You can get a California driver license without being a U.S. citizen, but the documents you need depend on your immigration status

California issues driver licenses to non-citizens through two separate programs. The standard license requires proof of legal presence in the United States. If you don't have legal status, you can get an AB 60 license instead, which has the same driving privileges but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building.

Both paths start at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You'll need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. The main difference is which documents prove who you are and where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • California offers two types of licenses for non-citizens: a standard license (if you have legal immigration status) and an AB 60 license (if you don't have legal status).
  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a document showing your current address, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • The DMV requires a valid passport or travel document from your country of origin, even if you also bring other identity documents.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test before the license is issued.
  • Processing takes about two to three weeks after you pass all tests, though times vary by location.

Documents you need for a standard California driver license

If you have legal immigration status—such as a visa, green card, or pending asylum case—you can get a standard driver license. Bring your original or certified birth certificate, your valid passport or travel document, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works).

You also need proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a Social Security card, bring it. If you have an ITIN but no card, bring your most recent tax return or an ITIN letter from the IRS. The DMV will not accept a letter from an immigration attorney or a tax preparer—it must come from the IRS itself.

Bring your immigration documents: your visa, green card, employment authorization document (EAD), I-94 arrival/departure record, or a receipt showing you have a pending asylum case. If your documents are in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation.

Documents you need for an AB 60 license

An AB 60 license is available to anyone who cannot show legal immigration status. You still need an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport or travel document from your country, and proof of your current address.

For proof of identity, you can bring a foreign driver license, a consular ID card (matrícula consular), a passport, or a combination of documents like a school transcript plus a utility bill. The DMV accepts a wider range of identity documents for AB 60 than for a standard license.

You do not need a Social Security number or ITIN for an AB 60 license. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not required. This is one key difference from the standard license path.

The DMV process and testing process

Start by going to the DMV website and scheduling an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work.

At your appointment, a DMV staff member will check your documents and take your photograph. You will then take a written test on California traffic laws. The test is available in multiple languages. You need to pass with at least 38 correct answers out of 46 questions.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. If you pass, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at a later date. The driving test usually happens within two to four weeks of your written test, depending on how busy your local DMV is.

What happens after you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, the DMV issues your license. You can usually pick it up at the DMV office where you tested, or it will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks. Some DMV locations offer same-day printing.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail or online if your address and name have not changed. If you move, you must update your address with the DMV within 10 days.

Differences between a standard license and an AB 60 license

Both licenses allow you to drive legally in California and are recognized by California police. Both are valid for five years and can be renewed the same way. The main difference is that a standard license can be used for federal purposes—boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account that requires a federally recognized ID.

An AB 60 license cannot be used for those federal purposes. However, you can use it to drive, to rent a car, and to show to California police. Some private businesses accept it as proof of identity, but federal agencies and airlines will not.

If your immigration status changes and you later become a legal permanent resident or citizen, you can upgrade to a standard license by bringing your new immigration documents to the DMV.

What to do if you don't have a birth certificate

If you cannot get an original or certified birth certificate from your country, the DMV may accept other documents that prove your identity and date of birth. These include a passport, a consular ID card, a school transcript with your birth date, or a baptism certificate.

Call your local DMV office before your appointment to ask which documents they will accept in place of a birth certificate. Requirements can vary slightly by location. If you are unsure, bringing multiple documents that show your identity and birth date gives you the best chance of being prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my consular ID card instead of a passport?

A consular ID card (matrícula consular) can be used as your primary identity document for an AB 60 license. For a standard license, you must bring a valid passport or travel document from your country. Some DMV offices may accept a consular card as a secondary document, but call ahead to confirm.

Do I need to be a California resident to get a license?

Yes, you must show proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residence. A P.O. box does not count.

What if my documents are expired?

An expired passport or travel document can still be used to prove your identity at the DMV. An expired birth certificate is acceptable if it is an original or certified copy. However, expired documents showing your current address (like an old utility bill) will not work—you need something dated within 60 days.

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

Yes. Bring your receipt notice (I-797) showing your pending asylum case. This counts as proof of legal presence for a standard license. You will need your birth certificate, passport, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number or ITIN as well.

How long does the whole process take?

From your first appointment to receiving your license in the mail usually takes four to six weeks. This includes time for your written test, vision test, driving test, and then processing and mailing. If you get same-day printing at your DMV location, you can leave with your license the day you pass the driving test.