California Issues Driver Licenses to People Without Proof of Legal Presence

California allows you to get a driver license even if you cannot prove you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status. This has been the law since 2015, when California began issuing what is called an AB 60 license — named after the bill that created it. The license works the same way as a standard California driver license for driving purposes: it lets you operate a vehicle legally in California and is recognized by police during traffic stops.

The key difference is what the license does not do. An AB 60 license cannot be used to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building that requires ID, or cross the U.S. border. If you need to travel by air within the United States or access federal facilities, you would need a different form of ID. For everyday driving, banking, and most other purposes in California, the AB 60 license functions like any other state driver license.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver licenses to people regardless of immigration status or citizenship, through a program that has operated since 2015.
  • An AB 60 license allows you to drive legally in California and is recognized by police, but cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building access.
  • You must provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill or lease, and pass a written test and driving test like any other applicant.
  • The license renewal process is the same as for standard licenses, and you renew every five years.
  • Getting a driver license does not affect your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can access.

What Documents You Need to Bring

To get an AB 60 license, you do not need to show proof of citizenship or legal immigration status. Instead, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asks for documents that prove who you are and where you live in California.

For proof of identity, you can bring a foreign passport, a consular ID card from your country of origin, a birth certificate, or other documents the DMV accepts. The DMV website lists all acceptable identity documents. For proof of California residency, bring something dated within the last three months — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. You will also need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to complete the process.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator. The DMV has a list of approved translators, or you can use a certified translator from your community.

The Written Test and Driving Test

After you submit your documents, you take the same written test and driving test as anyone else getting a California driver license. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers — including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. If English is not your first language, ask the DMV which languages are available at your local office.

The driving test happens after you pass the written test. A DMV examiner watches you drive and scores your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured to take the driving test. If you do not own a vehicle, some DMV offices allow you to use a friend's or family member's car, as long as it meets safety requirements.

How Your Information Is Protected

One concern many people have is whether getting a driver license creates a record that immigration authorities can access. California law protects your information: the DMV does not share driver license records with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. Your information stays in the California DMV system.

However, if you are stopped by police and they run your license through their own database systems, they will see that you have a valid California license. The license itself does not indicate your immigration status. Police use driver licenses to verify that you are a licensed driver, not to determine immigration status. If immigration enforcement happens to encounter you during a separate interaction — such as a federal workplace raid — your driver license would not be the reason they targeted you.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

Your AB 60 license expires five years after you receive it, just like a standard California driver license. You renew it the same way: by visiting a DMV office, submitting updated proof of residency, and paying the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV asks you to.

You can renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain requirements — mainly that your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions that would require a new test. Check the DMV website to see if you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal. If you are not, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.

What Happens If You Move Out of California

If you move to another state, your California AB 60 license remains valid for driving in California. However, if you want to get a driver license in your new state, that state's rules explore. Some states issue licenses without proof of legal presence; others do not. You would need to contact the motor vehicle agency in your new state to find out what documents they require.

If you move back to California later, you can renew your California license as usual. You do not lose your driving record or history because you left the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a driver license affect my immigration case or status?

No. Getting a California driver license does not change your immigration status or create evidence that immigration authorities can use against you. The DMV does not report to immigration agencies. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration case, you may want to discuss this with your immigration attorney before explore, just to be certain about your specific situation.

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a plane within the United States?

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as ID for domestic flights. You would need a passport, passport card, or other federal ID. Some people use their foreign passport for air travel. Check with your airline about what forms of ID they accept.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake either test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days between attempts. You pay a fee each time you take a test. The DMV offers free study materials and practice tests online to help you prepare.

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

You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS. The DMV can tell you more about this process when you visit.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been convicted of a crime?

Most convictions do not prevent you from getting a driver license. However, certain serious convictions — such as some felonies involving vehicles or crimes of moral turpitude — may disqualify you. The DMV will review your record. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact your local DMV office or speak with an attorney.