California AB 60 FAQs

General Information

What is AB 60?

AB 60 is a new law that lets Californians get a driver license even if they're living in the United States without documentation.

Why should I get a driver license?

A driver license lets you drive legally on California roads. Driving without a license is a serious offense, with serious consequences: if you are caught driving without a license, you can be arrested or given a ticket, and your vehicle could be impounded. A driver license can also be used as official identification for California state government purposes.

In addition, getting an official license ensures that you are trained in proper driving techniques. This will protect not only yourself, but also your family and your community.

Who can get an AB 60 driver license?

Every California resident age 16 and older can get an AB 60 driver license, even if they can't show that they are legally allowed to live in the United States.

Are AB 60 driver licenses available only to people who are unlawfully present in the United States?

No. Some people who are lawfully present in the United States are still unable to provide proof in a form that the DMV will accept. You do not have to be unlawfully present in the United States in order to get an AB 60 driver license.

How do I get an AB 60 driver license?

Please review our AB 60 fact sheet to learn exactly how to get an AB 60 driver license.

To get your driver license, you need to submit an application at the DMV. This involves submitting information, paying a fee, and taking an exam. When you pass the written exam, you'll receive an instruction permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult. Then you'll need to return to the DMV to take a driving test. When you pass the driving test, the DMV will give you a driver license.

Where can I get an AB 60 driver license?

You can get a driver license at any DMV field office or DMV driver license processing center. We strongly recommend that you make an appointment before going to the DMV. Applicants can make an appointment online at the DMV's website, on the DMV Now app for iPhone and Android devices, or by phone at 1-800-777-0133.

How much does a driver license cost?

The DMV charges a $33 fee to apply for a driver license. This is the only fee you will need to pay. DON'T pay money to anyone but the DMV when applying for a license.

Do I need anything else if I want to drive legally?

Yes: you need auto insurance. When you drive a vehicle on California roads, you must carry proof of auto insurance.

Getting Your License

How can I study for the written exam?

Everything on the written exam comes from the official California Driver Handbook, provided by the DMV online in both English and Spanish.

To help you even more, we provide a quick, FREE online course that will help you learn exactly what you need to pass the written exam on your first try. 

We also provide FREE practice tests in both English and Spanish. Print them out to practice taking the test!

What traffic signs are on the written exam?

The traffic signs on the written exam can be found on the DMV's website. 

How can I practice for the driving test?

Once you get an instruction permit, you can drive a vehicle as long as an adult age 18 or older, with a valid California driver license, rides in the front passenger seat. You will receive an instruction permit when you pass the written exam at the DMV. With an instruction permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult driver until you are ready to take the driving test.

Remember: before you get your driver license, you are ONLY allowed to drive a vehicle when an adult with a valid California driver license rides in the front passenger seat.

Can I drive to the DMV alone when I take the driving test?

No. Before you get your driver license, you are not allowed to drive alone. If you drive yourself to the DMV for the driving test, an adult with a valid California driver license must ride with you.

How can I get a copy of my birth certificate?

Your home country's consulate offices in the United States should be able to help you get a copy of your birth certificate.

Can I get a driver license if I have an unpaid parking or traffic ticket?

Not until you pay the ticket. The DMV will not issue you a license if you have any unpaid fines. We recommend that you pay any outstanding parking or traffic tickets before applying.

Can I take the written exam in a language other than English?

Yes. The written exam is available in very many different languages, including Spanish, free of charge. Applicants can also take a person-to-person written exam, where a DMV employee asks the questions in person. The DMV provides interpreters at no cost to applicants.

Can I take the driving test in a language other than English?

No. For the driving test, you may not use an interpreter. Only the applicant and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during the test. You will need to be able to follow the examiner's instructions in English.

Can I retake the written exam or the driving test if I fail?

Yes. You have three attempts to pass the written exam within 12 months of paying the application fee, and three attempts to pass the driving test in the same span of time. If you wait longer than 12 months, or fail either test three times, you will be required to begin the process again. This includes resubmitting your documents and paying the application fee again.

