The Safe and Responsible Drivers Act, better known as Assembly Bill 60 (California AB 60), became effective in 2013. As of January 1, 2015, immigrants without legal immigration status can apply for a California driver's license under AB 60.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) estimates that about 1.4 million undocumented immigrants will eventually apply for driving privileges. The DMV hired new employees and opened temporary facilities to handle the surge in orders.
The requirements for the California AB 60 driver's license for undocumented immigrants are the same as for everyone else, but the cards look a little different. "Federal limits apply" is written on the front. The back reads: "This card is not acceptable for federal official use." The modified card can only be used as a driver's license.
DMV officials believe that a licensed driver is a safer driver. "Our commitment is to successfully implement this law to increase safety on California's highways and protect the high level of security in our licensing and identity verification process," said DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. Californians who plan to apply for a new driver's license under AB 60 must study for the tests and gather the necessary documents to prove identity and residency.
In fact, all immigrants, regardless of status, had access to a California driver's license until 1994. As of January 1, 1994, a Social Security number is required to apply for a driver's license. When driving privileges were revoked, many immigrants were left in the difficult position of trying to commute to work and run errands while still obeying the law.
California AB 60 document requirements
Applicants for California driver's licenses must provide proof of identity and proof of California residency if they do not have satisfactory proof of legal presence. Here's how you can get ready to apply for a California AB 60 driver's license:
- proof of identity
If you are applying for a driver's license, you must identify yourself. Examples of documents that may be accepted are: certain passports, government IDs, and a combination of documents, including a passport. If you are unable to provide these primary documents, secondary verification may be available. If you are given the opportunity for a second verification, you will need to provide as much evidence as possible to prove your identity. Secondary verification documents include: school records, DHS records, court records, and tax returns. The DMV reviews the documents to make a decision. A complete list of approved proof of identity documents is available from the California DMV:Download AB 60 Document Options for California Driver's License. - Proof of residence in California
Applicants must also provide proof of California residency. In other words, you must prove that you live in California. Examples of acceptable documents include: lease agreements, utility bills, school documents, medical documents, employment records, and tax returns. A complete list of approved proof of residency documents is available from the California DMV:Download AB 60 Document Options for California Driver's License.
AB 60 applicants must present these documents at an appointment. At the appointed time, DMV agents will also take your fingerprints and take a photo for your driver's license.
How to Prepare for the California AB 60
Potential AB 60 candidates need to prepare.Nearly 90 percent of undocumented immigrants failed the written test when Nevada enacted a similar law. The California DMV has provided several resources to help candidates prepare for and pass the exams.
1 | attend a workshopOptional workshops will be held in Sacramento (January 28) or Los Angeles (February 28). These workshops are not mandatory; They are useful informational events for the participants. |
2 | read the manualThe California Driver Manual is available in English, Spanish, and several other languages. find onefull list here. The manual is your study guide to help you pass the exam. |
3 | Take practice testsThe DMV website offersrehearsalto help you prepare. You can even use an iPhone or Android app to take practice tests. Search for "DMV Now" in your mobile device's app store. |
How to apply for a driver's license under AB 60
1 | Gather your documentsBefore you book your appointment, make sure you are ready. Gather the necessary documents to prove your identity and California residency as described in “Document requirements.” Or download the DMVsCalifornia AB 60 Driver's License Document Options. |
2 | study for the examIt is very important to study California traffic laws before scheduling your appointment. The DMV provides a free manual and practice tests in multiple languages. Find them both there.How to Prepare for the California AB 60. |
3 | Schedule a work appointmentYou will have a much shorter wait at the DMV ifbook an appointment online. Walk-ins are only accepted at the four DMV driver license processing centers. Please make sure the date of your inquiry is AFTER January 1, 2015. You can only obtain a license after this date. |
4 | Complete a driver's license applicationYou must fill out a driver's license application (DL 44) at the DMV office. |
Run the tests. After passing a written test and a vision test, candidates are given a driving test. If they pass all the tests, they get their driver's license.
Avoid shock AB 60
The DMV recently warned potential AB 60 applicants to beware of fraud. According to the DMV, here are some tips to avoid driver's license fraud:
- Don't pay for driver's license assistance: The DMV offers free assistance and free appointments at your local DMV office, so don't pay for these services. Driver license manuals and practice tests are available in multiple languages for free. If you need an interpreter, please call 1-800-777-0133 and specify the foreign language.
- Don't pay fees to anyone but the DMV: It only costs $33 to get a California driver's license, and that fee must be paid directly to the DMV. Do not pay anyone but the DMV.
- The fastest path to getting a license is a free DMV appointment: DMV will not issue licenses under AB 60 before January 2, 2015, and anyone who says they can get a license before January 2, 2015 is lying.
- Don't waste money on unnecessary document translations: Of the dozens of ways an applicant can prove their identity, only three require an English translation: (1) a marriage certificate written in another language; (2) a divorce decree written in another language; or (3) the apostille of the foreign birth certificate. No need to translate any other documents. here is the completeList of documents (PDF)Applicants may provide California AB 60 proof of identity.
California AB 60 Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an AB 60 driver's license cost?
A California AB 60 undocumented driver's license costs the same as a regular driver's license: $33. Undocumented drivers must also have auto insurance.
Who is eligible for a California AB 60 driver's license?
Anyone, regardless of immigration status, who meets the basic requirements of California law can apply for a driver's license. Applicants without legal immigrant status must provide documentation proving their identity and California residency. To seeCalifornia AB 60 document requirementsabove.
Where can I get additional help applying for an AB 60 driver's license?
The Drive California Coalition (CA) is a statewide coalition of immigrant rights advocates, community organizations, service providers, faith-based organizations, and worker rights advocates serving AB 60 license applicants. You can contact them atdriveca.org.
When can I make an appointment for an AB 60 driver's license?
You can now make an appointment with the DMVonline terminalPlanner. Remember to book your appointment after January 1, 2015. You will only be able to obtain a license after this date.
Where do I apply for California AB 60 driver's license?
The best way to apply for an AB 60 driver's license isbook an appointment online. Service appointments are NOT available at most DMV locations. You may only visit one of the four DMV driver license processing offices.
Can I get help if I don't know English?
The DMV provides interpreters free of charge to applicants, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. When making an appointment, request an interpreter in the desired language.
Are the driver's license exams in English?
The written test is offered in several languages. If desired, the test can also be administered in audio format or in an interview with a DMV examiner. However, interpreters are not allowed for the driving test. You must be able to respond to driving instructions in English, including pointing out the safety features of your Vehicle and performing necessary driving maneuvers.
What are the driving test questions?
You can find sample test questions and even practice interactive testsDMV AB 60-Site.
Where can I get help getting a birth certificate?
If you can't find documents from your home country, it's usually best to start in your home country.Consulateus United States.
Do I have to use an AB 60 driver's license for law enforcement?
Yes. If a police officer asks you for a driver's license at a traffic stop, you must show it. However, state and local law enforcement agencies may not discriminate against anyone because they hold or display an AB 60 license, and are prohibited from using AB 60 licenses "to determine a person's citizenship or immigration status as a basis for investigations, arrests, summons or arrest.”
Will the information I provide to DMV be kept confidential?
Documents you provide to DMV that prove your identity, name, residence, and age are not public record, and DMV cannot release this information unless requested by a law enforcement agency under necessary investigation.
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