(Last Updated July 17, 2014)

AB 60: What You Need to Know

In October 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 60, a law led by Assemblymember Luis Alejo, which will allow California residents, regardless of immigration status, to get driver licenses starting January 1, 2015. This resource page provides information to community members on how to prepare for getting a driver licenses and weigh in with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about the application process. Note: This information is subject to change and this page is frequently updated as DMV continues to provide details on how to get an AB 60 licenses.

Applying for an AB 60 License

Preparing for AB 60 Applications

Advocating with the DMV

Learning more about AB 60 licenses

Who can apply for an AB 60 license?

California residents who are otherwise eligible for a driver license but cannot prove their legal presence in the United States and do not have a Social Security Number.

When can I start applying for an AB 60 license?

The law will go into effect January 1, 2015, unless the DMV announces an earlier date. Applicants may be able to begin scheduling DMV appointments for 2015 a few weeks prior. Do NOT apply for a license before then and beware of false DMV websites! The San Jose Police Department has issued an alert about driver license scams targeting undocumented immigrants.

What will I have to do to get an AB 60 license?

Details are still being worked out and finalized by the DMV. But we do know that applicants will have to do the following:

  • Complete a driver license application - on the application, AB 60 applicants will be able to check off a box saying you are ineligible for a social security number. 
  • Prove their identity and residency in California
  • Pass the written exam and driving test
  • Pass a vision test
  • Give your thumbprint
  • Pay application fee
  • Show proof of insurance
  • Have your picture taken

The whole process is expected to take multiple visits to the DMV.

How can I prove my identity?

You will have to submit documents to prove your identity. The list and number of documents is still being determined but could include passports, consular IDs, and birth certificates. Other documents (such as a college transcript, marriage license, divorce decree, income tax return) may also be accepted; but, if you submit these documents, you may have to also be interviewed by DMV staff to verify the documents and your identity.

The DMV has proposed 4 different options for applicants to prove their identity with possible documents that may be accepted. The DMV has created a chart of proposed identity documents available in English and Spanish, as well as other languages. Note that this list of documents is not final and may be changed.

How can I prove California residency?

You will have to submit documents to prove that you live in California. The list of documents is still being determined but could include: rental or lease agreements; deeds/titles to property; mortgage bills; utility bills; school records; medical records; tax returns; and bank records. The DMV has created a list of proposed residency documents available in English and Spanish, as well as other languages. Note that this list is not final and may be changed.

How can I take the written test if I don’t speak, read, or write English?

The DMV provides the written test in various languages besides English, including Spanish and Vietnamese.

How can I take the written test if I don’t speak, read, or write any language?

You can request to take an audio version of the test, available in various languages including Spanish and Vietnamese. The test can be given either through audio cassette or person-to-person with a DMV staff member. If you need an interpreter, the DMV must provide one at no cost to you but you will need to make a previously scheduled appointment first.

Where will I be able to apply for an AB 60 license?

You will be able to apply at any DMV office. There will also be a new temporary DMV office located at 2222 Senter Road in San Jose for new applications; appointments will not be needed at this location but are strongly recommended.

How will AB 60 licenses look?

AB 60 licenses will look different than other driver licenses. What exactly the differences will be are still being determined because the DMV’s proposed license designs need to be approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Members of Congress, law enforcement agencies, advocates, and community members have urged DHS to make sure the differences are as minimal as possible.

How much will it cost to apply for an AB 60 license?

The application fee will cost $33, the same cost as other driver licenses.

What can I do to get prepared now?

Even though you cannot apply for a driver license yet, you can start preparing today!

  • Start gathering identity and residency documents. This includes requesting consular IDs from your consulate and transferring utility bills into your name, if possible
  • Prepare for the written test. You can do this by studying the driver handbook, taking sample tests, studying road signs, and preparing with flash cards. See below for materials from the DMV to help you prepare.

 

What should I do if I am a victim of a driver license scam?

The DMV is not issuing AB 60 licenses until January 1, 2015. Beware of individuals who say you can apply for a license now or are charging for the application form, DMV test preparation materials, or false identity/residency documents. If you are a victim, call 911 or contact San Jose Police Department's Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP. You can also contact SIREN's hotline at (408) 453-3017 (Spanish/English) or (408) 453-3013 (Vietnamese/English). 

Study Materials from the DMV

Various materials, including those below, are available in multiple languages from the DMV’s AB 60 resource page (available here in English and Spanish). Languages include English, Spanish, and Vietnamese as well as Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, and Tagalog.

Upcoming AB 60 Trainings and Presentations

SIREN is available to conduct free presentations on AB 60 at schools, libraries, faith-based organizations, community centers, unions, and other organizations.  If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, email Jeremy Barousse, SIREN’s Community Organizer, at jeremy@siren-bayarea.org.

SIREN is also conducting trainings for individuals interested in providing educational presentations and for organizational staff in learning about how to prepare for AB 60. If you are interested in being trained, email Jeremy Barousse, SIREN’s Community Organizer, at jeremy@siren-bayarea.org.