Learn About California AB 60 Driver Licenses

What Is California AB 60 and How It Works

California Assembly Bill 60, signed into law in 2021 and effective January 1, 2022, created a new type of driver license for people living in California who cannot provide a Social Security number. This license is often called the AB 60 driver license or the State of California Driver License.

The AB 60 license functions like a standard California driver license. It allows people to drive legally on California roads and serves as a valid form of identification for many everyday transactions. The license has the same validity period as regular licenses—typically 5 years for adults—and must be renewed through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) just like any other California driver license.

One important distinction is that the AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes. This means it cannot be used to board an airplane, enter a federal building that requires identification, or serve as identification for certain federal programs. However, for driving purposes and many state-level identification needs, it operates the same way as a standard license.

The license includes security features similar to regular California licenses, including a barcode and magnetic stripe. The front of the license displays "State of California Driver License" without any special marking that distinguishes it from other licenses. This design choice was intentional to reduce stigma and ensure the license is widely recognized and accepted.

The law recognizes that many people living and working in California lack a Social Security number or choose not to provide one. Rather than allowing people to drive without licenses—which creates safety and legal problems—California created a pathway for these residents to obtain legal driving credentials.

Practical Takeaway: The AB 60 license is a real California driver license with the same legal status for driving and state identification purposes as any other license issued by the DMV.

Who Can Get an AB 60 License

The AB 60 license is open to any California resident who meets certain basic requirements, regardless of immigration status. A person does not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. They do not need to demonstrate legal presence in the state. The primary requirement is that they live in California and can show proof of California residency.

California law defines residency for driver license purposes as living in the state for at least one day with the intent to make California your home. This is a low threshold. You do not need to own property, have a lease, or demonstrate any specific length of time living there. For most people, having moved to California with the intention to stay qualifies as residency.

To obtain an AB 60 license, you must meet these basic requirements: be at least 16 years old (younger ages require special permits); provide proof of California residency; pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws; pass a driving test; and provide proof of identity. The identity requirement is flexible and can be met with various documents, including a passport from any country, a consular ID card, a national ID card from your country of origin, or other documents the DMV accepts.

You do not need a Social Security number. Instead of providing an SSN, you will receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a California driver license number as your identifier. Many people obtaining AB 60 licenses already have an ITIN from filing taxes. If you do not have an ITIN, you can apply for one through the IRS before or during the DMV process.

The law specifically allows people regardless of immigration status to obtain this license. This includes undocumented immigrants, temporary visa holders, and anyone else living in California. The DMV does not check immigration status or report information to immigration authorities.

Age requirements follow standard California law. You must be at least 16 to obtain a provisional or restricted license, and 18 for an unrestricted license. The written and driving tests are the same tests required for all California driver licenses.

Practical Takeaway: If you live in California and can show your identity and California residency, you likely meet the basic requirements to get an AB 60 license without needing a Social Security number.

The Documents You'll Need to Provide

When going to the DMV to pursue an AB 60 license, you will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity and California residency. Understanding what documents are acceptable can help you prepare and avoid extra trips to the DMV.

For identity, the DMV accepts documents from your country of origin or other countries. Common acceptable documents include a passport, national ID card, consular ID (also called a matricula consular), travel document, or other government-issued identification showing your name and date of birth. Each country's documents may look different, but if they are government-issued and show your identity, the DMV will likely accept them. You can check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether a specific document will work before you go.

For California residency, you need to show documents proving you live in California. Acceptable documents include a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement. These documents should show your name and California address. They should also be recent—generally from within the last two months. If documents are not in your name, the DMV may accept them with additional proof that you live at that address, such as a letter from your landlord or a family member's bill with a note from them saying you live there.

You will also need to provide a number for identification purposes. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), bring documentation of it. If you do not have an ITIN, you can apply for one from the IRS. Alternatively, the DMV will assign you a California driver license number for identification instead of using an ITIN.

Bring your current driver license if you have one from another state or country. If you are renewing an existing California license, bring your current license. You will also need to complete DMV forms, which are available at the DMV office or online. Form DL 43 is the standard application for a driver license. The DMV staff can help you complete forms if needed.

Bring proof of your legal name. If your name appears differently on different documents, bring documents showing all versions of your name to help the DMV understand the name you want on your license.

Practical Takeaway: Gather documents showing identity (passport or national ID), California residency (recent utility bill or lease), and any identification number (ITIN if you have one) before visiting the DMV.

The Process of Obtaining Your AB 60 License

The process of getting an AB 60 license follows steps similar to getting any California driver license. The main difference is that instead of providing a Social Security number, you will provide an ITIN or receive a California driver license number.

The first step is to visit a California DMV office in person. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. You can schedule an appointment through the DMV website or by phone to avoid long wait times. Many DMV offices are busier on certain days, so calling ahead or checking the website for appointment availability is helpful. Some rural areas may not have daily DMV service, so check your local office's hours.

When you arrive at the DMV office, bring all your documents. Tell the DMV staff that you are seeking an AB 60 license. They will guide you through the process. Staff will review your identity and residency documents. Be prepared to explain where you live and how long you have lived in California. They will help you complete the DL 43 application form. They will ask for an identification number—either an ITIN if you have one, or they will assign you a California driver license number.

Next, you will take a written test about California traffic laws. This is the same test all driver license applicants take. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and California traffic laws. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, available for free on the DMV website and in many languages. Most people study the handbook for several hours to several days before taking the test. The test has 46 questions, and you must answer at least 38 correctly to pass. You can take the test again if you do not pass the first time.

After passing the written test, you must schedule a driving test. The DMV will give you information about scheduling. During the driving test, a DMV examiner will ride with you while you drive and perform