AB 60 licenses expire the same way regular California licenses do, but you cannot renew online

An AB 60 driver license is valid for five years from the date it was issued, just like a standard California license. When that five-year period ends, your license expires and you must renew it in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You cannot renew an AB 60 license by mail or online, even if you could renew a regular license that way.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your card in the bottom right corner. If you are unsure when yours expires, you can check your DMV record online through the California DMV website by entering your driver license number and date of birth, or you can call your local DMV office.

Renewing before your license expires is important because driving on an expired license is illegal in California, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. An expired AB 60 license also cannot be used as proof of identity for other purposes, such as opening a bank account or boarding a domestic flight.

Key Takeaways

  • AB 60 licenses expire five years after they are issued, and the expiration date appears in the bottom right corner of your card.
  • You must renew in person at a DMV office; online and mail renewal are not available for AB 60 licenses.
  • You will need to bring proof of California residency, your current AB 60 license, and proof of identity to renew.
  • The renewal process takes about the same time as a first-time AB 60 process, so plan for a longer DMV visit.
  • Renewing early is allowed; you can renew up to 60 days before your license expires.

What documents you need to bring to renew your AB 60 license

The DMV requires the same documents for renewal as it did for your original AB 60 license. You must bring proof of California residency, proof of identity, and your current AB 60 license card. If your name has changed since you received your AB 60 license, you will also need to bring a document showing that change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Proof of California residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Proof of identity can be a passport, consulate identification card, or other government-issued ID from your country of origin. The DMV has a full list of acceptable documents on its website.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation. The DMV will not accept notarized translations; the translation must come from an official source such as a consulate or certified translator.

How to schedule your renewal appointment

You can schedule a DMV appointment online through the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Scheduling in advance is strongly recommended because walk-in wait times at many DMV offices are several hours, and some offices do not accept walk-ins for renewals.

When you schedule, select "Driver License Renewal" as your transaction type. The system will show you available appointment times at DMV offices near you. Choose the location and time that work best for you. You will receive a confirmation number and a date and time for your appointment.

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, cancel it through the DMV website or by phone so that someone else can use that time slot. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to get another one.

What happens during your renewal visit

At your appointment, a DMV employee will review your documents to confirm you still meet the requirements for an AB 60 license. They will check that your proof of residency is current and that your identity document is valid. They will also ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.

You will have your photograph taken for the new license card. Wear clear glasses if you normally do, and avoid wearing a hat or head covering unless it is for religious reasons. The photo rules are the same as for any California driver license.

You will pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a license renewed for a longer period. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Ask about payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

When you will receive your renewed AB 60 license

After your appointment, the DMV will mail your new AB 60 license card to the address on file. Standard mailing takes about two to three weeks. During that time, you can still drive legally using your old license card, even though it is expired, as long as you have your DMV appointment confirmation receipt with you. Keep that receipt in your vehicle.

If you need your new license sooner, ask the DMV employee whether you can pay for expedited mailing. Not all offices offer this service, and it costs extra, but it can reduce the wait to one to two weeks.

If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DMV to report it. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Renewing early and what to do if your license has already expired

You can renew your AB 60 license up to 60 days before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license; it will still be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. There is no advantage to renewing very early except to avoid the rush near the expiration date.

If your AB 60 license has already expired, you can still renew it in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal. The process is the same, and you will not face a penalty for renewing after the expiration date. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so do not delay if your license is expired.

If your license expired more than five years ago, the DMV may treat it as a new process rather than a renewal. Contact your local DMV office to ask whether you can renew or whether you will need to reapply from the beginning.

AB 60 license renewal and insurance

Renewing your AB 60 license does not affect your auto insurance. Your insurance policy remains active and in force as long as you continue to pay your premiums. You do not need to notify your insurance company that you are renewing your license, and your rates will not change because of the renewal.

However, if you let your license expire and then drive without a valid license, you could face legal consequences that may affect your insurance. A conviction for driving with an expired license can result in higher premiums or cancellation of your policy. This is another reason to renew before your license expires.

If you have an SR22 or other court-ordered insurance requirement, renewing your license does not change that requirement. You must continue to maintain the required insurance coverage regardless of whether your license is new or old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AB 60 license by mail or online?

No. AB 60 licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. This is different from some regular California driver licenses, which can be renewed online or by mail if you meet certain conditions. You will need to schedule an appointment and visit the DMV with your documents.

What if I moved to a different state after getting my AB 60 license?

You cannot renew an AB 60 license outside of California. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a driver license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV to learn about their requirements and whether they will recognize your AB 60 license as proof of identity.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew my AB 60 license?

No. Renewal does not require a written test or driving test. You only need to bring your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. If the DMV has concerns about your driving record or medical condition, they may ask you to take a test, but this is rare for routine renewals.

What if my AB 60 license was lost or stolen before it expired?

If your license was lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any time before it expires. Bring your documents and ask for a duplicate or replacement card. This is different from renewal and may cost less. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it when it reaches its expiration date.

Can I renew my AB 60 license if I no longer live in California?

No. To renew an AB 60 license, you must still be a California resident and be able to provide current proof of residency. If you have moved out of state, you are no longer may be able to access for an AB 60 license and cannot renew it. You will need to obtain a license from your new state.