AB 60 licenses in California are valid for five years from the date of issue, the same as a standard California driver license.

An AB 60 license is a California driver license issued to people without a Social Security number or federal immigration status. It carries no special marking that distinguishes it from a regular license, and it renews on the same schedule and with the same validity period as any other California driver license.

Your AB 60 license will expire five years after the date printed on the front of the card. The expiration date appears in the lower right corner of the license. You can renew it up to six months before expiration, and you should plan to renew before the expiration date arrives — driving on an expired license is illegal in California, even if you are only one day past the expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your AB 60 license expires exactly five years from the date it was issued, shown on the front of your card.
  • You can renew your AB 60 license starting six months before the expiration date.
  • The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about two months before your license expires.
  • Renewal requires the same documents you used to obtain your original AB 60 license, including proof of California residency and identity documents.
  • You cannot drive legally after your license expires, even if you have applied for renewal and are waiting for the new card to arrive.

When Your AB 60 License Expires

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the lower right corner, next to the letters "EXP." This date is always five years after the date your license was issued. For example, if your AB 60 license was issued on March 15, 2022, it will expire on March 15, 2027.

You do not need to wait for a renewal notice to know when your license expires. You can check the card itself at any time. However, the California DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail approximately two months before your expiration date. This notice will include instructions for renewing and may include a renewal process form.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, that does not change your expiration date. You are responsible for renewing before the date on your card, whether or not you receive a notice in the mail.

How to Renew Your AB 60 License Before It Expires

You can renew your AB 60 license starting six months before the expiration date. The renewal process is the same whether you renew in person at a DMV office or by mail, though not all counties accept mail renewals for AB 60 licenses.

To renew in person, visit your local DMV office with the same documents you used to obtain your original AB 60 license. You will need proof of California residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), a valid identity document from your country of origin, and your current AB 60 license. Some DMV offices may also ask for proof of your current address if your address on file has changed.

If your county allows mail renewal for AB 60 licenses, you can submit your renewal process and documents by mail. Call your local DMV office or check the California DMV website to confirm whether your county accepts mail renewals for AB 60 licenses, because policies vary by location.

What Happens If Your AB 60 License Expires

Once your AB 60 license expires, you cannot legally drive in California. This applies even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new card to arrive. Driving on an expired license is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 12500 and can result in a traffic citation, fine, or both.

If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on an expired license, you may be cited. The fine for driving with an expired license typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on how long the license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. A citation will also create a record that may affect your driving record and insurance rates.

If your license has been expired for more than a few months, you may need to retake the written test and driving test when you renew, rather than straightforward renewing by mail or at the counter. The DMV considers a license expired for more than a certain period to be the same as a new process in some cases. Contact your local DMV office to ask about the specific rules in your county if your license has been expired for an extended time.

Renewing Your AB 60 License by Mail in Some Counties

Not all California counties accept mail renewals for AB 60 licenses. Some DMV offices require you to renew in person because they need to verify your identity documents and residency proof in real time. Before you attempt a mail renewal, contact your local DMV office to confirm that your county accepts this method.

If your county does accept mail renewals, you will typically mail your renewal process, current license, and supporting documents to the address provided in your renewal notice or on the DMV website. Include a copy of your proof of residency and a copy of your identity document. Do not mail original documents unless the DMV specifically instructs you to do so.

Mail renewals usually take two to three weeks to process after the DMV receives your process. Plan to submit your renewal at least four weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing and delivery of your new license. If you submit your renewal too close to the expiration date and your new license does not arrive in time, you will not be able to drive legally until the new card arrives.

Renewing Your AB 60 License in Person at the DMV

In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest and most reliable way to renew your AB 60 license. You will receive your new license on the same day if you renew at least six months before your expiration date and have all required documents with you.

Bring your current AB 60 license, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid identity document from your country of origin. If your address has changed since you obtained your original AB 60 license, bring proof of your new address as well. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is currently $39 for a five-year license, though fees may change.

Visit the DMV office during business hours. You will typically need to take a number and wait for your turn. The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive legally with your old license until you receive your new one.

What to Do If You Cannot Renew Before Your License Expires

If your AB 60 license has already expired or is about to expire and you cannot renew before the expiration date, you should not drive. Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a citation and fine.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it at any time. Visit your local DMV office with your expired license and the same documents required for a standard renewal. If your license has been expired for more than a few months, the DMV may require you to retake the written test and driving test instead of straightforward renewing at the counter. Ask the DMV office what the specific rules are in your county.

If you need to drive before you can renew your license, you will need to obtain a temporary license or permit from the DMV. However, temporary licenses are not available for AB 60 licenses in all situations. Contact your local DMV office to ask what options are available in your county if you need to drive before your renewal is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my AB 60 license online?

No. The California DMV does not offer online renewal for AB 60 licenses. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail if your county accepts mail renewals. Call your local DMV office to confirm whether your county allows mail renewal.

What if I lost my AB 60 license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to obtain a replacement before you can renew. Visit your local DMV office with proof of California residency and your identity document. The DMV will issue a replacement license on the same day. You can then renew when your five-year validity period ends.

Do I need to retake the written test to renew my AB 60 license?

No, you do not need to retake the written test or driving test if you renew before your license expires or within a short time after expiration. If your license has been expired for several months, the DMV may require you to retake the tests. Contact your local DMV office to ask about the specific rules in your county.

What if my AB 60 license was issued in a different state?

AB 60 licenses are issued only by California. If you obtained a driver license in another state, you will need to transfer it to a California AB 60 license if you do not have a Social Security number. This is a new process, not a renewal, and requires a visit to a DMV office with your out-of-state license and required documents.

Can I renew my AB 60 license if I now have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you obtain a Social Security number after receiving your AB 60 license, you can renew your license as a standard California driver license instead. You will need to provide your Social Security number when you renew. The new license will be valid for five years from the renewal date, just like an AB 60 license.