INFO SHEET: AB 60 DRIVER’S LICENSE
Beginning January 1, 2015, any eligible California resident will be able to receive a driver’s license,
regardless of immigration status. An applicant who does not have proof of lawful presence will receive an AB
60 license, which will have a visible distinguishing feature.
How Do I Apply for A License?
The DMV requires all applicants for a driver’s license to go through a process that ensures they know the rules
of the road and can drive safely. In order to apply for an AB 60 license you will need to do the following:
1. Make an application appointment with the DMV by calling 1800-777-0133 or online at
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/portal/foa/welcome?localeName=en. You can only apply
for a driver’s license at the DMV. Also, please be sure to pay all previous traffic tickets before applying
for a license.
2. Fill out the DL-44 license application. If you have been issued a valid social security number by the
Social Security Administration, you should enter it on the form. If you have never been issued a social
security number, you should check the box on the application that indicates this. Do not use a false
social security number or one that was not issued to you by the Social Security Administration. If you
are not a United States Citizen, do not complete the voter registration form.
3. Pay $33 application fee.
4. Prove your identity and California residency using a combination of documents accepted by the
DMV.
5. Pass a written test to prove that you know the rules of the road.
6. Give a thumbprint.
7. Have your picture taken.
8. Pass a vision test.
9. After being issued a permit to practice driving with
another licensed driver, make an appointment to return
to the DMV and take your road test.
10. During your road test, how proof of insurance for
the vehicle you will drive there
11. After passing the road test to show your ability to
drive safely, you will be issued a paper copy of your AB
60 license, the actual license will come in the mail the
following weeks.
Identity and Residency Documents
What Can I Do to Prepare Now?
You will have to prove your identity and
California residency to the DMV using a
combination of documents. A current
foreign passport and consular ID, or an
expired foreign passport and foreign birth
certificate (translated by the consulate) can
be used to prove your identity. You must
also establish your California residency with
one of the following documents: a lease,
utility bill, tax return, medical record,
record of a financial institution, or school
records. If you don’t have these documents,
you can bring one of several other
documents and a DMV employee will
interview you to ensure that your
documents are authentic and match your
identity.
The DMV just released the list of documents
that will be accepted to prove identity and
residency. Visit
https://apps.dmv.ca.gov/ab60/doc_req_m
atrix.pdf to view the requirements. You
should begin gathering your documents
now. If you do not have a consular ID or
passport but can obtain one from your
Consulate, you should do that now. Some
Consulate offices may take a significant
amount of time to issue these documents. If
you do not have residency documents in
your name, you should transfer a utility bill
or other similar document into your name
(note that the applicant will be allowed to
use documents under the spouse’s name as
proof of residency, but not others in shared
residences).
Tests:
Every applicant must demonstrate his or
her knowledge of California driving rules
and the ability to drive safely. You must pass
a “rules of road” written test on day you
apply for your license. This can be
administered as a written or oral test, in
different languages. After being issued a
permit to practice driving, you must also
make an appointment to return to the DMV
and pass a practical test, in which you must
demonstrate the ability to drive safely. Then
you will receive your driver’s license.
If you have driven in the past and have been
issued any traffic tickets, make sure that
they are paid. If you are not sure whether
you have outstanding tickets, you can go to
the nearest DMV office now and ask for
your driving record. Make sure to provide
the name(s) and addresses that you gave to
the officer at the time of the infraction. You
can pay your tickets by going to the assigned
court. If you are concerned about your
driving record, speak to a licensed attorney.
Importantly, you should begin studying for
the test. Resources are available at
www.driveca.org as well online from the
DMV and at DMV field offices. DO NOT pay
anyone for a license now. Licenses are not
available until January 1, 2015 and will only
be available from the DMV
How Can I Get Involved?
Your voice matters! To get involved, contact us at [email protected] and
join the Drive California Coalition. You can also get more information at www.driveca.org!