How to get your license through AB 60 secondary review

Published: October 30, 2024

Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60) is a new state law that lets undocumented Californians apply for an AB 60 drivers license . Since the law went into effect on January 1, over 210,000 people have received licenses! But according to the California DMV, about 17,000 applicants are still waiting to go through the AB 60 secondary review process.

What is AB 60 secondary review?

If you’re applying for an AB 60 license, you need to have proof of your identity and proof of California residency. Check page 1 of the DMV’s list of acceptable documents to see what you can use for proof of identity.

If you don’t have any of these acceptable documents, you can go through the AB 60 secondary review process instead. That means you submit as many other documents as possible to prove your identity.

The DMV may also refer you to the secondary review process if it finds information on your drivers license application that conflicts with its records. If the DMV refers you to secondary review, they will send you a Secondary Review Referral Notice (DL 209A) that looks like  this .

How the secondary review process works

For the AB 60 secondary review process, you’ll need to gather as many documents as possible to prove your identity. This includes your school documents, marriage license, U.S. income tax returns, foreign passport, and more. Check page 2 of the DMV’s documents list to see all the documents you should use for secondary review.

Once you’ve submitted your application for the AB 60 secondary review process, the DMV Investigations Division (INV) will review your documents. They may schedule an interview with you. The DMV has said that  secondary review can take up to 90 days  , and for some applicants it has taken even longer, so be patient.

Information for previous license holders

The DMV saves information from all past drivers license applications. If you previously had a California drivers license, the DMV still has records of the information you used to apply in the past.

If you used false information (such as a false name or Social Security number) to apply for your previous license, applying for an AB 60 license can be risky. You should talk to a lawyer before you apply. The DMV may pursue a case for fraud if they believe that you attempted to commit fraud or identity theft.

When to consult a lawyer

The DMV will provide your information if requested by law enforcement agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or any other government organization. If ICE or law enforcement is looking for you, applying for an AB 60 license can be risky.

If you’re not sure if you should apply for an AB 60 license, you should get advice from a licensed and trusted attorney.

You may want to talk to a lawyer if any of the following situations apply to you:

  • If you used false information to apply for a California drivers license in the past.
  • If your name or Social Security Number is linked to criminal activity.
  • If you have an outstanding or previous deportation order from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • If you have any concerns or are unsure about applying.
  • If you have any on-going legal cases.

Drive California is a coalition of immigrants’ rights advocates, community-based organizations, service providers, faith-based organizations and workers’ rights advocates. You may be able to get legal help and advice about AB 60 secondary review from one of these groups or from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA).

Tips:

  • Be patient. The AB 60 secondary review process can take up to 90 days or longer.
  • Foreign documents need to be translated into English by professional and notarized. Foreign birth certificates need to be translated and have an Apostille authentication.
  • If you don’t have a Social Security number, leave that section of your application blank. Do not use false information on your application.
  • Beware of fraud. The cost of a California drivers license is $33. Do not pay anyone except the DMV for your drivers license.

If you have any other questions about AB 60 secondary review or how to apply for an AB 60 license, DriversEd.com offers free resources in both English and Spanish. Check our FAQ or message us on Facebook and we’ll do our best to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.