California issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants under a separate program, but the license has real limits on what it can be used for

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but the license itself is marked differently and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. The program, which began in 2015, issues what is called an AB 60 license — named after the law that created it. The license proves you can drive legally in California, but it does not change your immigration status and does not make you a citizen or permanent resident.

The AB 60 license looks different from a standard California driver license. It has a different design and does not include a REAL ID marking. This difference matters because federal law prohibits using it for certain transactions. You can use it to drive, to rent a car from most companies, and to prove your identity to police during a traffic stop. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal buildings.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 driver license is available to undocumented immigrants and allows legal driving within the state, but is marked as non-REAL ID compliant.
  • The license cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel, federal building access, or federal identification requirements.
  • You do not need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license; you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration authorities as a matter of policy.
  • Getting an AB 60 license does not affect your immigration case or legal status in any way.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires proof of California residency, proof of identity, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For residency, you can bring a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document showing your California address. The document must be recent — usually within the last 60 days, though the DMV website lists the exact rules for each type.

For identity, you can use a passport from any country, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a foreign driver license, or a birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, you will also need a second document showing your name and date of birth. For your tax identification number, bring either your Social Security card or your ITIN letter from the IRS. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before going to the DMV, or ask the DMV about alternative pathways — policies vary slightly by location.

How the AB 60 license differs from a standard California license

The AB 60 license has a distinct appearance so that federal agencies and businesses can identify it. It does not include the REAL ID marking that appears on standard licenses. This marking is what allows a license to be used for federal purposes under the REAL ID Act, a 2005 federal law that set standards for state-issued ID documents.

Because the AB 60 license lacks REAL ID compliance, you cannot use it to board a domestic flight within the United States, even if you are traveling from California to another state. You also cannot use it to enter a federal courthouse, a military base, or certain federal buildings. However, you can use it for state-level purposes: driving, renting a car, opening a bank account, and proving your identity to a police officer during a traffic stop.

Some private businesses — like car rental companies — may accept the AB 60 license, while others may not. It is worth calling ahead if you plan to rent a vehicle or need the license for a specific transaction.

What happens to your information when you explore

The California DMV does not automatically share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration authorities. This is a deliberate policy choice by California. However, your information can still be accessed by law enforcement if they obtain a warrant or subpoena, or in certain other legal circumstances.

The DMV does share information with other state agencies and with the National Driver Register, which tracks driving records across states. It also shares data with the Department of Homeland Security for purposes of verifying identity and detecting fraud — but this is different from automatic reporting to immigration enforcement. If you have concerns about privacy, you can ask the DMV directly about their data-sharing practices when you explore.

The cost and renewal timeline for an AB 60 license

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a four-year license costs around $39, and an eight-year license costs around $89, though these amounts change periodically. You can check the current fee on the California DMV website. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most DMV locations.

The license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which you choose. When it expires, you renew it the same way you obtained it — by returning to the DMV with updated proof of residency and identity. You do not need to reapply from scratch; renewal is a simpler process. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your circumstances.

How to schedule a DMV appointment and what to expect

You can schedule a DMV appointment online through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online scheduling is usually faster. When you book, select "Driver License" as the transaction type and "AB 60" if that option appears. Some DMV offices are busier than others; rural locations often have shorter wait times than urban ones.

Bring all required documents in original form or certified copies. The DMV will verify your identity, check your residency, and take a photo and thumbprint. You will also take a written test on California traffic laws and a driving test, unless you already hold a valid driver license from another state or country. If you pass, you will receive a temporary license on the spot and the permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though you may need to pay a retest fee each time.

What an AB 60 license does not do

An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status. It does not make you a permanent resident, a citizen, or a lawful immigrant. It is purely a driver license — it proves you can operate a vehicle legally in California. Immigration status is determined by federal law and federal agencies, not by state driver licenses.

The license also does not protect you from deportation or immigration enforcement. If you are stopped by ICE or federal immigration authorities, the license does not shield you from questioning or detention. However, it does give you a legal right to drive in California, which is separate from your immigration status.

Some people worry that getting an AB 60 license will hurt their immigration case or make them deportable. This is not accurate. Having a driver license — AB 60 or otherwise — is not a deportable offense and does not count against you in immigration proceedings. Many immigration attorneys recommend getting one because it provides legal protection while driving and reduces the risk of being stopped for a license violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The AB 60 license is not accepted as a travel document at the U.S.-Mexico border. You need a valid passport or passport card from your country of citizenship. Some people use a Trusted Traveler card like SENTRI or NEXUS if they have one, but the AB 60 license alone is not sufficient.

What if I already have a standard California driver license?

If you obtained a standard license using a false Social Security number or fraudulent documents, you should not attempt to renew it. Doing so could expose you to criminal charges for fraud. Instead, you can surrender the old license and explore for an AB 60 license using your real information and an ITIN. The DMV does not automatically report past fraud, but it is safer to start fresh with the correct program.

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

No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have an ITIN, you can explore for one through the IRS before going to the DMV. The IRS accepts ITIN applications by mail or through a tax professional, and the process usually takes four to six weeks.

Can I use an AB 60 license to open a bank account?

Most banks will accept an AB 60 license as a form of ID to open a checking or savings account. Some banks may ask additional questions or require extra documentation, but the license is generally recognized for banking purposes. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm their policy.

What happens if I move out of California?

Your AB 60 license remains valid in California only. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a driver license in that state according to its rules. Some states issue licenses to undocumented immigrants; others do not. You should research the rules in your new state before moving.