What you need to know before you start
California issues driver licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, but the documents you need depend on your immigration status. If you have a valid visa, work permit, or other federal immigration document, you can get a standard California driver license. If you don't have federal immigration status, you can get an AB 60 license instead — a license that works for driving but doesn't prove citizenship or legal presence.
The key difference is what documents the DMV will accept from you. Both routes go through the same California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but the paperwork and the license itself are different. You'll need to know which category you fall into before you walk into a DMV office or start an online appointment.
Key Takeaways
- California issues two types of licenses to non-citizens: a standard license (if you have federal immigration status) and an AB 60 license (if you don't).
- For a standard license, you need a valid visa, work permit, or other federal immigration document; for an AB 60 license, you need proof of California residency and identity, but not immigration status.
- Both require a written test, a driving test, and a vision test; you can take the written test in multiple languages at the DMV.
- The DMV appointment system is online; walk-ins are not may provide service, and wait times vary by location.
- An AB 60 license looks different from a standard license and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
Standard California driver license for non-citizens with immigration status
If you have a valid visa, work permit, employment authorization document (EAD), or other federal immigration document, you can get a standard California driver license. This license works the same as a license issued to a U.S. citizen — you can use it to drive, and it's accepted as ID in most situations.
You'll need to bring your immigration document to the DMV, along with proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and your birth certificate or passport. The DMV will verify your immigration status with federal databases, so bring the original documents, not copies.
The process takes the same amount of time as for a U.S. citizen: you'll take a written test (available in many languages), a vision test, and a driving test. Once you pass, the license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few weeks, depending on the DMV office.
AB 60 license for non-citizens without federal immigration status
AB 60 is a California law that lets people without federal immigration status get a driver license. You don't need a visa, work permit, or any federal immigration document. Instead, you need to prove you live in California and prove your identity.
To get an AB 60 license, bring two documents that show your California address (a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail) and two documents that prove your identity (a passport, consulate ID, birth certificate, or foreign driver license). The DMV does not check immigration status for an AB 60 license — they only verify that you live here and are who you say you are.
An AB 60 license looks slightly different from a standard California license — it has a different design and says "AB 60" on it. You can use it to drive in California and to open a bank account, but you cannot use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or getting on a cruise ship. It's a driving license, not a federal ID.
The written test and language options
California offers the written test in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, Hmong, Japanese, and Thai. You can request the test in any of these languages when you book your DMV appointment or when you arrive at the office.
The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Many DMV offices let you take the test on a computer, which some people find easier than paper.
The driving test and vision test
After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a driving test. You need to bring a car that's registered and insured, and the car must pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). You'll drive with a DMV examiner for about 20 minutes on local streets. The test checks whether you can start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws.
The vision test happens at the DMV office before or after your driving test. You'll read letters on a chart from about 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a report to the DMV.
How to book a DMV appointment
The California DMV uses an online appointment system at dmv.ca.gov. You can book an appointment for a new driver license, written test, driving test, or vision test. The website lets you choose your location, the service you need, and available times. Appointments fill up quickly in busy areas, so book as far in advance as you can.
Walk-ins are accepted at some DMV offices, but you're not may provide service, and wait times can be several hours. Booking an appointment online is faster and more reliable. If you don't have internet access, you can call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to book by phone, though wait times to reach someone are often long.
Bring all your documents to your appointment. If you're missing something, the DMV may not be able to process your request, and you'll have to reschedule. Make a checklist before you go: immigration document (if you have one), proof of residency, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number or ITIN, and your birth certificate or passport.
Cost and timeline
A California driver license costs $39 if you're getting it for the first time. If you're renewing or replacing a license, the cost is different. Payment is due at the DMV office when you complete your process.
The timeline depends on how quickly you pass the tests. If you pass the written test, vision test, and driving test all in one visit, your license may be issued on the spot. More often, the DMV mails the license to your address within two to three weeks. During that time, you'll get a temporary paper license that you can use to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a foreign driver license to drive in California?
A valid foreign driver license lets you drive in California for a short visit, but if you live here, you need to get a California license. California law says you must get a California license within 10 days of becoming a resident. After that, driving on a foreign license is illegal.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you don't have either, ask the DMV about other documents that might work. Some people without a Social Security number or ITIN may not be able to get a standard license, but they can get an AB 60 license.
Do I need to pass the written test if I already have a license from another country?
Yes. California requires everyone to pass the written test, vision test, and driving test, regardless of whether you have a license from another country. Your foreign license doesn't transfer to California.
Can I get a Real ID-compliant California license as a non-citizen?
Only if you have federal immigration status and bring the required documents to the DMV. An AB 60 license is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. Most DMV offices let you schedule another appointment within a few days. You'll need to bring the same documents and pay the test fee again. There's no limit to how many times you can retake the test.