California Issues Driver's Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Under AB 60

Yes. California has issued driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants since 2015 under a law called Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60). The state does not require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to obtain a standard driver's license. Instead, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport or consular ID from another country as proof of identity.

This means an undocumented immigrant can walk into a California DMV, provide the required documents, pass the written and driving tests, and receive a valid driver's license that works for driving, banking, and other everyday purposes. The license itself does not indicate immigration status — it looks identical to any other California driver's license.

AB 60 was designed to allow people without legal status to drive legally and carry valid identification. It does not grant legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit. It is purely a driving and identification document.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 law allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license by providing an ITIN, passport, or consular ID instead of a Social Security number.
  • The license is valid for driving and identification purposes and looks the same as any other California license — it does not indicate immigration status.
  • You must still pass the written knowledge test, the driving test, and the vision test, just like any other applicant.
  • Getting an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status, grant work authorization, or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you.
  • You will need to bring documents proving your identity, residency in California, and your ITIN or foreign ID to the DMV.

What Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your ITIN or foreign identification. For identity, you can use a valid passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), or a foreign driver's license. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo.

For proof of residency in California, the DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. You will also need to provide your ITIN (if you have one) or bring your passport or consular ID as proof of identity.

Bring your Social Security card if you have one, though it is not required. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can still explore for a license using your passport or consular ID alone. The DMV will not ask about immigration status during this process.

The Testing and Approval Process

After you submit your documents, you must pass the same tests as any other applicant. This includes a written knowledge test about California traffic laws, a vision test, and a practical driving test. You can take the written test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. The DMV website lists all available languages.

The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and California vehicle code. You can study using the DMV handbook, which is free and available online and in print. Most people schedule their driving test after passing the written test, though you can take both on the same day if you prefer.

Once you pass all tests, the DMV issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within a few weeks. The license is valid for five years for applicants under 70 years old.

How AB 60 Protects Your Privacy

AB 60 licenses are not shared with federal immigration authorities as a matter of state law. California prohibits the DMV from disclosing immigration status information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies without a court order. This protection applies even if you are undocumented.

However, this does not mean your information is completely hidden. If you are arrested or convicted of a crime, that record may be shared with federal authorities through normal criminal justice channels. A traffic stop that results in an arrest could also lead to immigration enforcement, though a routine traffic stop for a minor violation typically does not.

The license itself does not flag you as undocumented. To someone checking your ID at a bank, a store, or a police officer during a traffic stop, it appears to be a standard California driver's license with no indication of your immigration status.

Differences Between AB 60 Licenses and Standard Licenses

An AB 60 license functions identically to a standard California driver's license for most purposes. You can use it to drive, to open a bank account, to board domestic flights within the United States, and to prove your identity. Insurance companies will insure you, and employers can verify your identity with it.

The main difference is internal: the DMV's records note that the license was issued under AB 60 rather than under standard procedures. This distinction is not visible on the physical card and does not appear when someone scans your license. The DMV does not print "AB 60" or any similar marking on the license itself.

One practical limitation: you cannot use an AB 60 license to board international flights or to cross the U.S. border. For those purposes, you would need a valid passport or travel document from your country of origin.

What Happens If You Are Stopped by Police

If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, your AB 60 license is a valid form of identification. Showing it does not automatically trigger an immigration investigation. However, if the officer runs your license and discovers you are undocumented through other means (such as a warrant or prior record), that could lead to immigration enforcement.

A routine traffic stop for speeding or a broken taillight is unlikely to result in immigration consequences straightforward because you have an AB 60 license. The license itself does not flag you as undocumented in law enforcement databases. That said, any interaction with police carries some risk if you are undocumented, and you have the right to remain silent and to refuse consent to searches.

If you are arrested, you should ask to speak with an immigration attorney before answering questions. A criminal conviction, even for a minor offense, can have serious immigration consequences that go beyond the criminal penalty.

how the process works at Your Local DMV

Visit the DMV website to find your nearest office and check current wait times. You can make an appointment online or call your local DMV. Bring all required documents: proof of identity (passport, consular ID, or foreign driver's license), proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and your ITIN if you have one.

Arrive early on the day of your appointment. The DMV will verify your documents, take your photo, and schedule you for the written test. You can often take the written test the same day. After you pass, you will schedule a driving test, which may be weeks away depending on your local DMV's backlog.

The total cost is the same as a standard license: around $39 for a five-year license for applicants under 70. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DMV offices accept online payment before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license hurt my immigration case?

No. The license itself does not affect your immigration status or any pending immigration case. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending asylum case, you should discuss it with your immigration attorney before explore, as they may have specific information based on your situation.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name. If your license is expired or you need to update your information, you must visit the DMV in person with updated residency documents.

What if I don't have an ITIN yet?

You can still explore for an AB 60 license using your passport or consular ID as proof of identity. You do not need an ITIN to get the license. If you want to obtain an ITIN later, you can explore through the IRS using Form W-7.

Can I use my AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?

Yes, you can use it for domestic flights within the United States. You cannot use it for international flights or to cross the U.S. border — for those, you need a valid passport or travel document from your country of origin.

Does California share AB 60 license information with ICE?

No. California law prohibits the DMV from sharing immigration status information with federal immigration authorities without a court order. However, if you are arrested or convicted of a crime, that information may be shared through normal criminal justice channels.