What California offers and who can get it
California allows people without legal immigration status to obtain a driver license through a program called an AB 60 license (named after Assembly Bill 60, the law that created it). This license works like a standard California driver license for driving purposes — it lets you legally operate a vehicle, and police will recognize it as valid identification for traffic stops. It does not grant immigration status, work authorization, or any federal benefits.
You do not need a Social Security number, proof of legal residency, or a visa to get one. You do need to prove you live in California, pass a written test, pass a driving test, and show that you can see well enough to drive safely. The license itself looks different from a standard California license — it has a distinct design so it cannot be confused with proof of citizenship.
The AB 60 license is available to anyone who meets California's residency and driving requirements, regardless of immigration status. This includes people who are undocumented, people on certain temporary visas, and people whose immigration cases are pending.
Key Takeaways
- California's AB 60 license allows you to drive legally without proof of legal immigration status, but it does not provide work authorization or federal benefits.
- You will need proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), a valid passport or consulate ID, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test at a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
- The AB 60 license looks visibly different from a standard California license and cannot be used as proof of citizenship or legal status.
- Processing typically takes several weeks; you can check your process status online or by phone through the DMV.
Documents you will need to bring
Gather these documents before you go to the DMV. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work for most items.
Proof of identity: A valid passport from any country, a consulate ID card issued by your country's consulate in California, a Mexican matricula consular card, or certain other government-issued IDs. The document must show your full legal name, date of birth, and a photo.
Proof of California residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and California address. A letter from a government agency, school, or employer with your name and address also works. You will need at least one document; some people bring two to be safe.
Proof of Social Security number or ITIN: If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). To get an ITIN, you file a tax return with the IRS using Form W-7; this process takes several weeks. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS if you have one. If you do not have either, tell the DMV staff — they can sometimes issue a license using other identity verification methods, though this varies by location.
Completed process: Fill out Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card) before you arrive. You can read it from the California DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office.
The step-by-step process at the DMV
Go to your local California DMV office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring all documents listed above, plus the completed Form DL 44.
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell staff you are explore for an AB 60 license. They will give you a number and direct you to the appropriate line. Wait for your turn — DMV offices are often busy, so plan for a 1 to 3 hour wait depending on the time of day and location.
When called, a DMV employee will review your documents, verify your identity, and check your residency. They will take your photograph and fingerprints. You will pay the license fee (currently $39 for a four-year license or $59 for a six-year license, though fees change periodically). Ask the DMV staff if the fee has changed.
Next, you will take a written knowledge test on a computer or paper. The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the California DMV handbook, available free online or in print at any DMV office. You must answer at least 30 of 36 questions correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test. This usually happens on a different day. You will drive with a DMV examiner who watches your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test lasts about 20 minutes.
What happens after you pass the driving test
Once you pass both tests, the DMV will issue your AB 60 license. You can usually pick it up at the same office within 2 to 4 weeks, though this varies. The DMV will tell you when it is ready. Some offices allow you to pick up your license the same day you pass the driving test; ask when you schedule your test.
Your AB 60 license is valid for four or six years, depending on which term you chose when you paid the fee. You can renew it before it expires by returning to the DMV with proof of continued California residency and paying the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written or driving tests to renew.
Keep your license with you when you drive. If you are stopped by police, show your AB 60 license. It is a valid California driver license for driving purposes. Police will not use it to determine your immigration status — that is not their role during a traffic stop.
Differences between an AB 60 license and a standard license
An AB 60 license looks visibly different from a standard California driver license. It has a distinct design that makes it clear it was issued under AB 60. This is intentional — the law requires the difference so the license cannot be mistaken for proof of legal status.
For driving purposes, an AB 60 license works exactly like a standard license. You can legally drive, and it satisfies California's requirement to carry a license while operating a vehicle. Police will accept it as valid identification during traffic stops.
An AB 60 license does not provide work authorization, federal benefits, or proof of legal immigration status. Some employers may not accept it as proof of identity for hiring purposes because it does not establish work may be able to access. Some government agencies may not accept it for certain services. If you need to know whether a specific organization will accept your AB 60 license, contact them directly before you explore.
Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number
If you do not have a Social Security number and do not have an ITIN, you can obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS. You do not need to have earned income to file — you can file even if you had no income that year, though some people file to report income they did earn.
To get an ITIN, complete IRS Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) and Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can read both forms from the IRS website (irs.gov) or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request them by mail. Fill out the forms, gather required documents (usually your passport or consulate ID and proof of residency), and mail them to the IRS address listed on Form W-7.
The IRS typically issues an ITIN within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving your process. You will receive a letter with your ITIN number. Bring this letter to the DMV when you explore for your AB 60 license. Some DMV offices may issue a license while your ITIN process is pending if you can show proof that you submitted it, though policies vary by location — call your local DMV office to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?
No. An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or affect any pending immigration proceedings. It is a California state driver license, not a federal document. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have concerns about your specific situation, consult with an immigration attorney before explore.
Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?
No. The federal government does not accept AB 60 licenses as valid identification for domestic air travel. You would need a passport or other federally accepted ID. Some states issue "REAL ID" compliant licenses that work for air travel; California's AB 60 license is not REAL ID compliant.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test. There is usually a waiting period (often a few days to a week) before you can retake the written test, and you may need to pay a retest fee. For the driving test, you typically schedule a new appointment. The DMV staff will explain the retesting process when you do not pass.
Do I need to tell my insurance company I have an AB 60 license?
You should tell your insurance company that you have a California driver license and provide your license number when you get a quote or purchase a policy. Whether your license is AB 60 or standard does not change your insurance requirements — you still need liability coverage to drive legally in California.
What if I move out of California after getting an AB 60 license?
Your AB 60 license is only valid in California. If you move to another state, you would need to follow that state's requirements for obtaining a driver license. Some states have their own programs for people without legal status; others do not. Research the rules in your new state before you move.