before your plastic license arrives.

The DMV does not share information about AB 60 applicants with immigration authorities. Obtaining a driver license under AB 60 does not change your immigration status, does not trigger any immigration investigation, and does not create a record that immigration enforcement can use against you. This protection is part of California state law.

Using your AB 60 license for banking and taxes

An AB 60 driver license is accepted by most California banks as proof of identity for opening a checking or savings account. Bring your license and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, some banks will still open an account — ask about their policy when you call.

You can use your AB 60 license to obtain an ITIN from the IRS if you do not have a Social Security number. An ITIN allows you to file taxes and claim refunds. You will need to file Form W-7 with the IRS along with your AB 60 license and your passport or consulate ID. Many tax preparation organizations help people file for an ITIN at no cost.

What an AB 60 license cannot be used for

Your AB 60 license cannot be used as identification for boarding a domestic flight within the United States or for entering a federal building. If you need to fly within the US, you will need a passport from your country of origin or another form of federal identification. For international travel, you will need your passport regardless of your driver license status.

Some private businesses may refuse an AB 60 license as identification, though this is not common. If a business refuses your license, you can offer your passport or consulate ID instead. Your AB 60 license is valid for all state-level identification purposes, including opening bank accounts, obtaining credit, and proving age for age-restricted purchases.

Renewing your AB 60 license

You renew an AB 60 license the same way you renew any California driver license. You can renew online through the DMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. If you need to renew in person, bring the same residency proof you brought for your original process — a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your current California address.

Your AB 60 license is valid for four or eight years depending on which option you chose when you applied. Renewal fees are the same as for any other California driver license. The DMV will send you a notice when your license is about to expire, usually about 60 days before the expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. California state law prohibits the DMV from sharing AB 60 applicant information with immigration authorities. Obtaining a driver license does not change your immigration status, does not create grounds for deportation, and does not trigger any immigration investigation. Your license is a state document, not a federal one.

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly domestically within the United States?

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as federal identification for domestic flights. You will need a passport from your country of origin or another federally accepted ID. International flights also require your passport.

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

If you do not have a passport, contact your country's consulate in California. Most countries issue consulate ID cards to their citizens living abroad, and the process is usually faster and cheaper than obtaining a passport. The DMV also accepts a birth certificate paired with another identity document that shows your name and date of birth.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and several other languages. When you go to the DMV, tell the staff which language you need. Study materials in multiple languages are available free on the DMV website.

What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake either test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you must wait at least one day between attempts. For the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least two weeks. Each retake has a small fee, usually around $10 to $15.