AB 60 licenses are valid for the same length of time as standard California licenses

An AB 60 driver license issued in California is valid for five years from the date you receive it, the same as any other California driver license. You will see the expiration date printed on the front of your card. When that date arrives, your license stops being valid for driving, and you need to renew it before you can legally operate a vehicle.

The five-year validity period applies whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or someone without immigration status. California does not issue shorter validity periods based on immigration status. Your license works the same way once you have it — the difference between AB 60 and a standard license is only in what documents you can use to get one, not in how long it lasts once issued.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses expire five years after the date of issue, just like standard California driver licenses.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card and is the last day you can legally drive with that license.
  • You can renew your AB 60 license starting 60 days before it expires, either online or at a DMV office.
  • If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the renewal is processed.

When your AB 60 license expires and what that means

Your expiration date is the last day your license is valid. After that date passes, you cannot legally drive, even if you are only one day past expiration. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even though you hold a valid license — it is straightforward out of date.

You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. California allows you to start the renewal process 60 days before the expiration date. Many people renew during this window to avoid any gap in validity. If you miss the window and your license expires, you can still renew it afterward, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives.

How to renew your AB 60 license before it expires

You can renew your AB 60 license online through the California DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have a valid mailing address on file, and you must not need to update your photograph. If all of these explore, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.

If you cannot renew online — for example, if you need a new photo or if your address has changed — you will need to visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current AB 60 license, proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. The DMV will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office location.

The renewal fee for a five-year license is the same regardless of whether you hold an AB 60 license or a standard license. Check the California DMV website for the current fee amount, as it can change.

What happens if your AB 60 license expires

If your license expires and you have not yet renewed it, your license is no longer valid for driving. You cannot legally operate a vehicle until you renew. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can receive a citation and fine.

The good news is that an expired license can be renewed at any time — there is no important date after which you lose the right to renew. You can walk into a DMV office with your expired AB 60 license and renew it the same day if you meet the requirements for in-person renewal. However, you cannot drive legally until the new license is in your hands.

Renewing online versus in person

Online renewal is faster and more convenient if you are may be able to access. You can complete it from home, and the DMV will mail your new license to your address on file. The process usually takes one to two weeks for the license to arrive. Online renewal is available 60 days before your expiration date through the day your license expires.

In-person renewal at a DMV office takes longer in terms of wait time — you may spend 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the office is — but you can walk out with your new license the same day at some locations, or it will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. In-person renewal is required if you need to update your photo, change your address, or if you have any holds or flags on your record.

AB 60 license validity and travel

Your AB 60 license is valid for driving within California for the entire five-year period. However, it is not accepted as federal identification for air travel, entry into federal buildings, or other purposes that require a REAL ID-compliant document. If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, you will need a different form of identification, such as a passport or passport card.

For driving purposes only, your AB 60 license is valid throughout California and is recognized by other states if you are driving through them. It functions as a standard driver license for the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my AB 60 license expired yesterday?

No. Once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving, even by one day. You need to renew it before you can legally operate a vehicle. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation for driving with an expired license.

How long does it take to get a renewed AB 60 license in the mail?

If you renew online or in person at a DMV office, your new license is typically mailed to you within one to two weeks. Some DMV offices issue licenses on the spot during in-person visits, but this varies by location. Check with your local DMV office to confirm.

What if I lost my AB 60 license before it expired?

You can replace a lost license at any DMV office. Bring proof of identity and California residency. A replacement license is valid for the same expiration date as your original license — it does not reset the five-year clock. You will pay a replacement fee, which is different from a renewal fee.

Do I need the same documents to renew my AB 60 license as I did to get it originally?

No. To renew, you only need your current AB 60 license, proof of California residency, and payment. You do not need to bring the original documents you used to obtain the license. Online renewal requires even less — just your license number and date of birth.