California issues driver's licenses to people without proof of legal immigration status through the AB 60 program

California allows you to obtain a driver's license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and cannot provide proof of legal immigration status. The law that created this option is called Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60), which took effect on January 1, 2015. The license you receive is called an AB 60 license and functions the same way as a standard California driver's license for driving purposes — it proves you passed the written and driving tests and are authorized to operate a vehicle in California.

The AB 60 license does not grant you legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit. It is purely a driving permit. However, it does allow you to drive legally in California without fear that a traffic stop will result in license suspension or vehicle impound due to lack of documentation. Many people use AB 60 licenses to commute to work, transport family members, and conduct daily errands.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 program lets you get a driver's license without a Social Security number or proof of legal immigration status.
  • You must prove California residency with documents like utility bills, rental agreements, or school enrollment records — not immigration documents.
  • You will pass the same written and driving tests as any other applicant and pay the same fees.
  • An AB 60 license is valid only for driving in California and does not provide work authorization or legal status.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes AB 60 applications at all field offices, though wait times vary by location.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

To explore for an AB 60 license, you must bring documents that prove your identity and California residency. You do not need to bring immigration documents, and the DMV will not ask for them. The DMV will not share your information with immigration authorities — this is a separate state program with its own privacy rules.

For identity, bring a document issued by your country of origin, such as a passport, national ID card, or birth certificate. If you do not have a document from your home country, you can bring a combination of documents that together establish who you are — for example, a school record plus a medical record plus a letter from an employer, all showing your name and date of birth. The DMV publishes a full list of acceptable identity documents on its website under "AB 60 License Requirements."

For residency, bring two documents that show your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement, school enrollment record, medical record, or government benefit statement. The documents must be dated within the past 12 months. A lease or utility bill in your name is the fastest way to prove residency.

The written test, driving test, and fees

Once you submit your documents, you will take the same written knowledge test that all California drivers take. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages — the DMV offers the test in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and other languages depending on the field office. You must score at least 38 out of 46 questions correct to pass.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DMV examiner. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a vehicle, some driving schools in California offer test vehicles for a fee. The driving test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving practices.

The fee for an AB 60 license is the same as for a standard California driver's license. As of 2024, a new license costs $39 if you are under 70 years old, and $33 if you are 70 or older. If you already have a license from another state or country, you may be able to skip the written test, but you will still take the driving test. Fees are paid at the DMV when you submit your process.

How long the process takes and what to expect

The time from process to receiving your license depends on how busy your local DMV office is. In less busy areas, you may receive your license within two to four weeks. In busy urban areas like Los Angeles or San Francisco, the wait can be six to eight weeks or longer. The DMV will mail your license to the address you provide on your process.

When you arrive at the DMV to explore, bring all your documents, your completed process form (DL 44), and your fee. You will be assigned a number and wait to be called. A DMV representative will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. If your documents are in order, you will be scheduled for the written test on the same day or a later date. After you pass the written test, you will schedule your driving test.

If the DMV finds that your documents are incomplete or unclear, they will tell you what is missing and give you a chance to bring additional documents. You do not have to start over — you can return with the missing items and continue your process.

Where AB 60 licenses are valid and where they are not

An AB 60 license is valid for driving anywhere in California. You can use it to drive to work, to the store, to medical appointments, and across state lines for travel. However, it is not valid as a form of identification for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or explore for federal benefits.

If you are stopped by police in California, your AB 60 license is proof that you are authorized to drive. A traffic officer will not impound your vehicle or suspend your license based on immigration status. However, if you are pulled over in another state, that state's laws explore. Some states do not recognize AB 60 licenses, and officers in those states may treat you differently. For this reason, many people keep their AB 60 license for California driving and avoid driving in other states if possible.

An AB 60 license does not help you travel internationally. You will still need a valid passport from your country of origin to leave and re-enter the United States.

Privacy and what happens to your information

The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration authorities. This is a state law requirement, and the DMV is required to keep your information confidential. Your process will not trigger an immigration investigation or deportation proceedings.

However, if you are arrested for a crime unrelated to immigration, law enforcement may discover your immigration status through other means — for example, through fingerprinting or a background check. An AB 60 license itself does not protect you from immigration enforcement in those situations. The license only protects your ability to drive without state-level consequences.

Your information is stored in the California DMV database and is subject to California public records law. In rare cases, a court order could require the DMV to release your information, but this is not automatic and would require legal action.

Renewing or replacing your AB 60 license

An AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue, the same as a standard California license. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to retake the written or driving test — you only need to pay the renewal fee and provide updated information if your address has changed.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. You will need to bring your identity and residency documents again, pay a replacement fee (currently $20), and have a new photograph taken. You do not need to retake the tests.

If your AB 60 license expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive in California. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even though you originally obtained the license legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

An AB 60 license does not change your immigration status or affect pending immigration cases. It is a state driving permit only. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending case, you should discuss obtaining a license with your immigration attorney before explore, as they may have specific information based on your situation.

Can I use an AB 60 license to get a job?

An AB 60 license is not work authorization. Your ability to work in the United States depends on your immigration status and whether you have a work permit (such as an Employment Authorization Document). An AB 60 license proves you can drive legally in California, but it does not prove you are authorized to work. Some employers may ask for additional documentation.

What if I already have a driver's license from another country?

You can still obtain an AB 60 license. You will need to bring your foreign license along with your identity and residency documents. You may be able to skip the written test if your foreign license is valid, but you will still take the driving test. The DMV will determine whether your foreign license qualifies for a waiver of the written test.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I live outside California?

No. You must be a California resident to obtain an AB 60 license. Residency means you live in California and intend to stay there. You must provide documents showing a California address within the past 12 months.

What happens if I move out of California after getting an AB 60 license?

Your AB 60 license remains valid in California for the duration of its term. If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a driver's license in that state if you plan to drive there. You cannot renew your California AB 60 license by mail or online if you no longer live in California — you would need to renew in person at a California DMV office.