On January 1, California enacted Assembly Bill 60, allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses California. While having an AB 60 driver’s license is an important benefit for some individuals, we recommend that undocumented individuals consult with a licensed and trusted attorney before applying for an AB 60 driver’s license to avoid potential pitfalls.
The benefits of obtaining an AB 60 driver’s license:
- Being trained, tested, licensed and insured will help protect you, your family and the community by increasing highway safety.
- Having a license will ensure that you are not ticketed or arrested for driving without a driver’s license.
- A driver’s license can be used for identification, even when you are not driving.
- State and local law enforcement cannot use your AB 60 license to make assumptions about your immigration or citizenship status.
- Your immigration history, including any prior deportations or deportation orders, is not a factor for eligibility for an AB 60 license.
The risks of obtaining an AB 60 driver’s license:
- The U.S. federal law enforcement agencies may have access to some of the information you provide on your license application. Thus, if the government is already looking for a specific person, getting an AB 60 license may increase that person’s risk of being arrested.
- Undocumented immigrants who meet any of the following criteria should be particularly cautious about applying for an AB 60 license:
- Persons who have been convicted of a felony, gang-related activity, three or more misdemeanor offenses, or a “serious” misdemeanor.
- A complete list of immigration enforcement priorities is available here.