California DMV preparing to issue licenses to undocumented workers under AB60

In January of 2015, all undocumented workers in California will have their first chance to have a driver's license. The California legislature passed Assembly Bill 60 in 2013 and since then, officials have been preparing the processes people will need to follow.

Under the bill, all undocumented workers living in California 16 years of age or older can receive driver’s licenses if they complete driver’s education and training, and also pass California’s written and driving tests.

Unlike traditional driver’s licenses for citizens, undocumented workers will receive a license that states “Driving Privileges Only,” meaning that it cannot be used as a form of identification, to obtain employment, board an airplane, open a bank account or receive other public benefits.

On Friday, the DMV released a list of identification that people applying for the licenses will need to have.

“Our commitment is to successfully implement this law to increase safety on California roads and protect the high level of security in our licensing and identity verification process,” said DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. “Californians planning to apply for a new driver license under AB 60 should study for their exams and gather the required documents for proving identity and residency.”

State law requires motorists to prove identity and legal presence to obtain a driver license. Under AB 60, motorists who cannot prove legal presence must prove identity and California residency—and pass the required vision test, driver license knowledge test, and the behind-the-wheel drive test—to obtain a license. The regulations posted today list the documents DMV will accept to verify the identity and California residence of future applicants.