California allows you to get a driver's license without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status

California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, lets you obtain a driver's license if you live in the state, regardless of your immigration status. You do not need to prove you are a U.S. citizen or have legal residency. The license is called an AB 60 license, and it works the same way as a standard California driver's license for driving purposes — you can use it to drive legally in California and to prove your identity to law enforcement.

The main difference is what the license cannot do. An AB 60 license cannot be used as proof of citizenship or legal status for federal purposes like boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building. It also will not help you cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada. For driving within California, however, it carries the same legal weight as any other California driver's license.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver's licenses to people without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status under AB 60.
  • You will need a California address, proof of identity, and proof of California residency to get an AB 60 license.
  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California and use it as ID with police, but not for federal purposes like flying domestically.
  • The process process is the same as for a standard license, and you take the same written and driving tests.
  • Your immigration status will not be reported to federal immigration authorities when you explore.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

To get an AB 60 license, you need to show proof of identity and proof that you live in California. The DMV accepts a wide range of documents for both, so you do not need a passport or U.S. government ID.

For proof of identity, the DMV accepts documents like a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your country of origin, a birth certificate, or a combination of documents like a school record plus a medical record. You can bring documents in any language — the DMV has interpreters available.

For proof of California residency, bring something dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a California address. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or mail from a government agency 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) plus a signed letter from that person saying you live there.

You will also need to provide a California address on your process. If you do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a general delivery address at your local post office.

How the AB 60 process process works

The process itself is identical to the standard California driver's license process. You fill out Form DL 44 at the DMV, bring your documents, and pay the fee (currently $39 for a four-year license, though this amount changes periodically). You do not check a box saying you lack legal status — you straightforward complete the form as you would for any license.

The DMV will not ask about your immigration status during the process. Your information is kept separate from federal immigration databases. California law specifically prohibits the DMV from sharing your personal information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration authorities unless you are convicted of certain serious crimes.

After you submit your process, you will take a written test on California traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test, just like anyone else. If you pass both, you receive your AB 60 license in the mail within two to three weeks.

What happens if you have a criminal record or traffic violations

A criminal record or past traffic violations do not automatically disqualify you from getting an AB 60 license. The DMV evaluates your driving record using the same standards it uses for any applicant. If you have been convicted of driving under the influence, reckless driving, or certain other serious traffic offenses, you may be denied or required to wait a certain period before you can explore.

If you have a criminal conviction unrelated to driving, it generally does not affect your ability to get a driver's license. The DMV is focused on your driving safety and history, not your immigration status or criminal history outside of driving-related offenses.

If you are unsure whether a specific conviction will affect your process, you can call your local DMV office before you go in. They can tell you whether your record will be a barrier.

Using your AB 60 license for identification and driving

Once you have an AB 60 license, you can use it to drive legally throughout California. Police will accept it as valid identification during a traffic stop. You can also use it as ID at banks, stores, and other businesses that ask for a driver's license.

The license does have limits. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or cross an international border. If you need to fly within the United States, you will need a different form of ID — some states accept a passport card, and some airports accept other documents, but this varies. If you plan to travel by air, check with your airline before you go to the airport.

For driving purposes only, an AB 60 license is treated exactly like a standard California license. You can renew it the same way, and it is valid for four years.

Renewing your AB 60 license

You renew an AB 60 license using the same process as a standard license. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV asks you to. You will need to pay the renewal fee and provide updated proof of residency if the DMV requests it. If you renew in person, bring the same types of documents you brought for your original process.

Your AB 60 license will continue to work the same way after renewal — it is valid for driving in California and for use as ID with law enforcement, but not for federal purposes.

What to know about privacy and immigration enforcement

California law creates a specific privacy protection for AB 60 applicants. The DMV cannot share your personal information with ICE, Customs and Border Protection, or other federal immigration agencies. This protection applies even if you are stopped by police for a traffic violation.

However, this protection has limits. If you are convicted of certain serious felonies, the DMV may be required to report you. Additionally, if a federal agency obtains a warrant or court order, they can access your DMV records. But routine immigration enforcement cannot access your information straightforward because you applied for an AB 60 license.

Your process to the DMV will not trigger an immigration investigation. explore for a driver's license is a separate transaction from any immigration matter, and the two systems do not automatically communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will explore for an AB 60 license put me at risk with immigration authorities?

No. California law prohibits the DMV from sharing your information with immigration agencies. explore for a driver's license is a routine transaction and will not trigger an immigration investigation. Your information is kept separate from federal immigration databases.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been deported or have a deportation order?

You can explore if you currently live in California, regardless of your immigration history. The DMV does not check your immigration status or history. However, if you are subject to an active deportation order or are in removal proceedings, you should speak with an immigration attorney before explore, as your circumstances may be complex.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

You can use a shelter address, a friend's or family member's address, or a general delivery address at your local post office. You will need proof of residency at that address dated within the last 60 days. If the address is not in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the document.

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

No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as proof of citizenship or legal status at the U.S. border. To cross into Mexico or Canada, you will need a passport, passport card, or other document that proves your citizenship or legal status in your country of origin.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the test. There is no limit to how many times you can try. You pay the process fee again each time you retake the test. Most DMV offices let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks.