California allows you to get a driver's license regardless of immigration status
California's AB 60 law, which took effect in 2015, lets you obtain a driver's license without proof of legal residency or a Social Security number. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have any particular immigration status. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these licenses the same way it issues standard licenses — they look identical and carry no marking that distinguishes them.
The license is valid for driving purposes only. It cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or crossing the border. For those purposes, you would need a passport or other document from your country of origin. But for driving on California roads, working with an employer who checks your license, and proving you can operate a vehicle, an AB 60 license works like any other California driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- California issues driver's licenses to people without legal immigration status under AB 60, and the license looks identical to a standard California license.
- You need an identity document from your country of origin, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- The DMV processes AB 60 applications at regular DMV offices during standard business hours with no separate process process.
- Your license will be valid for three years if you are under 62, or five years if you are 62 or older, the same as any California driver's license.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of a Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, the DMV accepts a passport, consular identification card, national ID card, or other government-issued document from your country of origin. The document must show your name, date of birth, and photograph.
For proof of residency in California, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a landlord or property owner stating that you live at that address.
For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a letter from the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you have no income to report. Many community organizations and tax preparation services help people without immigration status file returns and obtain ITINs at no cost.
How to schedule and complete your DMV appointment
Visit the California DMV website and use the online appointment system to schedule a visit at your local DMV office. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 to schedule by phone. Walk-in appointments are not may provide, but some offices accept them during certain hours — call ahead to ask about your local office's policy.
Bring all your documents in original form or certified copies. The DMV staff will review them, take your photograph, and administer a written test on traffic laws and road signs. You can request the test in English, Spanish, or 30 other languages. After you pass the written test, you will take a behind-the-wheel driving test at a separate appointment, usually scheduled within a few weeks.
The total cost is $39 for a three-year license or $59 for a five-year license if you are 62 or older. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.
What happens after you pass the driving test
Once you pass the behind-the-wheel test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks. Your AB 60 license is valid for driving in California and in other states. It works the same way as any other California driver's license for insurance purposes, traffic stops, and employment verification.
You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at the DMV before it expires. Renewal is simpler than the first process — you do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV asks you to. The renewal process takes about the same time as the initial process.
What your license cannot be used for
Your AB 60 license is not federal identification. You cannot use it to board a domestic or international flight, enter a federal courthouse, or cross the U.S. border. If you need to travel by air or cross the border, you will need a passport or travel document from your country of origin.
Some employers and government agencies may ask for additional identification beyond a driver's license. If you are asked for proof of work authorization, your driver's license alone will not satisfy that requirement. You would need to provide an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or other work permit if you have one, or explain your immigration status to your employer according to their hiring policies.
Common mistakes to avoid at the DMV
Do not bring expired documents or documents that do not clearly show your name and address. The DMV will reject them and you will have to reschedule. Make sure your identity document is not damaged and that your photograph is clearly visible.
Do not assume you can use a utility bill from a roommate or family member. The document must have your name on it. If you rent a room and the lease is in someone else's name, get a notarized letter from the landlord instead.
Do not schedule your appointment and then miss it. The DMV charges a fee to reschedule, and you may have to wait weeks for the next available slot. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours before.
Where to find help if you have questions
The California DMV website has information in English and Spanish about AB 60 licenses. You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with questions about documents or the process process.
Many community organizations in California help people without legal immigration status understand their rights and prepare for the DMV. Organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRR), local legal aid societies, and immigrant resource centers offer free or low-cost help. Search online for "immigrant services near me" or "DMV help [your city]" to find organizations in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case?
A driver's license itself does not affect your immigration status or any pending immigration case. However, if you are stopped by police and cannot produce a license, that could lead to other complications. Having a valid license is generally safer than driving without one. If you have concerns about a specific immigration situation, speak with an immigration attorney before explore.
Can I use my AB 60 license to rent an apartment or open a bank account?
Many landlords and banks accept a California driver's license as proof of identity, regardless of whether it is an AB 60 license. However, some may ask for additional documents or proof of income. Call ahead to ask what documents the landlord or bank needs before you explore.
What if I do not have a document from my country of origin?
If your passport or national ID is lost, stolen, or expired, contact your country's consulate or embassy in California. They can issue a replacement or a consular identification card, which the DMV accepts. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead. Some consulates charge a fee for replacement documents.
Can I get a Real ID-compliant license instead of an AB 60 license?
No. Real ID licenses require proof of legal residency or citizenship. If you do not have legal immigration status, you can only get an AB 60 license. An AB 60 license is valid for driving but not for federal identification purposes like boarding a plane.
What if I fail the written or driving test?
You can retake the test. Most people retake the written test within a few days at any DMV office. For the driving test, you schedule a new appointment, which may take a few weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is. There is no extra fee to retake either test.