What an AB60 Driver's License Is and How It Works

An AB60 license lets you drive legally in California even if you cannot get a standard driver's license

An AB60 driver's license is a California state ID that allows you to drive a car legally without proving citizenship or legal residency status. It was created under Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. You can use it the same way you would use a regular California driver's license — to operate a vehicle, prove your identity to police during a traffic stop, and satisfy insurance requirements.

The main difference is what you do not have to prove to get one. A standard California driver's license requires you to show proof of legal presence in the United States. An AB60 license does not. Instead, you show proof of California residency, your identity, and that you can pass a written and driving test. Many people use AB60 licenses because they are undocumented immigrants, but the license is available to anyone who meets the residency and testing requirements.

Key Takeaways

An AB60 license allows you to drive legally in California without proving citizenship or legal residency status.
You must prove California residency for at least two years and pass both a written test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
An AB60 license works the same as a standard California driver's license for driving, insurance, and police stops.
The license is marked differently from a standard license so law enforcement can see it is an AB60 at a glance.

What documents you need to bring

To get an AB60 license, you need to show the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) proof of who you are and proof that you live in California. Acceptable identity documents include a foreign passport, a consular ID card from your country's embassy or consulate, a Mexican matricula consular card, or a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your name and date of birth.

For proof of California residency, you need documents that show your name and a California address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or government mail sent to your California address. The documents must be dated within the last two years. You will also need to show proof that you have lived in California for at least two years — this can be the same documents you use for residency, as long as they span that time period or you bring multiple documents from different dates.

Bring your Social Security number if you have one, though it is not required. You will also need to pay the standard California driver's license fee, which varies but is typically around $40 to $50 for a four-year license.

How the AB60 license looks and what it says

An AB60 license looks almost identical to a standard California driver's license. It has the same size, layout, and security features. The key difference is a small marking on the front that says "AB 60" — this tells law enforcement and others that it was issued under Assembly Bill 60 and that you did not prove legal residency to get it.

The license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You can renew it the same way you renew a standard license, either in person at the DMV or online if you are may be able to access. If you move out of California, the license remains valid while you are in California, but you cannot use it to get a license in another state.

What you can and cannot do with an AB60 license

You can use an AB60 license to drive anywhere in California and to prove your identity during a traffic stop. Insurance companies will accept it as a valid driver's license, so you can buy car insurance and satisfy the legal requirement to carry it while driving. You can also use it as a form of ID in everyday situations — to open a bank account, board a domestic flight within the United States, or enter a federal building.

However, an AB60 license does not change your immigration status. It does not make you a legal resident or citizen, and it does not protect you from immigration enforcement. If you are stopped by immigration authorities, having an AB60 license does not prevent them from asking about your immigration status. The license only allows you to drive legally and proves you passed the DMV's testing and residency requirements.

You also cannot use an AB60 license to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada. If you need to travel internationally, you will need a passport or other travel document from your country of origin.

How to get an AB60 license at the DMV

Start by gathering your identity documents, residency proof, and any other paperwork listed above. Then visit your local California DMV office in person — you cannot get an AB60 license online or by mail. Make an appointment through the DMV website or call your local office to learn about you can walk in without one.

At the DMV, tell the staff member you want to explore for an AB60 license. They will review your documents and may ask questions about your residency. If everything is in order, you will take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. You can take this test in English or in one of several other languages the DMV offers. After you pass the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at a later date.

During the driving test, a DMV examiner will ride with you and evaluate your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. If you pass, you will receive your AB60 license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the DMV office.

How an AB60 license affects insurance and registration

Insurance companies in California are required to sell car insurance to anyone with a valid California driver's license, including an AB60 license. You do not need to disclose that you have an AB60 license rather than a standard license — your insurance company will see it when you show it to them, but it does not affect your rates or coverage.

Vehicle registration works the same way. You can register a car in California using an AB60 license as your proof of identity and residency. The registration process and fees are identical to what someone with a standard license would pay. Your registration documents will not indicate anything about your AB60 status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an AB60 license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. A Social Security number is helpful but not required. If you do not have one, you can still get an AB60 license by providing the other identity and residency documents the DMV asks for. The DMV will assign you an identification number to use instead.

Will getting an AB60 license affect my immigration case?

An AB60 license does not change your immigration status or affect pending immigration cases. However, you should speak with an immigration attorney before explore if you have an active immigration case, because any government record can potentially be reviewed. An attorney can advise you based on your specific situation.

What happens if I move to another state?

Your AB60 license remains valid in California but cannot be used to get a license in another state. If you move, you will need to follow that state's driver's license process. Some states may not recognize an AB60 license, so check with your new state's DMV before you move.

Can I renew my AB60 license online?

You can renew online only if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, and you must have a valid Social Security number on file. Otherwise, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The renewal process and fees are the same as for a standard license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.