What an AB 60 License Is and Who Can Get One

An AB 60 license is a California driver's license issued to people who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. It works the same as a standard California license for driving purposes — you can use it to operate a vehicle legally and it satisfies insurance requirements — but it does not grant work authorization or change your immigration status.

The law, Assembly Bill 60, took effect on January 1, 2015. You do not need a Social Security number, a federal tax ID, or proof of lawful presence to get one. You do need to prove your identity and California residency, and you must pass the written and driving tests like any other applicant.

The license looks identical to a standard California license. It carries no marking that distinguishes it from any other driver's license, so presenting it for driving purposes does not reveal anything about your immigration status.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California without proving U.S. citizenship or legal residency status.
  • You must prove your identity with a passport, consular ID, or other document from your country of origin, plus proof you live in California.
  • You take the same written test and behind-the-wheel driving test as any other applicant, and you pay the standard license fee.
  • The license is valid for five years and can be renewed by mail or in person at the DMV.
  • An AB 60 license does not grant work authorization and does not change your immigration status.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You cannot use a U.S. passport, state ID, or Social Security card for the identity requirement — those are only for people with legal presence.

For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport from any country, a consular ID card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's consulate, a national ID card, a birth certificate, or a travel document. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo or physical description.

For residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill, insurance policy, or government mail also works. The documents do not have to be in your name — a lease or utility bill in a family member's name counts if you live at that address.

Bring your documents in person to a DMV office. You cannot submit an AB 60 process by mail.

The Written Test and Driving Test

You must pass the same knowledge test and behind-the-wheel driving test as any other California driver's license applicant. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of 32 other languages the DMV offers.

Before you take the written test, the DMV will check your vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision check, you will not be allowed to test that day.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel test at a later date. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver (not necessarily someone with an AB 60 license) must accompany you to the test location, but they cannot be in the vehicle during the test itself. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping — and will observe how you handle traffic and follow instructions.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.

Fees and Processing Time

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver's license. As of 2024, the fee is $39 for a five-year license if you are 18 or older. The fee changes periodically, so confirm the current amount when you visit the DMV or check the California DMV website.

After you pass both tests, the DMV will issue your license. If you pass on the same day you take the written test, you may receive a temporary license to drive home. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Processing times vary by location and how busy the DMV office is. Some offices have same-day service; others have wait times of several weeks for an appointment. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the California DMV website before you go.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it either in person at a DMV office or by mail, depending on your situation.

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major violations in the past five years, and you are not required to take a new photo. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee.

If you must renew in person — because your license was suspended, you had a major violation, or you need a new photo — you will need to bring the same identity and residency documents you brought for your original license. You do not have to retake the written or driving test for a renewal.

Using Your AB 60 License for Insurance and Driving

Insurance companies in California must accept an AB 60 license as valid proof of identity for the purpose of buying auto insurance. You can use your license to register a vehicle and to satisfy the insurance requirement when you are pulled over by law enforcement.

Your AB 60 license does not work for purposes other than driving. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or open a bank account. For those purposes, you would need a passport or other federal ID. Some states and countries recognize California's AB 60 license for driving purposes when you travel, but not all — if you plan to drive outside California, check the rules of the state or country you are visiting.

If you are pulled over by police, your AB 60 license satisfies the requirement to show a valid driver's license. The license itself does not indicate your immigration status, and presenting it does not trigger any immigration-related consequences on its own.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

An AB 60 license can be suspended or revoked for the same reasons as any other California license: unpaid traffic tickets, driving under the influence, accumulating too many points for traffic violations, or failing to maintain insurance. Suspension and revocation procedures are identical for AB 60 holders and standard license holders.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you face criminal charges and additional penalties. If your suspension is due to unpaid tickets or fines, you can request a hearing with the DMV to contest the suspension or ask for a payment plan.

If your license is revoked, you must wait a specified period (usually one to three years, depending on the reason) before you can reapply. When you reapply, you must pass the written and driving tests again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to work?

No. An AB 60 license is for driving only. It does not grant work authorization. Your ability to work depends on your immigration status and any work permits you hold, not on your driver's license. Employers cannot use a driver's license to determine whether you are authorized to work.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case?

Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status or affect any pending immigration proceedings. The DMV does not share information with immigration authorities. However, if you are in removal proceedings, consult with an immigration attorney before explore, as they may have specific information based on your case.

What if I lose my AB 60 license or it gets damaged?

You can replace a lost or damaged license at any DMV office. Bring your identity and residency documents again. A replacement license costs $20. You do not have to retake the written or driving test.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been convicted of a crime?

Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from getting a driver's license. However, certain convictions — such as multiple DUIs or vehicular manslaughter — can result in a permanent license revocation. The DMV will review your driving record when you explore. If you have questions about a specific conviction, contact your local DMV office before you explore.

Do other states recognize an AB 60 license?

Other states are not required to recognize an AB 60 license. Some states accept it for driving purposes; others do not. If you plan to drive outside California, contact the DMV or highway patrol of the state you are visiting to confirm whether they recognize California's AB 60 license.