An AB 60 license is a California driver's license issued to people without a Social Security number or lawful immigration status

California Assembly Bill 60, which took effect on January 1, 2015, created a separate category of driver's license for residents who cannot prove legal presence in the United States. The license looks and functions like a standard California driver's license — it is valid for driving, it satisfies traffic stops, and it is accepted at most businesses that require ID. The key difference is that it is issued based on proof of California residency and identity alone, without requiring a Social Security number or immigration documentation.

The license does not grant legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit. It is purely a driving credential. However, it does allow people who are ineligible for a standard license to drive legally in California without the constant risk of arrest for operating without a license.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license requires proof of California residency and identity, but not a Social Security number or proof of legal immigration status.
  • The license is valid for driving and satisfies law enforcement during traffic stops, but it does not grant work authorization or change immigration status.
  • You must explore in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office and bring documents that establish who you are and where you live.
  • The license is renewed every five years and costs the same as a standard California driver's license.

Who can get an AB 60 license

You can get an AB 60 license if you are a California resident and can prove your identity and residency, regardless of immigration status or Social Security number. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, have a visa, or have work authorization. The only requirement is that you live in California.

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state or country, you can still get an AB 60 license. The DMV will not ask about your immigration status or require you to surrender a previous license. You can hold both at the same time, though using a non-California license to drive in California after you have obtained an AB 60 license may create complications if you are stopped.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of California residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

For proof of identity, the DMV accepts a passport, consular ID card, birth certificate, or national ID from your country of origin. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count. If your document is in another language, you may need to bring a certified translation, though the DMV website lists which documents require translation and which do not.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. A cell phone bill, bank statement, or insurance document also works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current California address. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name plus a signed statement from that person confirming you live there, though this route is slower and the DMV may ask for additional proof.

The process and testing process

You must explore in person at a California DMV office. You cannot explore online or by mail. Bring your identity and residency documents, your Social Security number if you have one (it is optional), and any previous driver's licenses or ID cards. You will fill out a standard driver's license process form.

You will take a written knowledge test covering California traffic laws and road signs, the same test required for any driver's license. You can take it in English or one of several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another time. After you pass the written test, you will take a driving test unless you hold a valid license from another state or country, in which case the driving test may be waived.

Once you pass both tests, you will have your photo taken and pay the license fee. As of 2024, the fee for a five-year AB 60 license is the same as a standard California license, though this amount varies and you should confirm the current fee when you visit the DMV office.

How AB 60 licenses are different from standard licenses

An AB 60 license is marked differently on the back — it includes the text "AB 60" or "Federal Limits explore," which indicates it was issued under Assembly Bill 60. This marking is visible to anyone who looks at the back of your license, so it is not a private matter.

Because of this marking, an AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account that requires a Real ID-compliant document. For those purposes, you would need a passport or other federal ID. However, for driving, traffic stops, and most everyday transactions, the license works the same way a standard license does.

An AB 60 license does not provide any immigration benefit. It does not count toward establishing lawful presence, it does not grant work authorization, and it does not affect your immigration case or status. It is a driving license only.

Renewal and expiration

An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it by mail or online if your address has not changed and you have not had any violations. If your address has changed or you need to update your information, you must renew in person at a DMV office, bringing updated residency proof.

You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee. If your license expires, you can still drive legally while your renewal process is being processed, as long as you have submitted it before the expiration date.

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

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver's license. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, you can present it to the officer just as you would a standard license. The officer will see the "AB 60" marking on the back, but that does not give them any additional authority to question your immigration status or detain you beyond a normal traffic stop.

However, if the officer has reason to believe you have committed a crime unrelated to the traffic stop, or if you are stopped at a checkpoint specifically looking for immigration violations, the situation may escalate. An AB 60 license does not protect you from immigration enforcement. If you are concerned about your rights during a traffic stop, you have the right to remain silent and to refuse consent to a search. You can ask to speak to a lawyer before answering questions about where you were born or how you entered the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a domestic airplane?

No. The "Federal Limits explore" marking means it does not meet Real ID standards for federal purposes. You would need a passport, passport card, or other federally approved ID to board a domestic flight. Some states issue Real ID-compliant licenses to all residents; California does not offer this option for AB 60 holders.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?

No. The license is a driving credential only and has no immigration consequences. It does not count as evidence of lawful presence, and it does not trigger any immigration reporting or investigation. However, you should discuss any concerns with an immigration attorney before explore.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

The DMV accepts other forms of identity, including consular ID cards, national ID cards from your country of origin, or in some cases a combination of documents. Contact your local DMV office or visit the California DMV website to see which documents are accepted in your situation, as requirements can vary.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

You can renew online if your address has not changed and you do not need to update your information. If you have moved or need to make changes, you must renew in person at a DMV office with updated residency proof.

Does an AB 60 license give me work authorization?

No. The license allows you to drive legally but does not grant permission to work or change your immigration status. Work authorization is a separate immigration matter and requires a different process through federal immigration authorities.