California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license through a separate process

Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a California driver's license. California passed the Legal Presence information Law in 2013, which created a pathway for people without lawful immigration status to obtain what is called an AB 60 license. This license has the same driving privileges as a standard California license — it lets you legally drive on California roads and is recognized by law enforcement.

The main difference is what you use to prove your identity and residency. Instead of a Social Security number or federal tax ID, you provide alternative documents like a passport, consulate ID, or utility bills. The license itself looks slightly different from a standard license and is marked to indicate it was issued under AB 60, but it carries no restrictions on where or how you can drive within California.

The process takes roughly the same amount of time as a standard license process — typically two to four weeks from submission to receiving your card in the mail — though wait times vary by DMV location and current process volume.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 law allows undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license using alternative identity documents instead of a Social Security number.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements dated within the past 90 days.
  • The AB 60 license has full driving privileges in California and is recognized by law enforcement, though it cannot be used as federal identification.
  • You can explore in person at any California DMV office, and the process typically takes two to four weeks from submission to receiving your license.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

To explore for an AB 60 license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number status (or a statement that you do not have one). The DMV accepts a specific list of documents for each category, and you cannot straightforward bring whatever you have — the document must be on the accepted list.

For proof of identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport from any country, a consulate ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a foreign driver's license, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a national ID card from your country of origin. The document must not be expired, though some documents can be expired by up to five years and still be accepted — the DMV website lists which ones.

For proof of California residency, bring two documents dated within the past 90 days that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, rental or lease agreements, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, property tax statements, or official government mail. A lease agreement counts even if it is not notarized. If you do not have two documents in your name, you can bring one document in your name plus one addressed to you at your California address, or one document in your name plus a signed letter from someone else who lives with you (they must bring ID).

For proof of Social Security number status, bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement at the DMV saying so — you do not need to bring anything else for this part.

how the process works at the DMV

You explore for an AB 60 license in person at a California DMV office. You cannot explore online or by mail. Go to the DMV website, find your local office, and check whether you need to make an appointment or can walk in. Many DMV locations now require appointments, and wait times are shorter if you book ahead rather than arriving without one.

When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are explore for an AB 60 license. They will give you a Form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card) to fill out. On this form, you will enter your name, date of birth, California address, and other standard information. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will leave that field blank and sign a statement confirming you do not have one.

Bring all your documents — identity, residency, and Social Security status — to the appointment. The DMV staff will review them, make copies, and verify that they meet the requirements. You will then take a written test on California traffic laws (unless you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country), pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The written test is offered in multiple languages.

After you pass the tests, you will pay the process fee. As of 2024, the fee for a driver's license is $39, though this amount can change. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while the DMV processes your process. Your permanent AB 60 license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

What the AB 60 license can and cannot be used for

An AB 60 license is valid for driving on California roads and is recognized by California law enforcement. You can use it to rent a car, get car insurance, and prove your identity to local police during a traffic stop. It has the same driving privileges as a standard California license — there are no restrictions on where you can drive or what type of vehicle you can operate (subject to the class of license you hold).

However, an AB 60 license cannot be used as federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or cross the U.S. border. If you need to travel by air within the United States, you will need a passport or another federally accepted ID. The license is also not accepted by banks or government agencies as proof of identity for purposes like opening a bank account or explore for benefits, though some private businesses may accept it.

The AB 60 license is marked differently from a standard California license so that federal agents and airport security can identify it. This marking does not affect your ability to drive or your legal status — it is straightforward a way for federal authorities to know that this license was issued under California's AB 60 law and is not valid for federal purposes.

Renewing or replacing your AB 60 license

An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued, the same as a standard California license. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV — you do not have to go back in person every time. To renew by mail or online, you will need to provide updated proof of California residency if you have moved, but you do not need to retake the written or vision tests unless the DMV asks you to.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your documents again (identity and residency proof) and pay a replacement fee, which is typically lower than the original process fee. You will receive a temporary paper license and your replacement card will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

If your immigration status changes and you later become a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen, you can explore for a standard California driver's license at any time. You do not have to wait for your AB 60 license to expire.

What happens if you are stopped by police with an AB 60 license

If you are stopped by California law enforcement, your AB 60 license is valid identification for driving purposes. You should hand it to the officer just as you would a standard license. California law enforcement does not use your driver's license to determine immigration status or report you to federal immigration authorities based solely on the license itself.

However, if an officer asks about your immigration status during a traffic stop, you have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status. You should politely decline to answer and ask to speak to a lawyer. Handing over your AB 60 license does not constitute consent to answer immigration questions.

If you are arrested or taken into custody for any reason, the situation changes — federal immigration authorities may become involved. In that case, you should ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions. Having an AB 60 license does not protect you from immigration enforcement if you are arrested for another crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AB 60 license to cross the border into Mexico?

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as a travel document at the U.S.-Mexico border. To cross the border, you need a valid passport from your country of origin. Some people also carry a Trusted Traveler card like SENTRI or NEXUS if they are enrolled in those programs, but the AB 60 license alone is not sufficient.

What if I do not have two documents proving California residency?

You can bring one document in your name plus one addressed to you at your California address, or one document in your name plus a signed letter from someone else who lives with you (they must bring their ID). Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements all count as residency proof if they are dated within 90 days.

Do I have to take the written driving test if I already have a driver's license from another country?

It depends. If your foreign license is valid and not expired, the DMV may waive the written test. Bring your foreign license to your appointment and ask the staff member. If your license is expired or the DMV does not recognize it, you will need to take the test.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have a criminal record?

Most criminal records do not disqualify you from getting a driver's license. The DMV denies licenses based on specific driving-related convictions (like DUI or reckless driving) or if your license was suspended or revoked. If you are unsure whether your record affects your may be able to access, contact your local DMV office before explore.

How much does an AB 60 license cost?

As of 2024, the process fee is $39. If you need a replacement license, the fee is typically lower. Fees can change, so check the California DMV website for the current amount. Some counties offer fee waivers or reductions for people with low income — ask at your local DMV.