California Issues Driver's Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants Through AB 60

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license under Assembly Bill 60, passed in 2013. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal immigration status. The license is valid for driving purposes only and does not grant work authorization or change your immigration status.

The license looks identical to a standard California driver's license but is marked "AB 60" on the front. It works for driving, vehicle registration, and passing through airport security checkpoints within California. It does not work for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings that require a Real ID.

The process takes place at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You will need to bring specific documents proving identity and California residency, pass a written test and driving test, and pay the standard license fee.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues AB 60 driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring a Social Security number or proof of legal status.
  • You must prove your identity with a foreign passport or consular ID card and prove California residency with documents like utility bills or rental agreements.
  • You will take the same written and driving tests as any other applicant and pay the standard California driver's license fee.
  • The AB 60 license allows you to drive legally and register a vehicle but does not work for federal purposes like domestic air travel.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, bring your foreign passport or a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate in California. The consular ID must be current or expired no more than five years ago. A driver's license from another country does not count as proof of identity for this purpose.

For residency, bring two documents showing your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, rental agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance policies, bank statements, or official mail from a government agency. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If your name does not appear on a document, you can bring a second document plus a notarized statement confirming your residency.

You will also need to complete Form DL 44 (process for Driver's License or Identification Card) before you arrive at the DMV. You can fill it out online through the DMV website or print it and complete it by hand.

The Written Test and Driving Test

You must pass the same written knowledge test as any other applicant. The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or Spanish, or in one of several other languages depending on your local DMV office. The DMV provides a free handbook in multiple languages on its website.

After passing the written test, you will receive a learner's permit valid for 12 months. During this time, you must practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old sitting next to you. You can then schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test at any DMV office. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.

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

Fees and Processing Time

The fee for an AB 60 driver's license is the same as a standard California license. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $39 and an eight-year license costs $89. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amount with your local DMV office or the DMV website before you go.

After you pass both tests, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks, depending on your local office's procedures. Ask the DMV staff which option applies to you when you complete your test. If you need to drive before your license arrives by mail, ask for a temporary driving permit valid for 60 days.

What to Do If You Do Not Have a Passport or Consular ID

If you do not have a foreign passport or consular ID card, you may be able to use other identity documents. The DMV accepts a combination of documents that together prove your identity and age. These can include a birth certificate, a national ID card from your country of origin, a school or work ID, or a baptism certificate. You will need to bring multiple documents and may need to provide a notarized translation if the document is not in English.

Contact your local DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133 to ask which documents they will accept in your specific situation. The DMV staff can tell you whether your documents meet the requirements before you make a trip to the office.

If you do not have any identity documents, you may be able to obtain a consular ID card from your country's consulate. Most countries maintain consulates in California cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Contact your country's consulate directly to learn what documents you need to bring and what the process involves.

How the AB 60 License Differs From a Standard License

The AB 60 license is marked with "AB 60" printed on the front, making it visually distinct from a standard California license. Both licenses allow you to drive on California roads and register a vehicle. Both are valid for traffic stops and interactions with local law enforcement.

The key difference is federal recognition. A standard California license meets federal Real ID requirements and works for domestic air travel, entering federal buildings, and other federal purposes. An AB 60 license does not meet these requirements. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse or military base.

For all other purposes—driving, vehicle registration, insurance, and passing through airport security checkpoints within California—the AB 60 license works the same way as a standard license.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

You can renew your AB 60 license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal by mail or online is available if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee.

If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to retake the written or driving test. You will need to provide updated proof of California residency if the DMV requests it. If you renew in person at a DMV office, bring the same residency documents you brought for your original license.

Your AB 60 license is valid for four or eight years depending on which term you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration status or put me at risk?

No. The AB 60 license does not change your immigration status, grant work authorization, or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. California law protects DMV records from being shared with federal immigration agencies without a warrant. The license is purely for driving purposes.

Can I use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight in California?

No. An AB 60 license does not meet federal Real ID requirements and cannot be used to board a domestic flight. You would need a passport or other federally accepted travel document. However, you can use the AB 60 license to pass through airport security checkpoints within California for non-flight purposes.

What happens if I move out of California?

Your AB 60 license remains valid for driving in California and other states. However, if you move to another state and want to obtain a driver's license there, you will need to follow that state's requirements. Some states recognize out-of-state licenses; others require you to obtain a new license. Check with the DMV in your new state.

Can I use my AB 60 license to register a vehicle?

Yes. You can use your AB 60 license to register a vehicle in California. You will need to bring your license, proof of residency, and proof of vehicle ownership or a bill of sale to the DMV or an authorized vehicle registration office.

Do I need to pass a vision test?

Yes. Like all applicants, you must pass a vision screening at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will refer you to an eye care professional and you can retake the test once you have obtained corrective lenses.