Ab 60 driver license california department of motor vehicles. An employer cannot use an ab 60 license to authenticate work status. Information on ab60 drivers licenses for undocumented. Assembly bill 60 ab 60 aims to keep californias roads safe by allowing undocumented drivers to apply for a drivers license, provided that they meet all other qualifications for licensure and present satisfactory proof of identity and california residency. Immigration advocates and attorneys say a law that was designed to help undocumented immigrants obtain california driver licenses, ab 60. Ab60 began permitting undocumented california residents to apply for and obtain a california drivers licenses. An applicant who doesnt have proof of lawful presence will receive an ab 60 license, which will have a visible distinguishing feature.
Drivers licenses ab 60 california immigrant policy center. High demand for drivers licenses for the undocumented is a good sign for all in california. But the challenges in getting everything up and running have also been felt by all. Previous to this bill, drivers licenses were only issued to california residents who could prove their legal presence in. The bill was recently signed by governor jerry brown and. Dmv releases draft regulations on drivers licenses under ab 60 published. How to get a california ab 60 driver license citizenpath. May 9, 2014 the california department of motor vehicles dmv released draft regulations today that outline the potential process and requirements necessary for undocumented immigrants living in california to apply for driver licenses. Jan 16, 2015 ab60 began permitting undocumented california residents to apply for and obtain a california drivers licenses. Dmv officials list documents required for driver license under ab 60 posted by.
Beginning january 02, 2015 in the state of california, undocumented immigrants will be able to benefit from assembly bill 60, the safe and responsible driver act enacted in 20. Sep 25, 2014 before ab 60, applicants could not apply for a california drivers license because of their inability to submit the required proof of legal presence in the united states. In the right corner, there is a preprinted notation federal limits apply. The department of homeland security recently notified the dmv that the states most recent ab 60 drivers license design had met the standard required to move forward to. What type of driver license can i get with an ab 60. Applicants applying for a driver license under ab 60 can now make an appointment online, on the dmv now iphone android applications or by phone at 180077703, to visit a dmv office. The ab 60 driver license law was signed by california governor, jerry brown. Ab 60 applicants can now make an appointment online, on the dmv now iphone android applications or by phone, to visit a dmv office beginning january 2, 2015 when the new law is implemented note. The california department of motor vehicles expected some 1. Drivers licenses for undocumented california residents ab60. Feb 27, 2015 an employer cannot use an ab 60 license to authenticate work status. Before ab 60, applicants could not apply for a california drivers license because of their inability to submit the required proof of legal presence in the united states. This means that an applicant who is undocumented can receive a drivers license under ab 60. This bill would have a significant impact on dmv operations and service levels in field offices statewide.
Many have already scheduled an appointment with the dmv in order to obtain a drivers license and a considerable amount of. California drivers license for undocumented immigrants ca ab. Jerry brown in october 20, allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a california drivers license starting on jan. Beginning immediately, undocumented drivers license applicants, will be able to schedule an appointment on or after january 02, 2015 with their local dmv by calling 180077703. An ab 60 driver license looks the same as a regular drivers license except for one feature. Assembly bill 60, also known as ab 60, the new drivers license bill for california residents who do not have proof of legal u. Ab 60 driver licenses siren services, immigrant rights. A preliminary analysis by the california department of insurance highlights the positive impact of ab 60 californias law granting drivers licenses to individuals who do not have proof of authorized presence in the u. Statutes of 20 requires the department to issue an original driver license to an applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states. Many have already scheduled an appointment with the dmv in order to obtain a drivers license and a considerable amount of information regarding ab60 exists, including websites that explain the process of obtaining a license, the documents necessary to apply, and practical tips. Statutes of 20 requires the department to issue an original driver license to an applicant who is unable to submit.
The law requires the dmv to issue a california drivers license to anyone who can satisfactorily establish california. In october 20, 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. Ab 60, otherwise known as the safe and responsible driver act 20, affords all eligible california residents, lawfully present or not. Apr 03, 2017 adilene sanchez, who now has a california drivers license under ab 60, drives with daughter, kamila fierro, 17 months, in san jose, calif. Faq ab 60 drivers license san diego immigration lawyers law. The following steps will assist individuals who are unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states in determining the appropriate documents necessary to obtain a california driver license pursuant to assembly bill ab 60. More than a million undocumented immigrants have received. Governor brown signed ab 60 into law in 20, which directs the department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a drivers license to any california resident who is eligible, regardless of immigration status. Ab60 removes the condition of proving lawful presence in the u. Does ab60 drivers licenses look different than a regular drivers licenses. Ab 60 is expected to encourage many of the estimated 2 million undocumented immigrants of driving age in california to apply for a drivers license. The state decided to hire about 900 new government workers to accommodate the need for more licenses thanks to the law. Assembly bill 60, authored by thenassemblyman luis alejo in 20, required california dmv offices to issue drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants as long as they.
