California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Through AB 60

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license under Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to get one. The state issues these licenses with the same validity period and driving privileges as licenses issued to citizens, though the card itself is marked differently so law enforcement and other officials can see at a glance that it was issued under AB 60.

The license is valid for driving purposes only — it cannot be used as proof of identity for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. For those purposes, you would need a passport or other federally recognized document. However, for California state purposes like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or proving you can drive, the AB 60 license works the same as any other California driver license.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants under AB 60, and you do not need to prove citizenship or legal status to get one.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test, just like any other applicant, and provide documents that prove your identity and California residency.
  • The AB 60 license is valid for driving in California and for state identification purposes, but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes AB 60 applications at any field office, and you can schedule an appointment online or by phone.
  • Processing typically takes several weeks, and you will receive your license by mail at the California address you provide during your process.

What Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can bring a passport from any country, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or certain other documents issued by your home country's government. The document does not have to be in English, but if it is not, you may need to bring a certified translation.

For proof of residency, bring documents showing your name and a California address where you currently live. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have documents in your name, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name appears on the bill, stating that you live there, along with a copy of that person's ID.

You will also need to provide a Social Security number if you have one, or sign a form stating that you do not have one. The DMV will not deny your process based on not having a Social Security number.

The Testing and Approval Process

Like all California driver license applicants, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs and is offered in multiple languages at DMV offices. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which is free and available online and at DMV offices in many languages.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test takes place on local roads near the DMV office and lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians.

Once you pass all three tests, the DMV processes your process. There is no separate background check or immigration status verification — the DMV straightforward confirms that you meet the age, residency, and testing requirements. You will receive your license by mail within two to three weeks of passing your driving test.

How to Schedule Your DMV Appointment

You can schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) or by calling 1-800-777-0133. When you schedule, select "Original Driver License" as the type of license you want. You do not need to mention AB 60 during scheduling — the DMV will determine your may be able to access based on the documents you bring.

Appointments are usually available within two to four weeks of when you call or book online, depending on how busy your local DMV office is. Some offices have shorter wait times than others. If the nearest office is very busy, you may find shorter wait times at a DMV office in a neighboring county or city.

Bring all your documents to your appointment, along with the completed DL 44 form (process for California Driver License or Identification Card), which you can fill out at home or at the DMV office. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You will first check in, then take the written test, then the vision test. If you pass both, you will schedule your driving test for a later date.

Costs and Timeline

The fee for an original driver license in California is $39 as of 2024, though this amount can change. You pay this fee when you pass your driving test. There are no additional fees for AB 60 applicants — the cost is the same as for any other driver.

The full process from your first appointment to receiving your license in the mail typically takes four to six weeks. This includes time for the written and vision tests at your first appointment, scheduling and taking your driving test at a second appointment, and then the DMV mailing your license to you. If you fail any test, you can retake it, which adds additional time.

What the AB 60 License Shows and Does Not Show

The AB 60 driver license looks similar to a standard California license but includes the text "AB 60" printed on it. This marking tells law enforcement and others that the license was issued under this specific law. The license includes your photo, name, date of birth, address, and driving record information, just like any other California license.

You can use the AB 60 license to drive legally in California, to prove your identity for state purposes, and to show that you have a valid license if you are pulled over by police. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or for other federal identification purposes — for those, you would need a passport or other federally recognized ID. Some private businesses may refuse to accept it as identification, though many do accept it for purposes like opening a bank account or renting an apartment.

Your Rights When Driving With an AB 60 License

Once you have an AB 60 license, your driving rights are the same as any other California driver. You can legally drive on California roads, and law enforcement cannot stop you straightforward because you are driving with an AB 60 license. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation, you show your license just as any other driver would.

However, if you are pulled over and the officer suspects you may be in the country without authorization, the officer may ask about your immigration status. You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status. You should provide your driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, but you do not have to answer other questions. If you are arrested, you have the right to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AB 60 license online or by mail?

Yes. Once you have an AB 60 license, you can renew it online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewals are faster and do not require you to take the tests again. You will need to renew every five years, just like any other California driver.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

The DMV accepts other identity documents, including consular IDs, foreign military IDs, and certain other government-issued documents from your home country. If you are unsure whether a document you have will work, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or visit a local office to ask before scheduling your appointment.

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

Getting a driver license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. However, the DMV does keep records, and in rare cases those records have been shared with immigration authorities. If you have concerns about your specific situation, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney before explore.

Can I use my AB 60 license to travel outside California?

You can drive with your AB 60 license in other states, just as you can with any California license. However, you cannot use it to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada, or to board a plane. For border crossing or air travel, you need a passport or other federally recognized travel document.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on how many times you can try. Each time you retake it, you pay the $39 fee again and schedule a new appointment. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.