An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date you receive it

California's AB 60 license — the state ID available to people without a Social Security number — expires five years after the DMV issues it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner. Unlike a standard California driver's license, which also lasts five years, an AB 60 license cannot be renewed by mail or online; you must renew it in person at a DMV office.

The five-year window gives you time to plan ahead. Many people wait until the last month to renew, which can mean longer wait times at the DMV. If you know your expiration date, you can renew as early as six months before it arrives, which spreads out the crowd and gets you a new card faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Your AB 60 license expires exactly five years from the date the DMV issued it, with the expiration date printed on the front of the card.
  • You must renew in person at a DMV office — there is no mail or online renewal option for AB 60 licenses.
  • You can renew as early as six months before your expiration date, which often means shorter wait times than renewing in the final month.
  • Driving with an expired AB 60 license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, even if your license was valid when you started driving.

What happens if your AB 60 license expires

Once your AB 60 license expires, you cannot legally drive. California law treats an expired license the same as having no license at all. If you are pulled over while driving with an expired AB 60 license, you can receive a citation, and your vehicle may be impounded depending on the circumstances and the officer's discretion.

An expired license also affects other activities beyond driving. You may not be able to board a domestic flight, enter certain government buildings, or use it for age verification at businesses. The safest approach is to renew before the expiration date on your card.

How to renew your AB 60 license in person

To renew, you will need to visit a DMV office with the same documents you used to obtain your original AB 60 license. This typically includes proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of identity (a passport or consulate ID), and proof of your current address if it differs from your identity document. Bring your current AB 60 license as well.

You can make a DMV appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments usually move faster. The renewal process itself takes about 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, and your new plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing early to avoid the rush

The DMV allows you to renew your AB 60 license up to six months before it expires. This is a practical strategy if you want to avoid the crowds that build up in the final weeks before an expiration date. Many people forget their renewal important date and end up renewing in a panic, which means longer lines and longer wait times.

If you renew early, your new five-year validity period begins on the date you renew, not on the date your old license would have expired. This means you will lose a few months of validity if you renew too far in advance, so six months before expiration is the sweet spot — you get the convenience of an off-peak appointment without sacrificing much of your card's lifespan.

What to do if your AB 60 license expires while you are waiting for renewal

If you are renewing in person and your appointment is after your expiration date, bring your expired AB 60 license and your DMV appointment confirmation to the office. The DMV will accept the expired license as proof that you have been a licensed driver and will process your renewal without penalty. You should not drive between the expiration date and your appointment, even with the confirmation in hand.

If you miss your appointment or your license expires before you can schedule one, you will need to explore for a new AB 60 license rather than renew. This requires the same documents as a renewal but takes longer and may involve additional steps. It is easier to renew on time than to deal with the consequences of an expired license.

Keeping track of your expiration date

Write your expiration date somewhere you will see it — on your calendar, in your phone, or on a note at home. The DMV does not send renewal reminders for AB 60 licenses the way some states do for standard licenses. You are responsible for tracking the date yourself.

Some people set a phone reminder for six months before expiration, which gives them time to schedule an appointment without rushing. Others check their license whenever they use it for identification, which keeps the expiration date fresh in their mind. Either way, a straightforward system now prevents a stressful situation later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail or online?

No. AB 60 licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail or through the DMV website, even if your address has not changed. This is different from standard California driver's licenses, which can be renewed by mail or online under certain conditions.

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

You will need to replace it rather than renew it. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your current address to a DMV office. The replacement process is similar to renewal but may take slightly longer. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you receive it.

Does my AB 60 license expire on my birthday?

No. Your AB 60 license expires on the same date five years after the DMV issued it, regardless of your birthday. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Check the card itself rather than assuming it expires on any particular date.

What if I move to another state — is my AB 60 license still valid?

Your AB 60 license remains valid in California and is recognized for identification purposes in other states. However, if you move out of California permanently, you should not renew it. If you move back to California later, you can renew your AB 60 license if it has not expired, or explore for a new one if it has.

Can I drive with an expired AB 60 license if I have a renewal appointment scheduled?

No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have an appointment to renew it. If you are pulled over, the officer will not accept a future appointment as proof of a valid license. Stop driving and wait until you have received your new license before getting back on the road.