Ab 60 represents an enormous victory for the immigrant communities and for the state as a whole. The dmv is prepared to examine, issue licenses and to comply with the insurance requirements for drivers under ab 60 undocumented workers. Finally, after decades fraught with division over the issue of undocumented rights,1 california has joined 10 other states and washington d. By comparison, among states that issue drivers licenses to the undocumented, illinois has the secondmost undocumented residents, with 475,000, or about 4 percent of of those in the u. Ab 60 undocumented immigrants preparation to receive. The safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Ab 60 undocumented immigrants preparation to receive drivers license this entry was posted in ab 60 bill, ab 60 california, driving laws and tagged ab 60, ab 60 assembly bill 60, licensed california drivers, unlicensed drivers on 121120 by admin. The statute allowed undocumented immigrants in california to apply for and receive drivingonly licenses starting january 1, 2015. Known as an ab 60 license, it is available from the california dmv without a social security number to immigrants who can prove they are california residents. Dmv releases draft regulations on drivers licenses under. Drivers licenses for undocumented california residents. Oct 04, 20 dmv today announced that it will begin the process of implementing ab 60 alejothe new law requiring dmv to issue driver licenses to undocumented personsby drafting new regulations and. As of january 2015, any eligible california resident can receive a drivers license, regardless of their immigration status.
Ab 60 by assemblymember luis alejo dsalinas requires the california department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a drivers license to undocumented persons who can prove identity and california residency and meet all other licensing requirements, such as passing the written and behindthewheel driving exams. Because the ab 60 drivers license is inconsistent with the federal real id act, which sets standards for drivers licenses that would be accepted for federal purposes such as. Undocumented immigrants can still get a ca drivers license. Undocumented immigrants can lawfully drive in california with an ab 60 license. Ab60 allows undocumented immigrants to get a drivers license. The tension between ab60 driver licenses and form 19. How to apply for a drivers license under ab60 visa lawyer. Dec 30, 2014 the safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Use of ab 60 driver license to meet form i9 requirements. California drivers license information for undocumented residents. The law requires the dmv to issue a california drivers license to anyone who can satisfactorily establish california residency. Ab 60 undocumented immigrants preparation to receive driver. Dec 09, 2016 finally, after decades fraught with division over the issue of undocumented rights, california has joined 10 other states and washington d.
Under ab60, the licenses would have the initials dp drivers privilege, rather than dl drivers license, and would state that the document does not establish eligibility for employment or. Ab60 finally took effect in januaryand the response has been overwhelming. This appointment should be made as an original driver license. States and dc that allow drivers licenses for people in the. In january 2015, undocumented workers will have their first opportunity to obtain california drivers licenses thanks to the passage of assembly bill 60 by the state legislature on september 12, 20. Californias drivers license for the undocumented carries risks. Updates on california drivers license for undocumented immigrants. The bill proposes creating a real id license and a standard one for undocumented immigrants, homeless people and others who cant prove their. Who is eligible for the california ab 60 driver license. California design of drivers license for immigrants rejected. Ab 60 california drivers licenses for undocumented.
Apr 08, 2015 the california department of motor vehicles expected some 1. Can an undocumented immigrant apply for a california. Ab 60 ca drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. You may legally drive in california and use your ab 60 drivers license as legal identification in certain situations applying for an ab 60 drivers license. If i were an undocumented person in california, i would apply for an ab 60 license. States and dc that allow drivers licenses for people in. If you want to obtain an ab 60 driver license, you need to prove your identity and residency in the state of california, pass the knowledge tests and behindthewheel. The dmv also propose a design for the license, but the design must be. Sample nevada drivers authorization card for immigrants in the country illegally. Under the ab 60 driver s license law, over 1 million new ids were estimated to be needed for immigrants of any status, although the american safety council specifically mentions that it is for undocumented immigrants. The california department of motor vehicles has issued 960,000 ab 60 licenses as of november 30, 2017.
Ab 60 allows you to apply for all noncommercial drivers licenses offered through the dmv. Citizenship and immigration services office uscis has released two faqs about whether the ab 60 driver license may be an acceptable identity document for form i9 purposes. Heres what the new nj drivers license bill looks like. The dmv is prepared to examine, issue licenses and to comply with the insurance requirements for drivers under ab 60 undocumented workers the department of motor vehicles dmv announced today that california will begin the process to. Undocumented drivers will also be required to carry auto insurance. As a result of ab 60, the california department of motor vehicles began issuing driver licenses in january to persons who are unable to submit satisfactory. Immigrants and allies worked tirelessly to pass assembly bill 60, the safe and responsible drivers act. Dmv confirms ice has limited access to ab 60 license information. Undocumented immigrants drive under different rules around. Faq ab 60 drivers license san diego immigration lawyers.
