California Issues Driver's Licenses to People Without Legal Immigration Status

California allows people without legal immigration status to obtain a driver's license through the AB 60 program, which launched in 2015. You do not need to prove citizenship or legal residency to get one. Instead, you prove your identity and California residency using documents that do not require immigration status.

The license itself looks identical to a standard California driver's license but carries no marking that distinguishes it. You can use it to drive legally in California and to open a bank account, but it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

The program exists because California lawmakers determined that people who live and work in the state benefit from being licensed, tested, and insured—regardless of immigration status. The license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can access through the DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses are available to anyone living in California who can prove identity and residency, without proof of legal immigration status.
  • You will need an identity document (passport, consular ID, or birth certificate) and two documents showing your California address.
  • The license works for driving and banking in California but cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel.
  • The DMV does not share AB 60 applicant information with immigration authorities, and obtaining a license does not affect your immigration case.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The DMV requires proof of identity and proof of California residency. For identity, you can use a valid passport from any country, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a foreign driver's license with a photo. The document does not need to be in English—the DMV accepts documents in any language.

For California residency, you need two documents showing your name and a California address. These can include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, school enrollment records, or a letter from a government agency. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. If your name on your identity document does not match your current name, bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You do not need a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, but this is optional—the DMV will issue a license without it.

The AB 60 process Process at the DMV

Visit a California DMV office in person with your identity and residency documents. You cannot explore online or by mail. Bring the original documents or certified copies—photocopies alone are not accepted. You will fill out a standard driver's license process form (DL 44) and pay the standard fee, which varies by license type but is typically around $39 for a four-year license.

You will take a written test on California traffic laws and a vision test. If you have not driven before, you will also need to pass a behind-the-wheel driving test. The DMV offers the written test in multiple languages. If you already hold a valid driver's license from another country or state, you may be able to skip the written test—ask the DMV clerk when you arrive.

Processing time is typically two to three weeks. You will receive your license by mail at the address you provided. Some DMV offices are busier than others; calling ahead or checking wait times on the DMV website can help you choose when to visit.

What Happens to Your Information

California law prohibits the DMV from sharing AB 60 applicant information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other immigration authorities. Your DMV records are separate from any immigration file. Obtaining an AB 60 license does not create a deportation risk or affect any immigration case you may have.

However, if you are pulled over while driving, a police officer will see that you hold an AB 60 license when they run your information. This does not automatically trigger an immigration inquiry, but it may affect how an officer responds. Your rights during a traffic stop remain the same: you have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse consent to search your vehicle.

The AB 60 license is a state document. It does not interact with federal immigration databases and does not change your status in the eyes of federal law.

Using Your AB 60 License for Banking and Other Purposes

Banks in California accept AB 60 licenses as valid identification for opening checking and savings accounts. Many banks do not ask about immigration status, and the license itself does not reveal it. Some national banks have policies that vary by branch, so calling ahead to confirm is wise.

You can use the license to rent an apartment, sign a lease, or open utility accounts. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal buildings. If you need to travel by air within the United States, you would need a passport or other federal-approved ID.

The license is valid for driving in all 50 states, though other states' law enforcement may respond differently to an AB 60 license than California officers would. If you travel frequently to other states, understand their local laws before you go.

Renewing Your AB 60 License

AB 60 licenses expire after four or five years, depending on the type you received. You can renew by mail or online through the DMV website if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. If you need a new photo or have moved, you must visit a DMV office in person with updated residency documents.

Renewal fees are the same as the initial license fee. The DMV will mail your renewed license to the address on file. If you move, update your address with the DMV before your license expires to avoid complications at renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license hurt my immigration case?

No. California law protects AB 60 applicant information from immigration authorities. The DMV does not share records with ICE or other federal agencies. Obtaining a license does not change your immigration status or create evidence that can be used against you in court.

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly domestically within the United States?

No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept AB 60 licenses for domestic air travel. You would need a valid passport, passport card, or other federally approved ID. Some states issue Real ID-compliant licenses, but California's AB 60 license is not Real ID-compliant.

What if I don't have a passport or consular ID?

You can use a birth certificate paired with a government-issued photo ID, such as a foreign driver's license or school ID with your photo. If you have none of these, a consular ID from your country's embassy or consulate is often the easiest document to obtain.

Do I need a Social Security number to get an AB 60 license?

No. You can obtain an AB 60 license without a Social Security number or ITIN. If you have an ITIN, you can provide it, but it is not required. The DMV will issue the license either way.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

You can renew online if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. If you have moved or need a new photo, you must visit a DMV office in person with updated residency documents.