Yes, California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license through the AB 60 program

California permits people without legal immigration status to get a driver's license under Assembly Bill 60, which took effect in 2015. The license is called an AB 60 license, and it works the same way as a standard California driver's license for driving purposes — you can use it to drive legally, and it satisfies California's requirement to carry a license while operating a vehicle.

The main difference is that an AB 60 license cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or other purposes that require REAL ID compliance. For driving itself, it carries the same legal weight as any other California license. You take the same written and driving tests, and the license expires on the same schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • California's AB 60 program lets you get a driver's license without proving legal immigration status, using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport instead.
  • You must still pass the written test, vision test, and driving test — the process is identical to a standard license except for the documents you bring.
  • An AB 60 license is valid for driving in California and all other states, but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
  • You can renew an AB 60 license by mail or online using the same ITIN or passport you used to obtain it.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

To explore for an AB 60 license, you need to prove your identity and California residency. The California Department of Motor Vehicles accepts a passport from any country as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service — paired with other documents that show your identity.

For California residency, bring documents showing your name and a California address. These can include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government-issued document with your address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to provide your Social Security Number if you have one, or confirm that you do not have one.

Bring your current out-of-state or foreign driver's license if you have one. If you do not have any license, you can still explore — you will just take the written and driving tests. Bring proof of your California address and your identity document to your local DMV office.

The written test, vision test, and driving test are the same as for any license

Once you have submitted your documents, you take the same three-part test that any California driver takes. First is the vision test, which checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. Then comes the written test covering California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the written test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others — the DMV website lists all available languages.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test with a DMV examiner. During this test, an examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive and evaluates your ability to handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements.

How long the process takes and what happens after you pass

The timeline depends on how busy your local DMV office is. After you submit your documents and pass the written test, you typically wait one to four weeks for a driving test appointment. Once you pass the driving test, the DMV issues your AB 60 license on the spot or mails it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office.

Your AB 60 license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it by mail or online using your ITIN or passport, the same documents you used to obtain it. You do not need to retake the written or driving tests when you renew, unless the DMV has specific reasons to require testing.

What you can and cannot do with an AB 60 license

An AB 60 license is a valid California driver's license for all driving purposes. You can legally drive in California and every other state. Police officers recognize it as a valid license, and you satisfy California's legal requirement to carry a license while driving. Insurance companies will issue policies to drivers with AB 60 licenses, and the license works for routine traffic stops and vehicle registration.

The restriction is federal, not state. You cannot use an AB 60 license to board a domestic flight within the United States, enter a federal courthouse or federal building that requires ID, or satisfy REAL ID requirements for other federal purposes. If you need to fly domestically, you would need a passport or other federally acceptable ID. For all other purposes — driving, opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or obtaining a job — the AB 60 license functions as a standard California driver's license.

If you already have a license from another state or country

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, you can convert it to an AB 60 California license. Bring your current license along with your identity document (passport or ITIN) and proof of California residency. You will still need to pass the written test and driving test, unless you meet certain exceptions — for example, if your out-of-state license is from a state that has a reciprocal agreement with California, you may be able to skip the driving test.

Check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether your state or country has a reciprocal agreement. If it does, bring your current license and the required identity and residency documents, and you may only need to pass the written test. If there is no agreement, plan to take both tests.

Common reasons applications are delayed or denied

The most common reason for delay is incomplete or unclear documents. Make sure your identity document (passport or ITIN letter) is legible and not expired. Your residency document must show your current address and be dated within 60 days. If the DMV cannot read your documents or they do not clearly show your name and address, they will ask you to resubmit.

Applications are rarely denied outright for immigration status — that is the entire point of AB 60. However, your process can be denied if you fail the written or driving test, if you have a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive, or if you have an outstanding warrant or suspension from another state. If your process is denied, the DMV will tell you the reason and explain how to appeal or reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting an AB 60 license affect my immigration case or status?

No. Obtaining a driver's license does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can use against you. The DMV and immigration enforcement are separate agencies. However, if you are stopped by police and do not have a license, that can lead to additional legal problems, so having a license actually protects you.

Can I use an AB 60 license to rent an apartment or open a bank account?

Yes. An AB 60 license is a valid government-issued ID for these purposes. Landlords and banks accept it as proof of identity and residency. You may encounter individual businesses or landlords who are unfamiliar with AB 60 licenses, but the license itself is legally valid for these transactions.

What if I do not have a passport or ITIN?

You need one or the other to explore. If you do not have a passport, you can obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you do not owe taxes. You can also contact a tax preparation service or nonprofit organization that helps immigrants — many offer free ITIN information. Once you have an ITIN, you can explore for your AB 60 license.

Can I renew my AB 60 license online or by mail?

Yes. You can renew online through the DMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your medical status. You can also renew by mail by submitting your renewal form, your ITIN or passport, and the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the tests or visit an office unless the DMV requests it.

What happens if I move to another state — is my AB 60 license still valid?

Your AB 60 license remains valid for driving in other states while you hold it. However, if you move to another state permanently, you will need to obtain a driver's license from that state. Each state has its own rules about who can get a license, so check the requirements of your new state before you move.