Dmv prepares to implement ab 60 testing, licensing and. Nov 09, 2014 dmv officials list documents required for driver license under ab 60 posted by. Beginning january 1, 2015, immigrants without legal immigration status will be able to apply for a california driver license under ab 60. Drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants reduced. Drivers licenses for illegal immigrants in the united states wikipedia. The department of motor vehicles dmv announced today that california will begin the process to implement the legislation ab 60 alejo, the new law requires the department to issue driver s licenses to undocumented people, formulating new regulations and preparing offices local to process new applications. For more information about dmv fees, please visit this link. Our california criminal and immigration lawyers explain all undocumented aliens. Khts newsroom in politics, santa clarita latest news november 9, 2014 11.
Applying for an ab 60 drivers license know your rights. Ca law officers may not arrest or discriminate against a driver who shows them this form of identification. Dmv moving ahead with undocumented driver licenses palm. How to apply for a drivers license under ab60 visa. Once properly licensed, these drivers will be able to purchase car insurance. The ab 60 driver license costs the same as other drivers licenses. California assembly bill 60 ab60 is a bill passed into law that, in effect, allows undocumented immigrants to the united states to apply for a california drivers license with the ca department of motor vehicles dmv.
In this fashion, california joined other states such as connecticut, colorado, maryland, oregon, new mexico, illinois, washington, nevada and utah, as well as washington, dc allowing undocumented immigrants to legally drive regardless of their immigration status. Sep 26, 20 under ab 60, the licenses would have the initials dp driver s privilege, rather than dl driver s license, and would state that the document does not establish eligibility for employment or. For more information, view an example of ab 60 california driver license. If you present your ab 60 license in a state other than california, you may be at risk depending on the laws and policies of that state. May 22, 2018 as of january 1, 2015, undocumented immigrants have been able to get a drivers license in california.
What documents do i need to provide to get an ab 60 driver license. For someone planning to drive a car in california, an ab 60 license is better than no license at all. Ab 60 applicants can now make an appointment online, on the dmv now iphone android applications or by phone, to visit a dmv office beginning january 2, 2015 when the new law is implemented. Starting january 1, 2015, this makes it possible for undocumented immigrants to apply for, and receive, a ca driver license as long as they can show satisfactory proof of identity and california residency and pass the required tests. Dmv today announced that it will begin the process of implementing ab 60 alejothe new law requiring dmv to issue driver licenses to undocumented personsby. California drivers license information for undocumented residents assembly bill 60, also known as ab 60, the new drivers license bill for california residents who do not have proof of legal u. Dec 10, 2014 you may legally drive in california and use your ab 60 drivers license as legal identification in certain situations. Aug 09, 2016 so last year, californias legislature passed assembly bill 60 ab60, creating a procedure by which undocumented immigrants can get an official ca drivers license. In january 2015, undocumented workers will have their first opportunity to obtain california drivers licenses thanks to the passage of assembly bill 60 by the.
California drivers license for undocumented immigrants ca. Dmv to require an applicant for an original drivers license or identification card to submit satisfactory proof that the applicants presence in the united states is authorized under federal law. Ab 60 represents an enormous victory for the immigrant. Get the license, get insurance, learn rules of the road and. Under ab 60, any california resident is able to apply for a driver s license, regardless of immigration status. Applying for a california drivers license under ab 60 aclu. The bill allows drivers licenses for undocumented workers for the first time since 1993. Access to drivers licenses national immigration law center.
Beginning immediately, undocumented drivers license applicants, will be able to. Adilene sanchez, who now has a california drivers license under ab 60, drives with daughter, kamila fierro, 17 months, in san jose, calif. Ab 60 checklist california department of motor vehicles. Currently still known under its bill number, ab 60 removes the legal proof requirement in california to apply for a state issued drivers licenses. This means that an applicant who is undocumented can receive a drivers license under ab. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers license. Ab 60 driver licenses believed to cause 2015 bump in insured vehicles. So last year, californias legislature passed assembly bill 60 ab60, creating a procedure by which undocumented immigrants can get an official ca drivers license. Oct 03, 20 ab 60 by assemblymember luis alejo dsalinas requires the california department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a drivers license to undocumented persons who can prove identity and california residency and meet all other licensing requirements, such as passing the written and behindthewheel driving exams. Californias drivers license for the undocumented carries. On january 1, 2015, the california department of motor vehicles began issuing a new type of drivers license to applicants who cannot submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states, but who otherwise meet all qualifications for the issuance of a drivers license. For more information on ab 60 and continued updates on the regulations and other issues, visit. Beginning january 1, 2015, immigrants without legal immigration status will be able to apply for a california driver license. The ab 60 driver license costs the same as other driver s licenses.
Federal authorities have rejected californias proposed design for a drivers license for immigrants in the u. Lets take a look at what it takes to get a license and what that license allows. Now immigrant parents can get driver s licenses so that they can lawfully drive their children, many of. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers. Ab 60 drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. This means that an applicant who is undocumented can receive a driver s license under ab 60. Dmv officials list documents required for driver license.