What an AB 60 License Is and Who Can Get One

California's AB 60 license is a state ID card that lets you drive legally even if you cannot prove lawful presence in the United States. It works the same way as a standard California driver's license for driving purposes — you can use it to operate a vehicle, and it satisfies the requirement to carry a license while driving. The main difference is that it does not grant you work authorization or change your immigration status.

You can get an AB 60 license if you are at least 16 years old, pass the written and driving tests, and can show you live in California. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to prove citizenship or legal residency. The state does not share your information with federal immigration authorities as part of the licensing process.

The license looks similar to a standard California driver's license but includes the phrase "AB 60" printed on it. It expires after the same timeframe as a regular license — typically five or ten years depending on your age — and you renew it the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • An AB 60 license lets you drive legally in California without proving citizenship or lawful immigration status.
  • You need to pass the written and driving tests, show proof of California residency, and be at least 16 years old.
  • The license does not grant work authorization, change your immigration status, or allow you to travel outside the United States by air.
  • You can use an AB 60 license to satisfy California's requirement to carry a valid driver's license while operating a vehicle.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles does not share AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration agencies.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

To get an AB 60 license, you must show proof of California residency and your identity. For residency, bring one document from the DMV's approved list — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your California address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

For identity, bring documents that establish who you are. The DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular ID card issued by your country's consulate, a birth certificate, or other identity documents from your home country. You do not need a U.S. Social Security number or a federal tax ID number. If you have an existing California ID or license, bring that too.

Bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. You will also need to fill out the standard California driver's license process form (DL 44) when you arrive at the DMV. Bring your own pen if possible, as DMV offices sometimes run short.

The Written Test and Driving Test

You must pass California's written knowledge test, which covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is offered in multiple languages at DMV offices. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which is free and available online in many languages on the DMV website. Most people take the test on a computer at the DMV office.

After you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit (also called an instruction permit). With this permit, you can practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old sitting next to you. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test, though some people wait longer to practice.

The driving test itself lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive on local streets. They watch for your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to other drivers and pedestrians. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a set period — usually a few days to a week.

Cost and Processing Time

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver's license. As of 2024, the fee for a five-year license is $39 and for a ten-year license is $89, though these amounts can change. You pay this fee at the DMV when you submit your process. Some DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards; a few accept checks. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

Processing time varies. If you pass both tests on your first visit, you may receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you need to retake a test or if the DMV needs to verify your documents, it can take longer — sometimes two to four weeks. The DMV will tell you when to expect your license when you complete your process.

Limitations of an AB 60 License

An AB 60 license is valid only for driving in California and other U.S. states. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane flight or to enter a federal building that requires a REAL ID-compliant document. If you need to fly within the United States, you must use a passport or other federal document.

The license does not grant you work authorization. Some employers use the E-Verify system to check whether workers are authorized to work in the United States, and an AB 60 license will not satisfy that check. Your immigration status and work authorization remain unchanged by getting this license.

You cannot use an AB 60 license to cross the U.S. border into Mexico or Canada by land. You need a passport or passport card for that. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving, the license proves you are legally allowed to operate a vehicle in California, but it does not protect you from immigration enforcement actions if you are in the country unlawfully.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

You renew an AB 60 license the same way you renew a standard California driver's license. The DMV sends you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how long it has been since your last renewal.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the written or driving tests unless the DMV asks you to. You will need to pay the renewal fee and provide updated information if anything has changed — such as your address. If you renew in person, bring the same types of documents you brought for your original license.

Some renewals can be done without visiting the DMV office at all. Check the DMV website or call your local office to find out which renewal method works for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to prove my identity for things other than driving?

An AB 60 license is a valid California ID and can be used for many purposes — opening a bank account, buying age-restricted items, or proving identity to a business. However, it will not work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building that requires REAL ID. For those situations, you need a passport or passport card.

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

Getting an AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or affect pending immigration cases. The DMV does not share your information with federal immigration authorities. However, you should discuss this with your immigration attorney if you have one, as your individual situation may have specific considerations.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it after waiting a few days. If you fail the driving test, you must wait before retaking it — the waiting period varies but is usually at least a week. You can take the test as many times as you need. Each attempt costs the same fee.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have never had a driver's license before?

Yes. You follow the same process as anyone getting a first license: pass the written test to get a learner's permit, practice driving for at least six months, then pass the driving test. The only difference is that you do not need to prove citizenship or lawful presence.

What happens if I move out of California?

An AB 60 license is only valid in California and other U.S. states for driving purposes. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. You cannot renew an AB 60 license if you no longer live in California.