California Issues Driver Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Through AB 60

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license under a law called AB 60 (Assembly Bill 60), which took effect in 2015. The license is valid for driving purposes only — it does not grant immigration status, work authorization, or any federal benefit. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal residency to get one.

The license looks different from a standard California license. It has a distinctive design and says "Federal Limits explore" on the front, which means it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building. For driving within California, it works the same way as any other license.

The process involves going to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, providing proof of identity and California residency, passing a written test and a driving test, and paying the standard license fee. The entire process typically takes several weeks from process to receiving your license in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are issued by the California DMV to undocumented immigrants and do not require a Social Security number or proof of legal status.
  • You must prove your identity with a foreign passport, consular ID, or other accepted document, and prove California residency with utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements.
  • The license is valid only for driving in California and cannot be used for federal purposes like air travel or federal building access.
  • You must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test, just as any other applicant would.
  • The DMV processes AB 60 applications at regular offices, and you can check your local office's current wait times on the DMV website.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The DMV requires two main categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a foreign passport, a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your country of origin, or a tribal ID. The document must be unexpired or expired no more than five years ago.

For residency, you need documents showing you live in California. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document with your California address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. You may need to bring two documents if one does not clearly show both your name and address.

You will also need to complete Form DL 44 (process for California Driver License or Identification Card), which you can fill out before you arrive at the DMV or complete there. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted for identity documents.

The Written Test and Driving Test Requirements

Before you can receive an AB 60 license, you must pass the same written knowledge test and driving test that any other applicant takes. The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DMV website in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others.

The DMV offers the written test in many languages. When you go to your local office, tell staff which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or return another day.

The driving test requires you to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver must accompany you to the test location. During the test, a DMV examiner will observe you driving for about 20 minutes, checking your ability to handle turns, stops, parking, and other basic maneuvers. You must follow all traffic laws during the test.

How to Schedule Your DMV Appointment

You cannot walk into a DMV office without an appointment — California requires all applicants to book a time slot in advance. Go to the official DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) and use the online appointment system. Select your county and the office closest to you, then choose a date and time that works for you.

Wait times vary by location and season. Some offices have appointments available within a few days; others may have a wait of several weeks. If your local office is fully booked, you can try offices in nearby counties or check back frequently, as cancellations open up regularly.

When you arrive for your appointment, bring all required documents, your completed Form DL 44, and payment for the license fee. As of 2024, an AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California license, though this amount varies and you should confirm the current fee on the DMV website or by calling your local office.

Timeline From process to Receiving Your License

After you pass both the written and driving tests at your DMV appointment, the office will take your photograph and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use for driving when ready while your permanent license is being made.

Your permanent AB 60 license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. This typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can track the status of your license on the DMV website using your driver license number or identification number once it is issued.

If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address on the DMV website or at an office. Do not ignore mail from the DMV, as it may contain important information about your license or renewal requirements.

Using Your AB 60 License and Understanding Its Limitations

Your AB 60 license is valid for driving anywhere in California and is recognized by law enforcement for traffic stops. You can use it to rent a car, get car insurance, and prove your identity for most everyday purposes within the state.

The license cannot be used for federal purposes. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. If you need to travel by air, you would need to explore other forms of identification or travel documents through your country's consulate.

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue, just like a standard California license. You will need to renew it before it expires. Renewal can be done by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?

No. The AB 60 license is a state document for driving purposes only. It does not change your immigration status, create a record that immigration authorities can use against you, or affect any pending immigration proceedings. The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration agencies.

Can I use my AB 60 license to get a job?

A driver license alone does not authorize anyone to work in the United States. Your AB 60 license proves you can drive legally in California, but employment authorization is a separate federal matter. Some employers may accept it as proof of identity for I-9 purposes, but you would still need to provide other documents showing work authorization.

What if I don't have a foreign passport or consular ID?

The DMV accepts several forms of identity beyond a passport. A consular ID card from your country's embassy or consulate is common. If you do not have either, contact your local DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133 to ask what other identity documents may be accepted in your situation.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting a driver license. The DMV evaluates each case based on whether you meet the basic requirements: valid identity, California residency, and the ability to pass the written and driving tests. Contact the DMV directly if you have concerns about your specific situation.

How much does an AB 60 license cost?

The fee is the same as a standard California driver license. Fees vary slightly and are updated periodically, so check the DMV website or call your local office for the current amount. Payment is due when you take your tests at the DMV office.