California issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants through a separate process

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license without proof of legal residency or a Social Security number. The state created the AB 60 license in 2013 specifically for this purpose. It is a valid California driver license that works for driving and identification within the state, though it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The AB 60 license looks identical to a standard California driver license but has a small marking on the front that distinguishes it. You can use it to drive legally in California, prove your identity to police during a traffic stop, and satisfy California's insurance requirements. The license is valid for five years and costs the same as a regular license.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 license is a real driver license issued to undocumented immigrants and allows you to drive legally throughout the state.
  • You do not need a Social Security number, proof of legal residency, or a U.S. address to obtain an AB 60 license.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the only agency that issues AB 60 licenses, and you must explore in person at a DMV office.
  • You will need to prove your identity and California residency using documents from a specific list that the DMV accepts for AB 60 applicants.
  • The AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights, but it is valid for driving and state identification.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV accepts a specific set of documents for AB 60 applicants. You must bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof that you have taken a driver education course (if you are under 18). The identity documents do not have to be from the United States.

For identity, the DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your country of origin, or a foreign driver license. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency — all dated within the past 12 months and showing your name and California address. You do not need to own property or have a permanent address; a shared address or temporary housing address counts.

Bring originals or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies unless they are certified by the issuing agency. If your documents are in another language, bring the originals and have them translated by a certified translator, or bring both the original and a certified English translation.

The DMV process and testing process

You must explore in person at a California DMV office. There is no online or mail-in option for AB 60 licenses. When you arrive, tell the DMV staff that you are explore for an AB 60 license so they direct you to the correct line and process.

You will complete the Driver License or Identification Card process (Form DL 44). The form asks for your name, date of birth, and address in California. You do not fill in a Social Security number — leave that field blank or write "none." The DMV will not ask for one.

You will take a written test on California traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test is offered in multiple languages. If you fail any test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may need to schedule another appointment depending on DMV availability.

Costs and processing time

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, the fee is $39 for a five-year license if you are 18 or older. Fees vary slightly by age and license type, but the AB 60 designation does not add extra cost.

The DMV issues your license on the day you pass all tests and complete the process, or within a few days if they need to verify your documents. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally with the temporary paper license while you wait for the card.

Where to find a DMV office and make an appointment

You can locate your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the official California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov. The website has an office locator tool where you can enter your city or ZIP code. Not all DMV offices offer the same services, so confirm that the office you plan to visit handles driver license applications.

You can make an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Making an appointment reduces wait time significantly. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait several hours. Some DMV offices have shorter wait times than others, so if your local office is very busy, you may be able to travel to a less crowded one nearby.

What AB 60 licenses cannot be used for

An AB 60 license is not accepted for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a federal building that requires identification. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a passport from your country of origin or another federally accepted form of identification.

Some private businesses and organizations may refuse an AB 60 license because they do not recognize it as valid federal identification. However, California law requires that the license be accepted for state purposes, including driving, purchasing age-restricted items, and proving identity to police. If a business refuses your AB 60 license for a transaction that does not require federal ID, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Renewing your AB 60 license

Your AB 60 license expires five years after the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal by mail or online is simpler than the initial process — you do not have to retake the written or driving tests unless the DMV asks you to.

To renew by mail, the DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to complete the renewal form and mail it back with the fee. To renew online, visit dmv.ca.gov and use the online renewal tool. You will need your current license number and date of birth. If you renew in person, bring your current license and proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been deported or have a deportation order?

The DMV does not ask about immigration status or deportation history when you explore for an AB 60 license. However, if you are currently in removal proceedings or have an active deportation order, you should consult with an immigration attorney before explore, as obtaining a license could affect your case or be used as evidence in immigration court.

Do I need a California address to get an AB 60 license?

Yes, you must show proof of California residency. This can be a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your name and a California address. A temporary address, shared address, or shelter address counts. You do not need to own property or have a permanent home.

What if my documents are in another language?

Bring the original documents and a certified English translation. A certified translator is someone authorized by a court or professional organization to translate documents. Some DMV offices can refer you to certified translators, or you can search online for certified translation services in your area.

Can I use an AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico?

An AB 60 license is not accepted as a travel document at the U.S.-Mexico border. You will need a valid passport from your country of origin or another federally accepted travel document. Some people use a passport card or a consular ID for border crossing and an AB 60 license for driving within California.

What happens if I am pulled over by police with an AB 60 license?

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver license. Police will treat it the same as any other license during a traffic stop. You are not required to disclose your immigration status to police during a routine traffic stop. If you are arrested or detained, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions about your immigration status.