AB 60 Driver License California 2026
California's AB 60 law allows state residents to get a driver license regardless of immigration status. If you cannot provide proof of lawful U.S. presence but you live in California and pass all standard DMV tests, you qualify. The resulting license is identical to any other California driver license for driving purposes. It is marked "Federal Limits Apply" on the front, which means it is not accepted for TSA screening or federal ID purposes, but it is fully legal for driving anywhere in California and other states.
If you hold a valid student or work visa, you qualify for a standard California driver license through the regular process. You do not use AB 60. See the international student driver license guide for the correct steps.
What is the AB 60 license?
Assembly Bill 60 added Vehicle Code §12801.9, directing the California DMV to issue driver licenses to any California resident who can establish their identity and residency, pass the vision and knowledge tests, and pass the behind-the-wheel test, regardless of immigration status. Governor Brown signed it in 2013; it took effect January 1, 2014.
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The license looks and works like any other California license. The only visible difference is the "Federal Limits Apply" text printed on the front. That marking signals the license does not meet the federal REAL ID Act standard, so it cannot be used for TSA airport checkpoints or entering secure federal facilities. For all other purposes, including driving, renting a car, opening a bank account at most banks, and age verification, it functions the same as a standard California license.
Who qualifies for an AB 60 license?
You qualify if you:
- Live in California as a primary resident
- Cannot provide proof of lawful U.S. immigration status (no SSN, no valid visa that qualifies for a standard license)
- Can document your identity with a foreign government-issued ID
- Can show California residency with at least two documents
- Pass the vision test, knowledge test, and road test
People on F-1, J-1, M-1, H-1B, or any other valid U.S. visa can prove lawful presence and use the standard license process. AB 60 applies specifically when no valid visa or legal presence documentation exists.
Documents you need for AB 60
The DMV requires documents in two categories:
1. Identity document (one)
- Valid unexpired foreign passport
- Foreign birth certificate, with a notarized English translation if not in English
- Mexican Matrícula Consular identification card (high-security version accepted by the DMV)
- Foreign government-issued national ID card
2. California residency documents (two, from different sources)
- Rental or lease agreement with your California address
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) in your name
- Bank or credit union statement
- Employment pay stubs with your California address
- School enrollment records listing your address
- Medical or public assistance documents with your address
The DMV verifies every identity document in person. Photocopies, screenshots, and scanned PDFs are not accepted. Bring original documents or government-certified copies. For passports, bring the physical booklet.
What an AB 60 license can and cannot do
- Driving anywhere in California
- Driving in other U.S. states
- Renting a car from most agencies
- Age verification at stores and businesses
- TSA airport security checkpoints
- Entering federal government buildings
- Federal employment eligibility verification (I-9 form)
- Proof of identity for federal licenses or benefits
Step-by-step application process
- Gather your documents: one identity document and two California residency documents, all originals.
- Fill out the DL-44 application form: available at any DMV office. Select "unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence" on the form.
- Pay the $45 fee: accepted in cash, credit, or debit at the office.
- Book a DMV appointment: walk-ins are possible but waits often run 2-4 hours. Booking ahead cuts that to 20-30 minutes. Use the DMV appointment guide.
- Attend your appointment: the clerk verifies your documents and enters your application.
- Take the vision and knowledge tests: both happen during your first visit. You can retake a failed knowledge test up to 3 times before paying another fee. Practice with our free California permit practice test.
- Schedule the road test: after passing the knowledge test, book a behind-the-wheel appointment. Typical wait is 2-6 weeks.
- Pass the road test: you leave with a temporary paper license. The plastic card arrives by mail in 3-4 weeks.
Does the DMV report AB 60 applicants to immigration?
No. California Vehicle Code §1808.4 and the AB 60 statute expressly prohibit the DMV from sharing applicant information for immigration enforcement. The California DMV does not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on AB 60 applications. Your application information stays within the DMV system.
Is California revoking AB 60 licenses?
No. The news about revoking tens of thousands of licenses refers to a separate situation: Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) for trucks, buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Federal CDL regulations require work authorization under U.S. immigration law, which conflicts with California's AB 60 expansion to commercial vehicles. Standard (non-commercial) AB 60 licenses are not affected by that federal dispute and are not being revoked.
If you hold a standard California AB 60 driver license for everyday driving, it remains valid for its full 5-year term.
