Yes, California issues driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants

California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a standard driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The state does not require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to get a license. Instead, the DMV accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number, along with other documents that prove identity and California residency.

This policy has been in place since 2015, when California's Assembly Bill 60 took effect. The license itself looks identical to a standard California driver's license and works the same way for driving purposes. However, it cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building.

Key Takeaways

  • California issues driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants without requiring proof of citizenship or legal status.
  • You will need an ITIN, proof of identity, and proof of California residency — a lease, utility bill, or bank statement all work.
  • The DMV does not share immigration information with federal authorities, though the license itself cannot be used for federal identification purposes.
  • The process takes the same time as a standard license process, usually a few weeks from submission to receipt.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of California residency, and a tax identification number. For identity, you can bring a passport, consular identification card (matrícula consular), or birth certificate paired with another document like a school record or medical record. The document does not need to be in English, but the DMV may ask you to bring a certified translation.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your California address. A lease, utility bill, bank statement, or government mail all count. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two older documents (like a lease from six months ago plus a utility bill from three months ago) to show continuous residence. For the tax identification number, bring your ITIN documentation — typically a Social Security Administration letter or a copy of a filed tax return showing your ITIN.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV will not accept documents that are damaged, altered, or illegible. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation.

how the process works at the DMV

Visit your local DMV office in person — you cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring all required documents listed above, plus a completed process for California Identification (Form DL 44). You can read this form from the DMV website or pick one up at the office.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are explore for a driver's license under Assembly Bill 60. The clerk will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and schedule you for a written test and vision screening. You will take the written test the same day or at a scheduled appointment. Once you pass, you will have your photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

The DMV charges the standard driver's license fee, which varies by license type and renewal period but is typically between $36 and $64 for a new license. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

What the DMV does and does not report

The California DMV does not share immigration status information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration authorities. This is state law — the DMV is prohibited from disclosing that you obtained a license under Assembly Bill 60. Your address and other personal information in the DMV database are not automatically shared with federal agencies.

However, the license itself has limits. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. If you are stopped by law enforcement, the license proves you can drive legally in California, but it does not prove immigration status either way. Police may still ask about your status during a traffic stop, and you have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.

The written test and vision screening

The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and others. You can request an interpreter if needed.

The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV tests your ability to read a standard eye chart from a distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it after visiting an eye doctor and bringing a vision correction certificate.

You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period. If you fail, you can schedule another attempt at the DMV. Many people study using the California Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website and covers all topics on the test.

Timeline and what happens after approval

From the day you submit your process at the DMV to the day your permanent license arrives, expect two to four weeks. You receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the test, which is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent card. The temporary license is good for 60 days.

Your permanent license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Renewal is the same process as for any other California driver — you do not need to re-prove residency or identity each time, though the DMV may ask for updated documents if yours have expired.

If you move out of California or your immigration status changes, you can still keep and use your license as long as you remain in the state. If you move to another state, that state's DMV will determine whether to recognize your California license based on their own rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting a California driver's license affect my immigration case?

No. The DMV does not report immigration information to immigration authorities, and having a license does not change your immigration status or hurt your case. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration matter, consult with an immigration attorney before explore, as they may have specific information for your situation.

Can I use this license to cross the border into Mexico?

A California driver's license alone is not sufficient to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. You will need a valid passport or a Passport Card. The license proves you can drive in California but does not serve as travel documentation.

What if I don't have an ITIN yet?

You will need an ITIN to explore for a driver's license under Assembly Bill 60. If you do not have one, you can file Form W-7 with the IRS to request an ITIN. This process takes several weeks. You can file taxes without an ITIN first if you have earned income, which will result in an ITIN being issued to you.

Can I renew my license by mail if I got it under Assembly Bill 60?

Yes. Once you have your initial license, renewal works the same as for any other California driver. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. The DMV does not require you to re-prove residency or identity at renewal unless your documents have expired.

What if the DMV denies my process?

The DMV can deny an process if documents are missing, fraudulent, or illegible, or if you fail the written test or vision screening. If denied, the DMV will tell you why and what you can do next. You can reapply once you have corrected the issue — for example, by obtaining a certified translation of a document or retaking the written test.