California issues driver licenses to people regardless of immigration status, but the process and the document you receive differ from a standard license

California's AB 60 program, which began in 2015, allows you to obtain a driver license without proving you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status. The state issues what is called an AB 60 license — it looks and functions like a regular California driver license for driving purposes, but it is marked differently and cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a plane or entering a federal building.

The main requirement is that you demonstrate you live in California and can pass the written and driving tests. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to prove how you entered the country. The license is valid for three years (rather than the standard five years for other California licenses) and costs the same as a regular license.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 driver licenses to people without legal immigration status, and the license allows you to drive legally in California.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, and pass both a written test and a driving test.
  • You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal status, but the license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane.
  • The AB 60 license is valid for three years and costs the same as a regular California driver license.
  • You explore in person at a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and should bring original documents or certified copies.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

You must bring proof of California residency and proof of identity. For residency, the DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A document with your name and current California address is what you need.

For identity, you can bring a passport from any country, a consular identification card (matrícula consular), a birth certificate, or a national ID card from your country of origin. If your document is not in English, bring the original and a certified English translation. The DMV also accepts certain documents together — for example, a combination of documents that together show your identity and residency.

Bring your current California address in writing, even if it appears on one of your documents. You will also need to pass a vision test at the DMV, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.

The written test and driving test

Before you can receive your license, you must pass a written knowledge test about California traffic laws and road signs. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can study using the California DMV handbook, which is free and available online in many languages at the DMV website.

After you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit (called an AB 60 learner's permit). With this permit, you can practice driving with a licensed driver in the car. You must then schedule and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test, where a DMV examiner watches you drive and evaluates your ability to handle the vehicle safely.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you must pay the test fee each time you retake it.

How the AB 60 license differs from a standard California license

An AB 60 license looks similar to a regular California driver license and has the same expiration date format and security features. However, it is marked with the letters "AB 60" on the front, which identifies it as issued under that program. This marking does not affect your ability to drive in California or in other states.

The key limitation is that an AB 60 license cannot be used as federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account that requires a federally recognized ID. For driving purposes within California and other states, it functions exactly like a regular license.

Your AB 60 license is valid for three years, while a standard California license is valid for five years. When you renew, you follow the same renewal process as other drivers and can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.

Where to explore and what to expect

You explore for an AB 60 license at any California Department of Motor Vehicles office. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking online can help you choose a time with a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents in original form or as certified copies. The DMV staff will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will then take the written test at the DMV office. If you pass, you receive your AB 60 learner's permit on the spot and can schedule your driving test for a later date.

The entire process from process to receiving your learner's permit typically takes a few hours at the DMV office. Scheduling your driving test may take a few weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is.

Costs and renewal

An AB 60 license costs the same as a regular California driver license. As of 2024, a new license costs around $39, though this amount can change. You pay this fee when you explore at the DMV.

When your AB 60 license expires after three years, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — you only need to update your photo and information if anything has changed. Renewal by mail or online costs less than a new license.

Using your AB 60 license in other states

Your AB 60 license is recognized as a valid driver license in other states for driving purposes. You can drive legally in Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, and other states with your California AB 60 license. However, some states may have their own rules about what identification they accept for purposes beyond driving, such as entering a state building or purchasing age-restricted items.

If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a driver license in that state. You cannot use your California AB 60 license as your primary ID in another state once you become a resident there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AB 60 license to board a plane or enter a federal building?

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal courthouse or federal office building. For these purposes, you would need a passport or another federally recognized ID.

What if my documents are in another language?

Bring the original document and a certified English translation. A certified translation is one completed by a professional translator and stamped or signed as accurate. Some documents, like a passport, do not require translation because they are internationally recognized.

Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license?

No. You do not need a Social Security number. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not required. The DMV will issue your license without it.

How long does it take to get my AB 60 license after I pass the driving test?

Your AB 60 license is mailed to you after you pass the driving test. The DMV typically mails licenses within two to three weeks. You can drive with your learner's permit until your license arrives.

What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake either test as many times as you need. You must pay the test fee each time you retake it. There is no limit on retakes, and you can schedule another test as soon as you are ready.