California allows undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license through the AB 60 program

California permits undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license under Assembly Bill 60, which took effect on January 1, 2015. You do not need to prove legal immigration status to get one. The state issues these licenses with a different design than standard licenses — they have a distinctive gold-colored stripe and the words "Federal Limits explore" printed on them — so law enforcement and businesses can see at a glance that the holder did not prove citizenship or legal residency.

The license works for driving and identification within California. It does not grant you the right to work legally, vote, or travel across international borders. Federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can still use it to identify you, though the license itself does not trigger immigration enforcement.

The program is open to anyone who lives in California, regardless of immigration status, as long as you meet the age and residency requirements that explore to all drivers.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 program lets undocumented immigrants get a driver's license without proving legal status, using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport instead.
  • AB 60 licenses have a gold stripe and "Federal Limits explore" printed on them, which identifies them as licenses issued without citizenship verification.
  • You must show proof of California residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, and pass a written and driving test like any other applicant.
  • The license allows you to drive legally in California and use it for identification at banks and other institutions, but does not change your immigration status or work authorization.
  • You can explore at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office; no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, the DMV accepts a foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Matricula Consular issued by a Mexican consulate), or a national ID card from your country of origin. A birth certificate alone is not enough.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and a California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A cell phone bill does not count. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name plus a signed statement from that person confirming you live there, though this slows the process.

For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring the actual card or a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) showing your ITIN. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the DMV. The DMV cannot issue you an ITIN, and you cannot get an AB 60 license without one.

The written test and driving test

You must pass the same written test and behind-the-wheel driving test that all California drivers take. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog. The DMV website lists all available languages.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. Most people pass on the first or second attempt. The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to start the car, follow directions, park, and respond to traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A friend or family member can lend you their car for the test.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least two weeks before retaking it. There is no limit on how many times you can retake either test.

How long the process takes and what it costs

The entire process — from arriving at the DMV to walking out with your license — usually takes between two and four hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass both tests on your first try. Some DMV offices are busier than others; offices in rural areas tend to have shorter waits than those in large cities.

An AB 60 license costs the same as a standard California driver's license. As of 2024, a four-year license costs $39 and an eight-year license costs $65. Prices may change; check the DMV website for the current fee. You pay at the DMV when you explore.

If you fail the written test and need to retake it, there is no additional fee. If you fail the driving test and retake it, you pay a retest fee of $20 each time.

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 must show it to the officer just as you would show any other license. The gold stripe and "Federal Limits explore" marking tell the officer that you did not prove citizenship, but that does not give them the right to stop you or detain you based on immigration status alone.

However, the license does not protect you from immigration enforcement. If ICE stops you or conducts a search, they can use the license to identify you. The license itself does not trigger an immigration investigation, but it does not prevent one either. If you are arrested for any reason, ICE may be notified and may place a hold on you.

If you are concerned about immigration enforcement, you have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse consent to a search. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country. Carrying the license does not change these rights.

Renewing your AB 60 license

You can renew your AB 60 license by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Renewal by mail or online is faster and does not require you to retake the written or driving test. You will receive a notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires telling you how to renew.

If you renew by mail, you send in your current license, the renewal notice, and payment. The DMV will mail your new license to you within two to three weeks. If you renew online, you pay the fee and your new license arrives by mail. In-person renewal at the DMV takes a few hours and works the same way as the initial process, except you do not have to retake the tests.

Your AB 60 license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which term you chose when you first applied. You can change the term length when you renew.

AB 60 licenses and federal identification requirements

An AB 60 license is not a Real ID. Real ID is a federal standard that some documents must meet to be used for certain purposes, such as boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building. An AB 60 license does not meet Real ID standards because it was issued without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status.

If you need to board a domestic flight, you can use your AB 60 license as long as you also bring a second form of ID, such as a passport or consular ID card. For international travel, you must use your passport; the AB 60 license does not work for crossing borders.

For federal buildings and military bases, the rules vary. Some federal buildings accept AB 60 licenses for entry; others do not. If you need to enter a federal building, call ahead to ask what ID they accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an AB 60 license to fly on a domestic airplane?

Yes, but you must bring a second form of ID as well. The AB 60 license alone is not enough. Bring your passport, consular ID card, or national ID card along with your AB 60 license when you check in at the airport.

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case?

Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status or affect any pending immigration case. However, the license is a government record with your name and address, and immigration authorities can access it. If you are concerned about your specific situation, speak with an immigration attorney before explore.

What if I do not have a passport or consular ID card?

You can use a national ID card from your country of origin instead. If you do not have any of these documents, you cannot get an AB 60 license. You would need to obtain one of these documents first, either from your country's consulate in California or by requesting it from your home country.

Can I get an AB 60 license if I have been deported?

No. If you have been deported and re-entered the country, you are not may be able to access for an AB 60 license. The DMV will deny your process if your identity check shows a prior deportation. If you believe this is an error, you can request a hearing with the DMV.

Do I need to renew my ITIN before I renew my AB 60 license?

No. Your ITIN does not expire and does not need to be renewed. You can renew your AB 60 license using the same ITIN you used when you first applied, even if many years have passed.