✓An AB 60 license lets California residents without legal presence in the US drive legally — more than 1 million have been issued since 2015.
✓You do not need a Social Security number; you prove identity with country-of-origin documents (passport, consular ID, foreign license).
✓It costs $46 and requires the same vision, knowledge, and road tests as any license.
✓An AB 60 license is not REAL ID compliant and is marked "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" — it can't be used to board flights or enter federal buildings.
Cost$46
SSN required?No
REAL ID eligible?No
TestsVision · knowledge · road
Valid for driving?Yes — full driving privileges
The AB 60 license lets California residents who cannot prove legal presence in the United States get a driver’s license and drive legally. Named after the 2013 law that created it, AB 60 has put more than 1 million licensed drivers on California roads since 2015. It carries full driving privileges — the only difference from a standard license is that it can’t be used as federal ID.
This guide covers who qualifies, which country-of-origin documents the DMV accepts, what it costs, and how to apply. For the broader picture, see all California license types.
Who qualifies for an AB 60 license
You qualify if you:
Are a California resident (you can prove your in-state address)
Can prove your identity with accepted documents
Cannot prove legal presence in the US (otherwise you’d apply for a standard or REAL ID license)
There is no immigration-status test and no Social Security number requirement. You take the same vision, knowledge, and road tests as any applicant.
Documents you can use
AB 60 uses a flexible document framework. You’ll generally provide one identity document plus proof of California residency. Commonly accepted identity documents include:
Valid passport from your country of origin
Consular identification card
Foreign driver’s license
Birth certificate from your country of origin (with a secondary document)
Residency is proven the same way as for any license — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your California address. See the full non-citizen document list for accepted combinations.
How to apply — step by step
AB 60 follows the same path as a standard first license.
1
Gather acceptable documents
One identity document from your country of origin + proof of California residency. See the document list below.
2
Make an appointment and apply
Submit form DL 44 at a DMV office and pay the $46 fee. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.
3
Pass the knowledge test
36 questions, 30 to pass — available in many languages. Prep with a free practice test.
4
Pass the behind-the-wheel test
A standard road test. Pass and you receive a temporary paper license; the card arrives by mail.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for an AB 60 license?
Any California resident who can prove their identity and state residency but cannot prove legal presence in the US. There's no immigration-status requirement. See the accepted documents.
Do I need a Social Security number for AB 60?
No. AB 60 applicants who have never been issued an SSN sign a statement to that effect; no SSN or legal-presence document is required.
Can an AB 60 license be used to fly or enter federal buildings?
No. AB 60 licenses are not REAL ID compliant and are marked "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY." Use a passport for TSA and federal facilities.
Is my information shared with immigration authorities?
California law restricts the use of AB 60 application information and prohibits discrimination based on holding one. The DMV does not share it for immigration enforcement.
What documents prove my identity for AB 60?
A valid foreign passport or consular ID is the most common. Other combinations (foreign license, birth certificate, etc.) are accepted — see the document list.
Can I upgrade an AB 60 license to a REAL ID later?
Yes — if you later obtain legal presence (a green card, work visa, or naturalization), you can apply for a REAL ID at that time.