An AB 60 driver license is a California state ID that lets you drive legally even if you cannot show a Social Security number or proof of legal residency

California's AB 60 law, passed in 2013, created a separate driver license track for people who do not meet the standard requirements. The license looks and works like any other California driver license — it is valid for driving, it satisfies traffic stops, and it does not expire faster than a regular license. The key difference is what you do not have to prove: you do not need a Social Security number, you do not need to show that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you do not need a specific immigration status. You only need to prove you live in California and that you can drive safely.

The license itself carries no marking that distinguishes it from a standard California license. Law enforcement sees the same card format, the same expiration date structure, and the same security features. The only people who know the difference are you and the Department of Motor Vehicles. This matters because the license does what you need it to do — it lets you drive to work, to school, to medical appointments, and to anywhere else you need to go without the risk of driving without a license.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license requires proof of California residency and a passing written and driving test, but not a Social Security number or proof of legal immigration status.
  • The license looks identical to a standard California driver license and is valid for the same purposes — driving a car, satisfying traffic stops, and proving identity.
  • You will need documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement to prove you live in California, plus a valid passport or consulate-issued ID from your country of origin.
  • The license is renewed every five years just like a regular license, and the renewal process follows the same rules as your first issuance.
  • An AB 60 license does not affect your immigration case or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof that you live in California, and proof of identity. For California residency, bring one document dated within the last three months — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. If you rent and do not have a lease, a letter from your landlord on their letterhead works. If you live with family, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the lease or utility bill, plus a copy of that document, will do.

For identity, you need a valid passport or a consulate-issued ID card from your country of origin. The document must be unexpired or expired no more than five years ago. If your passport is expired by more than five years, you will need to renew it through your country's consulate before the DMV will accept it. Some countries issue national ID cards through their consulates in the United States — these work the same way as a passport for AB 60 purposes.

Bring originals, not copies. The DMV will not accept a photocopy of your passport or residency document, even if it is notarized. You will also need to fill out the standard California driver license process (Form DL 44) before you arrive, though you can also fill it out at the DMV office.

The written test and driving test

An AB 60 license requires you to pass the same written test and behind-the-wheel driving test as anyone else getting a California license. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers — Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and a few others. If English is not your strongest language, ask the DMV which languages are available at your local office.

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who rides with you in your own car or a car you bring to the appointment. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers — parking, turning, stopping, merging — and checks that you follow traffic laws and respond safely to other drivers. You must have a valid learner's permit or a valid license from another state or country to take the driving test. If you do not have either, you will need to pass the written test first, get a learner's permit, and then schedule the driving test for a later date.

How long the process takes and what happens next

From the day you walk into the DMV to the day you receive your license in the mail typically takes two to four weeks. The DMV processes your documents, runs background checks, and mails the physical card to your California address. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that day, valid for driving while you wait for the card to arrive.

Once your license arrives, it is valid for five years from the date of issuance. You renew it the same way you would renew any California driver license — by mail, online, or in person at the DMV — when you receive a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. If you move during those five years, you can update your address online or at the DMV without renewing the license itself.

AB 60 licenses and immigration concerns

Getting an AB 60 license does not create a separate immigration record or flag your case with immigration authorities. The DMV does not share driver license information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. The license is a state document, and California law protects the privacy of DMV records.

However, if you are stopped by police and provide the license, that traffic stop itself is a separate matter. The license proves you are legally allowed to drive; it does not protect you from immigration enforcement during a traffic stop. If you are concerned about immigration enforcement, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation before any interaction with law enforcement.

Where to get an AB 60 license

You get an AB 60 license at any California Department of Motor Vehicles office. You do not explore through a separate program or a different agency — you go to the same DMV office you would visit for any driver license. When you arrive, tell the staff member at the counter that you are explore for an AB 60 license, or straightforward present your documents and let them guide you through the process.

You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the California DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Many DMV offices now let you make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. If you do not have internet access, you can call the DMV to schedule an appointment by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The federal government does not recognize AB 60 licenses for air travel. To fly domestically within the United States, you need a Real ID-compliant driver license, a passport, or another federally approved ID. An AB 60 license is valid only for driving and for proving your identity in non-federal contexts.

What if my passport is expired?

The DMV will accept an expired passport if it expired no more than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it through your country's consulate before the DMV will accept it. Contact your country's consulate in California to learn how to renew your passport.

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

No. That is the entire point of AB 60 — you do not need a Social Security number. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not required. The DMV will issue the license without it.

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail?

Yes, if your license is not expiring within the next 30 days and you have not had any changes to your name or address. You can renew by mail, online, or in person. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, with instructions for each method.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, though you will need to pay the test fee each time. You must wait at least two weeks between attempts. Many people pass on their second or third try, so one failure does not mean you cannot get the license.