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 for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building).

Both licenses work the same way for driving. The main difference is what you can use them for outside of driving. Most people who cannot prove legal status get the AB 60 license. If you are a permanent resident or have another immigration status that lets you prove residency, you may be able to get a standard license instead.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver licenses to immigrants without requiring proof of legal immigration status through the AB 60 program.
  • You need a document showing your identity (such as a passport or consular ID) and proof that you live in California, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver license applications at local field offices throughout the state.
  • The process takes about two to four weeks from the time you submit your process to when your license arrives in the mail.

What documents you need to bring

You will need to show the DMV two main things: proof of who you are and proof that you live in California. For identity, the DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), or other documents issued by your home country's government. The document must have your photograph and signature on it.

For proof of California residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill (gas, electric, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document with your name and address. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that are each at least 60 days old, such as an old utility bill and a letter from a social service agency.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license — you will just fill out a form saying you do not have one.

how the process works at the DMV

Start by going to the California DMV website and scheduling an appointment at your local field office. You can book online at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. Having an appointment saves time, though you can also walk in during office hours — walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and wait times are often longer.

Bring your identity document, your proof of residency, and any other documents the DMV asks for when you book your appointment. At the office, you will take a written test about traffic laws and road signs (you can request this test in many languages), pass an eye exam, and have your photograph taken. The written test has 36 questions, and you need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass.

After you pass the test and eye exam, you will pay the license fee. As of 2024, a driver license costs $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license card will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.

The written test and what to study

The DMV written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the free California Driver Handbook, which is available on the DMV website in English and many other languages. The handbook covers everything the test asks about.

You are allowed to take the test up to three times. If you fail, you can schedule another appointment and try again. Many DMV offices offer the test in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, and other languages — ask when you schedule your appointment which languages are available at your local office.

Renewing or replacing your license

Your driver license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which length you chose when you got it. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for that in the mail.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DMV field office. Bring your identity document and proof of residency again, just as you did for your first license. A replacement license costs $20.

Using your AB 60 license outside of California

An AB 60 license works for driving in every state and country that recognizes a U.S. driver license. You can use it to rent a car, drive across state lines, and prove you can drive legally. However, you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or explore for certain jobs that require a standard Real ID license.

If you later become a permanent resident or gain another immigration status that lets you prove legal residency, you can return to the DMV and exchange your AB 60 license for a standard license. You will need to bring proof of your new immigration status, such as a green card or employment authorization document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver license?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license. You will fill out a form at the DMV stating that you do not have one. The process is otherwise the same.

Can I use my passport from my home country as proof of identity?

Yes. A valid passport from your home country works as proof of identity. It must have your photograph and signature. Other documents that work include a consular ID card, a national ID card, or a travel document issued by your government.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again. You are allowed up to three attempts. Schedule another appointment at your local DMV office, study the California Driver Handbook again, and try once more. Many people pass on their second or third try.

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

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the test and eye exam. Your plastic license card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. You can drive legally with the temporary paper license while you wait for the card.

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

No. An AB 60 license cannot be used to board a domestic airplane. You would need a passport, a Real ID-compliant driver license, or another federal ID. However, you can use your AB 60 license for all driving purposes and to rent a car.