What AB 60 Allows You to Do

California Assembly Bill 60, which took effect on January 1, 2022, lets you get a driver license from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) without proving you are a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. You do not need to show immigration documents or a Social Security number. 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 accepted as identification at traffic stops.

The license itself looks different from a standard California license. It has a distinctive design that marks it as issued under AB 60, and it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building. For driving and state-level identification, it functions identically to a regular license.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a California address, proof of identity, and proof of California residency — but not proof of legal status or a Social Security number.
  • The AB 60 license allows you to drive legally in California but cannot be used for federal identification like air travel.
  • You must pass the written test, vision test, and driving test just as you would for a standard license.
  • The DMV processes AB 60 applications at regular DMV locations during standard hours; there is no separate office or expedited track.

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 (matrícula consular), a national ID card, a birth certificate, or a foreign driver license. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo (if the document type normally includes one).

For proof of residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have two separate documents, a single document plus a declaration under penalty of perjury (a form the DMV provides) stating your address will also work.

You will also need to provide your California address and a phone number. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the DMV representative — they will issue you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or use an alternative number instead.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Step 1: Schedule an appointment or arrive for walk-in service. You can book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or walk into any DMV office during business hours. Appointments typically move faster, but walk-ins are accepted. Bring all documents listed above.

Step 2: Complete the process form. The DMV will give you form DL 44 (process for a Driver License or Identification Card). Fill it out with your name, address, date of birth, and other requested information. If you cannot read or write English, ask for a form in your language or for an interpreter — the DMV provides these at no cost.

Step 3: Pass the vision test. A DMV employee will test your eyesight using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another time.

Step 4: Take the written test. You will answer 36 multiple-choice questions about California traffic laws and safe driving. You need 30 correct answers to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, available free online at dmv.ca.gov or in print at any DMV office.

Step 5: Schedule your driving test. After passing the written and vision tests, the DMV will schedule you for a behind-the-wheel driving test. This typically happens within a few weeks. You must bring a vehicle, a valid ID, and proof of insurance to the driving test appointment.

Step 6: Pass the driving test. A DMV examiner will ride with you and evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.

Step 7: Pay the fee and receive your license. Once you pass all tests, you will pay the license fee (currently $39 for a four-year license, though this amount can change). The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 60 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address.

How Long the Process Takes

The written and vision tests usually happen on the same day you visit the DMV, taking one to three hours depending on how busy the office is. The driving test is scheduled separately and typically occurs within two to four weeks of passing your written test, though wait times vary by location and season.

After you pass the driving test, the DMV mails your plastic license card to your California address. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, your temporary paper license is valid for driving.

What Happens If You Fail a Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at the same DMV visit or return another day at no extra charge. Most people are allowed to retake it the same day. If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another appointment, which typically occurs within a few weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though you must pay the license fee only once.

If you fail the vision test, the DMV may require you to get a vision correction from an eye doctor and bring a signed form (DL 62) confirming your corrected vision meets the standard. This adds time to the process but does not disqualify you.

Using Your AB 60 License and Its Limitations

Once you have your AB 60 license, you can drive anywhere in California and use it as identification for state purposes — traffic stops, opening a bank account, or buying age-restricted items like alcohol or tobacco. The license is valid for four years from the date of issue.

The AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or explore for certain federal benefits. If you need federal identification, you would need to obtain a passport from your country of origin or explore other federal ID options.

Renewal works the same way as a standard license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the tests.

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, the DMV will use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an alternative number instead. You do not need to provide a Social Security number or prove you have one.

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

No, not for domestic flights. The AB 60 license is not accepted as federal identification for air travel. You would need a passport from your country of origin or another federally accepted ID. Some states accept AB 60 licenses for state ID purposes, but the federal government does not.

What if I do not have two documents showing my California address?

You can bring one document showing your address plus a declaration under penalty of perjury. This is a written statement, signed in front of a DMV employee, confirming your California address. The DMV provides the form at no cost.

How much does an AB 60 license cost?

The current fee is $39 for a four-year license. Fees can change, so check dmv.ca.gov or call your local DMV office for the current amount. You pay this fee only once, even if you retake a test.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person. Online and mail renewals do not require you to retake the written or driving tests.