California issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants through a separate program
California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license without proving legal residency or citizenship status. The state created the AB 60 driver license specifically for this purpose in 2013. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to show proof that you entered the country legally. The license looks and functions the same as a standard California driver license, but it is marked differently in the DMV database so that law enforcement and other agencies know it was issued under AB 60.
The license is valid for driving purposes only. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or prove citizenship. It does allow you to legally drive, purchase auto insurance, and register a vehicle in California. Many insurance companies will write policies for AB 60 license holders, though some may charge higher rates or require additional documentation.
Key Takeaways
- California's AB 60 program issues driver licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring proof of legal residency or a Social Security number.
- You must prove your identity with a foreign passport, consular ID, or other accepted document, and prove California residency with utility bills, rental agreements, or tax returns.
- The process process takes place at a DMV office and typically requires a written test, vision test, and driving test, the same as any other driver license applicant.
- An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings, but it is valid for driving and vehicle registration.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a foreign passport, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate, a national ID from your home country, a Temporary Resident ID card, or a tribal ID. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.
For residency, you need documents showing you live in California. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, rental agreement, lease, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. The document must show your name and a California address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have documents in your name, you can bring a letter from a landlord or family member confirming you live there, along with a document showing their residency at that address.
Bring your original documents or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies unless they are certified. You will also need to complete the process form DL 44, which is available at any DMV office or online at the California DMV website.
The written test, vision test, and driving test
Like all California driver license applicants, you must pass a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can request an interpreter if you need one, though you must arrange this when you schedule your appointment. The test consists of 36 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass.
You will also take a vision test at the DMV to may support you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a report of your vision before you can get a license.
After passing the written and vision tests, you must schedule a driving test. During the driving test, a DMV examiner will ride with you in your vehicle and evaluate your ability to operate it safely. You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and the vehicle must pass a safety inspection. If you do not own a vehicle, you can borrow one, but the owner must be present at the DMV to sign a form allowing you to use it for the test.
Scheduling your DMV appointment
You must schedule an appointment before going to the DMV. Walk-in appointments are not may provide and wait times can be very long. You can schedule online at the California DMV website, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person at any DMV office. When you call or schedule online, tell the DMV that you are explore for an AB 60 license so they assign you the correct appointment type.
Appointment availability varies by location and season. In busy areas or during peak times, you may need to wait several weeks for an appointment. Some DMV offices have more availability than others, so if your local office is booked far out, you can try scheduling at a nearby office in a different city.
Bring all your documents to your appointment. If you are missing any required documents, the DMV will not process your process and you will need to schedule another appointment. Bring the original documents or certified copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies.
Cost and timeline
The fee for an AB 60 driver license is the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, the fee is $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV. The DMV does not accept payment online.
The timeline depends on how quickly you pass the tests. If you pass the written and vision tests at your first appointment, you can schedule the driving test for a later date. After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.
What happens if you are stopped by police
An AB 60 license is a valid form of identification for driving purposes. If you are stopped by police, you can show your AB 60 license just as you would show any other driver license. The officer will see that it is an AB 60 license in their system, but that does not give them any additional authority to question your immigration status. Your license is proof that you are legally allowed to drive in California.
However, if you are stopped for a traffic violation or other reason and the officer suspects you may be in the country illegally, they may attempt to contact immigration authorities. Having an AB 60 license does not protect you from immigration enforcement, but it does prove you have the legal right to drive. If you are concerned about immigration enforcement, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about your immigration status.
Using your AB 60 license for insurance and vehicle registration
Most California auto insurance companies will issue policies to drivers with an AB 60 license. When you explore for insurance, tell the company you have an AB 60 license and provide your license number. Some companies may ask additional questions or require a higher deposit, but they cannot refuse to insure you solely because you have an AB 60 license.
You can register a vehicle in California using your AB 60 license. Go to the DMV with your proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of residency, and your AB 60 license. The registration process is the same as for any other driver. You will need to pay registration fees, which vary based on the vehicle's value and age. You can register online, by mail, or in person at the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AB 60 license to fly on a domestic airplane?
No. The AB 60 license is not accepted as identification for domestic flights. You would need a passport or other federal ID. However, you can use your AB 60 license for all driving-related purposes and for vehicle registration.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the written test, though you must wait at least one day between attempts. For the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least two weeks. Each retake has the same fee as the original test.
Do I need to renew my AB 60 license?
Yes. AB 60 licenses expire after four or eight years, depending on which term you chose. You renew the same way you would renew any other California driver license — online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. You do not need to retake the tests to renew.
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case?
An AB 60 license is a state document issued for driving purposes only. It does not affect your immigration status or any immigration proceedings. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have an immigration case pending, you should speak with an immigration lawyer before explore for any state ID to understand how it might be used.
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 will deny a license only if you have certain serious convictions, such as vehicular manslaughter or habitual traffic offenses. If you have questions about your specific record, contact the DMV or speak with a lawyer.