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 what is called an AB 60 license — named after the 2013 law that created it — and it works the same way as a standard California license for driving purposes.

The license is valid for five years and can be renewed. You can use it to drive legally in California, and it is recognized by other states and some federal agencies. However, it cannot be used as proof of citizenship or legal status, and it will not help you board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building that requires Real ID identification.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 license is open to anyone who can pass the written and driving tests, regardless of immigration status or whether you have a Social Security number.
  • You will need to prove your identity and California residency using documents like a passport, consulate ID, utility bill, or lease agreement.
  • The process process is the same as for any California driver license — you visit the Department of Motor Vehicles, pass a vision test, written exam, and driving test.
  • An AB 60 license allows you to drive legally in California but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to prove your identity and that you live in California. For identity, you can use a passport, a consulate-issued ID card, a foreign driver license, or a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your name. If you have a Social Security number, bring that; if you do not, you can still proceed without one.

For proof of California residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a pay stub and a letter from your employer on company letterhead, both showing your California address.

Bring your passport or travel document, even if you also bring a consulate ID. The DMV staff will tell you which documents they accept on the day you visit, so having multiple forms of proof reduces the chance you will need to return.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Start by visiting the California DMV website and scheduling an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster and more reliable. When you arrive, tell the staff you are explore for an AB 60 license. You will be assigned a number and called to a window.

At the window, you will fill out a DL 44 form (the standard California driver license process). The staff will review your identity and residency documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will pay the process fee, which varies but is typically around $35 to $40 for a five-year license. Ask the staff what payment methods they accept — most DMV offices take cash, debit, and credit cards.

Next, you will go to the vision testing area, where staff will check your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. After that, you will take the written test on a computer. The test covers California traffic laws and road signs. You can request the test in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, or several other languages. You must pass with a score of at least 38 out of 46 questions.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. This may happen the same day if the DMV has availability, or you may be scheduled for a later appointment. During the driving test, you will drive an examiner around a local route for about 20 minutes. The examiner will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and your awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians.

Timeline and What Happens After You Pass

The written test results are available when ready. If you pass, you can often schedule your driving test within one to four weeks, depending on how busy your local DMV is. After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed.

Your permanent AB 60 license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV before it expires. Renewal is simpler than the first process — you do not need to retake the written or driving tests unless the DMV has reason to require it.

How an AB 60 License Differs From a Standard California License

An AB 60 license looks similar to a standard California driver license and works the same way for driving. You can use it to rent a car, prove your age to buy alcohol or tobacco, and drive legally throughout California and most other states. Insurance companies will write policies for drivers with AB 60 licenses.

The main difference is what the license cannot do. It is not accepted as proof of citizenship or legal immigration status. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. If you need Real ID-compliant identification for federal purposes, you would need to pursue a separate pathway — for example, obtaining a passport or passport card from your country of origin.

Some employers and landlords may ask for additional proof of identity beyond the AB 60 license. The license itself does not prove you are authorized to work in the United States, so employers who are required to verify work authorization through the I-9 process will still need to see other documents.

Preparing for the Written and Driving Tests

The California DMV publishes a free study guide called the California Driver Handbook, available in multiple languages on the DMV website. It covers all the topics on the written test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, lane changes, and what different road signs mean. Most people spend one to two weeks studying before taking the test.

For the driving test, practice in a car with someone who knows California roads and traffic patterns. Focus on smooth turns, complete stops at stop signs, checking your mirrors and blind spots, and staying in your lane. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfection — minor mistakes are normal, but unsafe moves like running a red light or failing to yield will result in a failing score.

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you do not pass the driving test, you can schedule another attempt, usually within a few weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though you will pay the process fee each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an AB 60 license. The DMV will issue you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for licensing purposes if you do not have a Social Security number. Bring your passport or consulate ID and proof of California residency.

Can I use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight?

No. An AB 60 license is not Real ID-compliant and cannot be used to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. You would need a passport, passport card, or other federally accepted ID for air travel. Check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for a full list of accepted documents.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at most DMV locations, or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to retakes. Study the California Driver Handbook between attempts, focusing on the topics you found difficult. Many people pass on their second or third try.

How long does it take to get the plastic license card in the mail?

After you pass the driving test, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your plastic card is mailed within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact your local DMV office to check the status.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail?

Yes. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Renewal by mail is the simplest option — the DMV will send you renewal forms before your license expires. You do not need to retake the written or driving tests for renewal unless the DMV requests it.