California Issues Driver Licenses to Immigrants Regardless of Immigration Status

California allows you to get a driver license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need to prove legal immigration status. The state issues two types of licenses: a standard driver license (which you can use to drive) and an AB 60 license (which you can also use to drive, but cannot be used as federal identification for things like boarding a plane).

Both licenses work the same way for driving purposes. The main difference is that an AB 60 license has a different design and cannot be presented at airport security or to federal agents as proof of identity. If you plan to fly domestically, you will need a different form of ID — such as a passport from your home country.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a California driver license without proving citizenship or legal immigration status by visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person.
  • You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) to explore, plus documents proving your identity and California residency.
  • The AB 60 license works for driving but cannot be used as federal identification; a standard license requires proof of legal presence in the United States.
  • The entire process takes one visit to the DMV if you bring all required documents, though you may wait several hours.
  • The license costs between $36 and $39 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you can renew it by mail or online before it expires.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need three things: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and a tax ID number.

For proof of identity, bring a passport from your home country, a consular ID card (matrícula consular), a national ID card, or a birth certificate plus one additional document with your photo. If your documents are in another language, bring the original plus an official English translation.

For proof of California residency, bring two documents dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail. A piece of mail from your employer counts if it shows your address.

For your tax ID number, bring either your Social Security Number (SSN) or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before visiting the DMV, though this adds time to the process. Some DMV offices can help you explore for an ITIN on the same day, but call ahead to confirm your local office offers this.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

Go to your local DMV office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring all documents listed above, plus your completed DL 44 form (the process for a driver license). You can read and fill out the DL 44 form before you go, which will save time, or fill it out at the DMV.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are explore for a driver license. They will review your documents, take your photograph, and have you sign the process. They will also ask you to pay the fee — $36 for a four-year license or $39 for a six-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card.

Next, you will take a written test on California traffic laws. The test has 36 questions; you need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, or several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

After passing the written test, you will take a driving test. The examiner will ask you to drive on local roads and perform tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. This test takes about 20 minutes. If you pass, you will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks.

AB 60 License vs. Standard License: Which One You Can Get

If you cannot prove you are lawfully present in the United States, you will receive an AB 60 license. This license has a different appearance and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. However, it works exactly like a standard license for driving — police will accept it as proof that you are licensed to drive.

If you have a passport, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or other proof of lawful presence, you can get a standard driver license instead. A standard license can be used for federal identification purposes. The process process is identical; the difference is only in what you can use the license for after you receive it.

Some people with temporary immigration status (such as those with Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) can get a standard license. Bring whatever immigration document you have; the DMV staff will determine whether it counts as proof of lawful presence.

What Happens After You Pass the Test

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing your driving test. This paper license is valid for driving right away. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 10 to 14 days. Check your mail regularly — if the card does not arrive within three weeks, call the DMV to report it.

Your license will be valid for either four or six years, depending on which option you chose when you paid. Before it expires, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. Renewal by mail or online is faster and does not require you to retake the written or driving test.

If you move to a different address in California, you must notify the DMV within 10 days. You can update your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person. There is no fee to change your address.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Rejected

The most common problem is bringing documents that do not meet the requirements. Photocopies of your passport or ID will not work — you must bring the original. Residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days; an old utility bill will be rejected. If your documents are in another language, a personal translation will not work — you need an official translation or a certified copy.

Another frequent issue is not having a tax ID number. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, the DMV cannot process your process. You must get an ITIN from the IRS first. This takes several weeks if you explore by mail, though some DMV offices can help you explore on the same day.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or on another day — there is no penalty. However, if you fail the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before you can take it again. You do not need to retake the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to get a driver license in California?

No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you have neither, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before visiting the DMV. Some DMV offices can help you explore for an ITIN on the same day, but you should call your local office first to confirm they offer this service.

Can I use my driver license to board a domestic flight?

It depends on which type of license you have. If you have a standard California driver license, yes — you can use it to board a domestic flight. If you have an AB 60 license, no — you will need a passport or other federal ID. You can check which type you have by looking at the license itself; the AB 60 license has a different design.

What if my documents are in Spanish or another language?

Bring the original document plus an official English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary. A translation you do yourself or ask a friend to do will not be accepted. Some consulates can provide certified translations of their own documents.

How long does the entire process take?

If you bring all required documents and pass both tests on your first try, you can complete everything in one visit — though you may wait two to four hours at the DMV. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you fail a test, you will need to return for another attempt.

Can I get a license if I have a pending immigration case?

Yes. Your immigration status or pending case does not prevent you from getting a driver license. You can get an AB 60 license regardless of your immigration situation. If you have any document showing lawful presence (even temporary), you may be able to get a standard license instead.