If you fail the written exam, you must wait one week before taking it again. There is no fee for a retake of the written exam. If you fail the driving test, you must wait two weeks before taking it again. There is a $7 fee for each retake of the driving test. We highly recommend that you study before taking or retaking each test. Visit our resource center for more information.

Do I have to pay a fee to get information from the DMV?

No. DON'T pay money to anyone for information from the DMV. All DMV information is available free of charge.

Do I have to pay a fee to get DMV documents translated?

No. DON'T pay money to anyone to translate DMV documents. All DMV documents are available in Spanish free of charge.

How do I prove who I am?

Many different documents can be used to prove who you are, like a California ID card, an official voting authorization, a passport, or a consular card. If you don't have any of these documents, don't worry: you can still apply for an AB 60 drivers license. The DMV provides a secondary review process that can be used to prove your identity.

How does the secondary review process work?

If you don't have the documents required to prove who you are, you should gather as many documents as possible for secondary review. In the secondary review process, the DMV Investigations Division will review your documents and try to verify your identity. The DMV may ask to interview you in person. Please try to be patient: this process may take 90 days or longer.

The DMV may also begin a secondary review process for you if they find conflicting information in your application. The DMV keeps a record of all past applications. If you're applying for a second time, using different information, you may be required to submit additional documents to prove who you are. If you applied in the past using false information, speak with a trusted lawyer before applying again.

How do I prove that I live in California?

Many different documents can be used to prove that you live in California, like a California ID card, a rental agreement, a utility bill or cellular phone bill, school documents, medical documents, or employment documents.

What happens during the driving test?

Before you begin driving, the examiner will check your license plates and vehicle registration. You will be asked to show the arm signals for slowing down, turning left, and turning right. You will also be asked to find the controls for the vehicle's headlights, hazard lights, windshield wipers, and defroster.

The driving test will last about 20 minutes. You will be asked to perform basic driving maneuvers including: turning left and right, stopping at STOP signs or red lights, backing up in a straight line, changing lanes, and driving in street traffic. In some cases, you will be asked to briefly enter and then exit a freeway.

Do I need auto insurance to take the driving test?

Yes. You must bring proof that your vehicle is properly insured. If you use a rental vehicle for the driving test, your name must be listed as the insured driver on the rental contract.

Privacy and Safety

Will I be discriminated against for having an AB 60 driver license?

It is illegal to discriminate against a person because of an AB 60 driver license. State and local law enforcement officers are not allowed to use an AB 60 license to consider an individual's citizenship or immigration status as a basis for investigation, arrest, citation or detention.

If you think you have been discriminated against because of your AB 60 license, call the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) at 1-415-621-2488.

Who will have access to the information I provide to the DMV?

Only the DMV will have access to your information, except when it is requested by a law enforcement agency as part of an official investigation. The law says that the information you provide to the DMV is not part of the public record. The DMV is not permitted to give your information to anyone except for a law enforcement agency, and only when requested as part of an official investigation.

Will my immigration status be reviewed because I applied for an AB 60 driver license?

No. Applying for a license under AB 60 will NOT cause your immigration status to be reviewed by any government agency. However, if Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is already looking for you, they may ask the DMV for information relevant to their investigation, and the DMV will provide any information they have. If you have been deported recently, or have any outstanding warrants or deportation orders, this could make getting an AB 60 license dangerous for you.

If I previously applied for a driver license using false information, should I still apply for an AB 60 driver license?

No: you should speak with a lawyer first. The DMV saves information from all past applications. If you previously applied with false information such as a false name or Social Security number, then submitting a new application could be dangerous. If the DMV believes that you have attempted to commit fraud or identity theft, it may pursue a legal case against you. We strongly recommend that you speak with a trusted lawyer before applying for an AB 60 license.

However, if you only made a mistake and entered your information incorrectly on your AB 60 application, the DMV may use a secondary review process to confirm your identity before issuing you an AB 60 driver license. This process can take 90 days or more to complete.