A limited term driver license is a California ID that expires sooner than a standard license — usually in two to four years instead of the typical five or ten — and comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive.

The state issues limited term licenses to people who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States, even though they meet all other requirements to drive. The license itself looks and functions like a regular California driver license, but the expiration date is shorter and the card carries a visible marking that distinguishes it from a standard license. You can use it to drive legally in California, but it will not be accepted as federal identification for boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Limited term licenses were created under Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. The law allows California to issue driver licenses to people regardless of immigration status, as long as they pass the written test, vision test, and driving test like any other applicant. The "limited term" part exists because the state cannot verify citizenship or lawful presence through the normal channels — so the license is tied to how long the state can confirm your identity through other documents.

Key Takeaways

  • A limited term license expires in two to four years depending on what documents you use to prove your identity, whereas standard licenses last five to ten years.
  • You can obtain a limited term license if you cannot prove lawful presence in the United States but can show a valid passport or consular ID and proof of California residency.
  • The license allows you to drive legally in California and is recognized by California law enforcement, but it is not accepted as federal identification.
  • You must renew your limited term license before it expires by returning to the DMV with the same documents you used to obtain it.

Who Can Get a Limited Term License

You can get a limited term license if you are at least 16 years old, live in California, and can pass the written, vision, and driving tests. You do not need to prove citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. Instead, you need to show a valid passport from any country, a consular identification card issued by your country's consulate, or a combination of documents that prove your identity and California residency.

The documents you bring determine how long your license will last. If you show a valid passport, your license will be good for four years. If you show a consular ID, it will be good for four years. If you use other identity documents — such as a birth certificate, school records, or utility bills — the license may be shorter, typically two years. The DMV will tell you the expiration date when you explore.

You must also show proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address will work. The document does not need to be recent, but it should clearly show your current address.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your passport or consular ID, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which you can obtain from the Internal Revenue Service. You will also need to bring any documents that show your current legal name if it differs from your passport — such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The DMV will make copies of these documents, so bring originals or certified copies. Do not bring documents that are damaged, altered, or expired unless the DMV specifically tells you they are acceptable. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the originals and an official translation or a certified translation.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the DMV, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. You will take the written test on a computer at the DMV, and you will take the driving test in your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle.

The process Process at the DMV

Go to your local DMV office during business hours and tell the staff member you want to explore for a limited term driver license under Assembly Bill 60. They will give you an process form (DL 44) to fill out. You will need to list your name, date of birth, California address, and other basic information. You do not need to list a Social Security number if you do not have one — you can leave that field blank or write your ITIN instead.

After you complete the form, you will take the written test on a computer. The test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices. You need to pass with a score of at least 38 out of 46 questions. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you will pay the process fee each time.

Once you pass the written test, you will take the vision test. A DMV staff member will check your eyesight using a machine. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test. The driving test usually happens on the same day or within a few days. During the driving test, a DMV examiner will ride with you while you drive on local streets. They will watch how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers.

What Happens After You Pass the Tests

If you pass the driving test, the DMV will take your photograph and issue your limited term driver license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, and a photograph. It will also show an expiration date — typically two to four years from the date of issue — and a marking that indicates it is a limited term license under Assembly Bill 60.

You can use your limited term license to drive legally in California when ready. It is valid for all the same purposes as a standard license within California — you can drive to work, school, or anywhere else. California law enforcement will recognize it as a valid driver license. However, it will not be accepted as federal identification for boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account that requires a government-issued ID.

Keep your license in your vehicle at all times when you drive, just as you would with a standard license. If you are stopped by a police officer, show them your limited term license. It is a legal form of identification in California.

Renewing Your Limited Term License Before It Expires

You must renew your limited term license before the expiration date printed on the card. You cannot drive legally once your license expires, even if you are only one day past the expiration date. To renew, go to the DMV with the same documents you used to obtain your original license — your passport or consular ID, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

You will fill out a renewal process form and take the vision test again. You do not need to take the written test or driving test again unless the DMV asks you to. The DMV will issue a new license with a new expiration date, typically two to four years from the renewal date.

If your passport or consular ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you can renew your driver license. The DMV cannot issue a new limited term license without a current identity document. Contact your country's consulate or passport office to find out how to renew your passport or consular ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a limited term license to board a domestic flight?

No. A limited term license is not accepted as federal identification by the Transportation Security Administration. To board a domestic flight, you will need a passport, a passport card, a REAL ID-compliant driver license, or another form of federal identification. A limited term license does not meet federal standards.

What if my passport expires before my driver license does?

Your driver license will remain valid until its expiration date, but you will not be able to renew it without a current passport or consular ID. If your passport expires, renew it with your country's consulate or passport office before your driver license expires. This way, you will have the documents you need to renew your license on time.

Can I get a standard California driver license instead of a limited term license?

No. If you cannot prove lawful presence in the United States, you can only get a limited term license. A standard license requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence. The limited term license is the only option available under California law for people who do not have that proof.

Do I have to renew my limited term license in person at the DMV?

Yes. Unlike standard licenses, limited term licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must go to the DMV in person with your original documents so the staff can verify your identity and current residency. This is required every time you renew.

What if I move to a different address in California?

You must update your address with the DMV within ten days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. You do not need to bring your documents to update your address — you can do it with just your driver license number. Your license will remain valid with the old address until you renew it, but it is illegal to drive with an outdated address on your license.