Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a California driver's license under the AB 60 program
California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license through a separate process called the AB 60 license, named after the 2013 law that created it. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal residency. The license is valid for driving only — it cannot be used as federal identification for air travel, entering federal buildings, or crossing the border.
The AB 60 license looks identical to a standard California driver's license but has "AB 60" printed on the front. It carries the same traffic laws and insurance requirements as any other California license. Insurance companies recognize it, and law enforcement treats traffic stops the same way they would for any licensed driver.
Key Takeaways
- AB 60 licenses are issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to anyone who can pass the written and driving tests, regardless of immigration status.
- You must prove California residency with documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — immigration status is not checked.
- The written test and behind-the-wheel exam are the same as for standard licenses, and you can take them in multiple languages.
- An AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but it is valid for driving and insurance.
- The DMV does not report immigration information to federal authorities, and obtaining a license does not affect your immigration case.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
The DMV requires proof of California residency and proof of identity. For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a California address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.
For identity, you can use a passport from any country, a consular ID card (like a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your home country, or a foreign driver's license. The document does not have to be in English. If your name has changed since the identity document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You will also need to provide a California address where the DMV can mail your license. This does not have to be your own home — it can be a friend's address, a workplace, or a community organization's address, as long as you can receive mail there.
The written test and behind-the-wheel exam
The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is the same test given to all applicants and is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can request an interpreter at no cost, or you can take the test in your chosen language on the DMV computer system.
You must pass the written test before scheduling a behind-the-wheel driving exam. The driving exam tests your ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads — the examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name.
Both tests have the same passing standards as a standard California license. There is no separate or easier version of either test for AB 60 applicants.
Fees and how long the process takes
The fee for an AB 60 license is the same as a standard California driver's license — currently $39 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. Some DMV offices offer fee waivers or reductions for applicants with low income; ask at your local office.
The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your appointments and pass the tests. The written test can usually be taken within a few days of your first DMV visit. The behind-the-wheel exam may have a wait of two to eight weeks depending on your local DMV office's backlog. Once you pass both tests, your license is typically mailed within two to three weeks.
Some DMV offices are busier than others. If your local office has long wait times, you can try scheduling at a less busy office in a nearby county, though you must still use a California address for residency.
What happens if you are stopped by police
An AB 60 license is a valid California driver's license. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, you show your AB 60 license just as you would show any other license. The officer will not know your immigration status from the license alone.
The DMV does not share immigration information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any federal immigration agency. Obtaining an AB 60 license does not create a record that affects your immigration case or puts you at risk of deportation based on the license itself.
However, if you are stopped and an officer has other reasons to suspect you are in the country illegally — such as a prior arrest or an active immigration case — that is a separate matter from the license. The license itself does not protect you from immigration enforcement, but it also does not trigger it.
Insurance and vehicle registration with an AB 60 license
You can purchase auto insurance with an AB 60 license. Insurance companies are required to accept it as valid proof of a California driver's license. You do not need to disclose your immigration status to an insurance company, and they will not ask.
Vehicle registration is separate from a driver's license. To register a vehicle in California, you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who do not have a Social Security number. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS; many tax preparation services and community organizations help with ITIN applications at no cost.
Once you have an ITIN, you can register a vehicle at the DMV using that number instead of a Social Security number. The registration process is the same as for any other driver.
Renewing an AB 60 license
AB 60 licenses expire after four or eight years, depending on which term you chose when you first received it. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal by mail or online does not require you to retake the written or driving test — you only need to update your address if it has changed and pay the renewal fee.
If your license has been suspended or revoked for traffic violations or other reasons, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test or pay reinstatement fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or put me on a deportation list?
No. The DMV does not share immigration information with ICE or any federal immigration agency. Getting a license does not create immigration consequences. However, if you have an active immigration case or prior deportation order, consult an immigration attorney before any government interaction to understand your specific situation.
Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a domestic flight or enter a federal building?
No. An AB 60 license is not accepted as federal identification. For domestic flights, you would need a passport or a Real ID-compliant document. For federal buildings, the same applies. The license is valid for driving and state purposes only.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove residency?
You can use other documents like a bank statement, government mail, property tax bill, or a letter from a shelter or community organization on letterhead confirming your address. The document must show your name and a California address and be dated within 60 days. Ask your DMV office which documents they accept if you are unsure.
Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been arrested or have a criminal record?
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The DMV denies licenses based on traffic-related convictions, medical conditions, or failure to pay child support or traffic fines — not immigration status or most criminal convictions. Check with your local DMV office about your specific situation.
Do I need to have a vehicle to take the driving test?
You need access to a vehicle for the test, but it does not have to be registered in your name. A friend or family member's vehicle works as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe condition. The vehicle's owner does not need to be present during the test.