California lets undocumented immigrants get a driver license without proof of legal status

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver license. You do not need to prove citizenship or legal immigration status. Instead, you show documents that prove your identity and California residency — the same basic requirements any driver needs, just without the citizenship piece.

The license works like any other California driver license for driving purposes. You can use it to drive legally in California, and it satisfies the state's requirement to carry a license while operating a vehicle. Some people use it for other everyday needs like opening a bank account or boarding a domestic flight, though federal rules around air travel are separate from California's licensing rules.

The process takes place at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You bring documents, pay the standard fee, pass the written and driving tests, and receive your license in the mail within a few weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You need proof of identity (a passport, consular ID, or birth certificate with a photo ID) and proof you live in California (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address).
  • The DMV does not ask about immigration status and does not report your information to immigration authorities.
  • You must pass the written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test, just like any other applicant.
  • The license costs the same as a standard California driver license and is valid for the same length of time.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online when it expires, without returning to the DMV in person.

What documents you need to bring

The DMV requires two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a valid passport from any country, a consular ID (an ID issued by your country's consulate in the United States), or a birth certificate paired with a photo ID from your home country. The document does not have to be in English, but if it is not, bring the original and a certified translation.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and a California address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (like a family member's utility bill) along with a signed letter from that person confirming you live there. Bring the original document and a copy.

You will also need to fill out the DMV's process for a Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44). You can read it from the DMV website before you go, or fill it out at the DMV office.

The written test and driving test

After you submit your documents, you take the written knowledge test, which covers California traffic laws and road signs. You can take this test in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time — there is no limit on attempts.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test. The DMV will tell you when appointments are available at your local office. During the test, a DMV examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watches you drive on local roads. You must follow traffic laws and show you can handle basic driving tasks like parking and turning.

If you do not own a vehicle, you can borrow one from a friend or family member. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The person who owns the vehicle does not need to be present during your test.

How to schedule your DMV appointment

You can schedule your appointment online through the DMV website, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or by visiting a DMV office in person. Online scheduling is usually fastest — you choose your local DMV office, select a date and time that works for you, and receive a confirmation. Phone scheduling may have wait times, especially during busy hours.

When you call or go online, tell the DMV you are explore for an AB 60 license. Some DMV staff may not when ready know what this means, so you can also say you are explore for a driver license without proof of legal status. Have your documents ready so you can answer questions about what you are bringing.

Bring your appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone) when you go to the DMV. Arrive a few minutes early. The entire process — submitting documents, taking the written test, and scheduling your driving test — usually takes one to two hours.

The cost and how long it takes

An AB 60 driver license costs the same as a standard California driver license. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $39 and an eight-year license costs $69. Fees can change, so check the DMV website for the current price. You pay when you submit your process at the DMV office.

Your license arrives in the mail two to three weeks after you pass your driving test. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card. When your license arrives, check it for errors — if your name, address, or license number is wrong, contact the DMV to request a correction.

When your license expires, you can renew it by mail or online without returning to the DMV office. The DMV will send you a renewal notice before your license expires, with instructions for renewing by mail or through the website.

Privacy and what happens to your information

The DMV does not share your information with immigration authorities. California law specifically protects the privacy of AB 60 applicants. Your DMV records are separate from any immigration database, and explore for a license does not trigger any immigration investigation or enforcement action.

Your information is stored in the DMV's system like any other driver's records. Law enforcement can access it during a traffic stop to verify your license is valid. Your address and other personal details are protected under California's public records laws — they are not automatically public the way some other government records are.

If you are concerned about privacy for other reasons, you can ask the DMV about options like a confidential address on your license, though this is a separate process with its own requirements.

What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license

You can use your AB 60 license to drive legally in California. It satisfies the state law requiring drivers to carry a valid license. You can also use it as a form of identification for everyday purposes like opening a bank account, explore for a job, or renting an apartment — many businesses accept it as proof of identity.

For domestic air travel within the United States, federal rules are separate from California's licensing rules. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has its own requirements for boarding flights. An AB 60 license may or may not meet those requirements depending on how TSA interprets federal law at the time you travel. Before planning air travel, check the TSA website or call ahead to your airline to ask whether your license will work.

You cannot use an AB 60 license to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada. Border crossing requires a passport or other federal travel document. The license is valid only for driving within California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting a driver license affect my immigration case or status?

No. California law protects AB 60 applicants' privacy. The DMV does not share information with immigration authorities, and explore for a license does not trigger immigration enforcement. If you have an ongoing immigration case, you may want to discuss it with your immigration attorney, but the license itself does not change your status or create legal problems.

What if I do not have a passport or consular ID?

You can use a birth certificate from your home country paired with a photo ID from your home country — a national ID card, military ID, or school ID all work. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring the original and a certified English translation. The DMV office can tell you which translation services they accept.

Can I use my AB 60 license to fly on an airplane?

For flights within the United States, it depends on TSA rules, which are separate from California's licensing rules. Contact your airline or check the TSA website before your trip to confirm whether your license will work. For international flights, you need a passport regardless of your driver license.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can take the driving test. You can schedule another appointment through the DMV website or by phone. You do not need to retake the written test if you already passed it.

Do I need to renew my license in person?

No. When your license expires, you can renew it by mail or online. The DMV will send you renewal instructions before your license expires. You only need to visit the DMV in person if you want to change your address, get a replacement license, or renew early.