The drive california coalition is a statewide coalition of immigrants rights advocates, communitybased organizations, service providers, faithbased organizations and workers rights advocates. Dmv confirms ice has limited access to ab 60 license information. The dmv began accepting driver license applications under assembly bill 60 ab 60 on january 2, 2015. The post mischaracterizes a state law that automatically registers eligible california residents to vote when they obtain or renew a drivers license and another that allows illegal immigrants to obtain special drivers licenses. Ab 60 is a new state law that allows immigrants living in california to get a drivers license. Ab60 licenses allow for undocumented immigrants to drive legally in california. Beginning january 1, 2015, any eligible california resident will be able to receive a driver license, regardless of immigration status. Assembly bill 60, also known as ab 60, the new drivers license bill for california residents who do not have proof of legal u. If you or someone you know has an ab 60 license, here are some key points. Under ab 60, motorists who cannot prove legal presence must prove identity and california residencyand pass the required vision test, driver license knowledge test, and the behindthewheel drive testto obtain a license.
Licenses are not available until january 1, 2015 and will only be available from the. Beginning january 2, 2015, any eligible california resident will be able to receive a drivers license, regardless of immigration status. However, they must still meet all other requirements to obtain a driver license, including providing proof of identity and california residency. Dmv surpasses 1 million driver licenses under ab 60. On the day the applicant applies for a driver license, he or she will need to take a knowledge test. What you need to know about california realid drivers.
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. To qualify for a drivers license under ab 60, applicants must prove their identity and residency in california. A field office visit is required to apply for a real id. The license will carry a distinguishing mark indicating that it is an ab60 license, as well as a message explaining that it is a drivingonly license.
California licenses can only be renewed up to 60 days after the expiration. For details, see the ab 60 driver license page of the california dmv website. You will need a federal compliant card such as a passport, military id, or real id to board a domestic flight or access some federal facilities beginning october 1, 2020. Please select your country of origin, then select the button below to get started. The bill would, commencing january 1, 2020, apply the requirement to hold an instruction permit for not less than 6 months only to persons under 18 years of age, and would reduce that time period to not less than 60 days for persons at. Faq ab 60 drivers license san diego immigration lawyers. Getting the license is fairly easy, since to be eligible for a california drivers license under ab60, the applicant must be at least 16 years old, and be able to provide proof of identity and.
When will the ab 60 drivers license become available. California highway patrol, sheriff, or police officers. Now immigrant parents can get drivers licenses so that they. Your rights with an ab 60 drivers license aclu of san. In other words, california residents who do not have satisfactory proof of lawful immigration status can now receive an ab 60 drivers license. The california motor voter program is making registering to vote at the department of motor vehicles dmv more convenient. Examples of documents that may be accepted include. For this reason, it is very useful to know what ab 60 license holders rights are when they come into contact with state and local law enforcement i. Driving privileges must be reinstated before you can renew an expiring driver license. How to renew your drivers license in california aceable. Dmv expanding hours, more appointments available for first. State law requires motorists to prove identity and legal presence to obtain a driver license. It cannot be used as proof of identification in any way. An applicant who does not have proof of lawful presence will receive an ab 60 license, with a visible though slight distinguishing feature.
The safe and responsible drive act ab 60 came into effect on january 2, 2015, and allows all eligible californians to apply for a drivers license, regardless of. Our work cipc is proud to collaborate with immigrant rights organizations up and down the state through the drive california coalition. Individuals applying for or renewing an ab 60 driver license are not eligible to receive a real id driver license or identification card. Applications for ab 60 driver license are accepted starting from january 1. Ab 60 drivers license frequently asked questions april 2015.
Starting on january 1, 2015, you can apply for an ab 60 drivers license, even if you do not have proof of legal presence in the united states. Applicants under ab 60 are not required to submit proof of legal presence in the united states. Undocumented immigrants fear ice is obtaining their home. Under ab 60, any california resident is able to apply for a drivers license, regardless of immigration status. This includes all immigrants, with any immigration status. Dmv confirms ice has limited access to ab 60 license information immigration advocates and attorneys say a law that was designed to help undocumented immigrants obtain california driver licenses. Can an undocumented person in california get a drivers license. The dmv started offering real id driver licenses and id cards on january 22, 2018. Southern california momoftwo jennifer brawley had just been rear. An applicant who does not have proof of lawful presence will receive an ab 60 license, which will have a visible distinguishing feature to be determined.
Applying for a california drivers license under ab 60. Frequently asked questions california secretary of state. According to the california dmv, the changes dont apply to the nearly 1 million immigrants who have drivers licenses under ab 60, the law that allows unauthorized immigrants in the state to apply for the licenses. California residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the u. For more information, view an example of ab 60 california driver license. Previous to this bill, drivers licenses were only issued to california residents who could.
Real id actcompliant licenses and noncompliant licenses. This webinar will explain the requirements for applying for an ab 60 license as well as the potential risks of applying for certain people with prior immigration or criminal violations, or who have used false information to apply for a license in the past. That marking strongly indicates an ab 60 drivers license. Please visit our ca ab60 law page for regulations and required documents for an ab60 license. If your license is expired, you must complete a new driver license application form dl 44 at a local dmv office. As of january 2015, any eligible california resident can receive a drivers license, regardless of their immigration status.
Applying for a california driver license under ab 60. Theres no evidence california is actively registering illegal immigrants to vote. California will automatically register illegal immigrants to vote. Every california resident age 16 and older can get an ab 60 driver license, even if they cant show that they are legally allowed to live in the united states.
Federal law requires the california department of motor vehicles dmv to provide customers the opportunity to register to vote while completing a driver license dl or identification id card or change of address transaction. Nbc 7s sergio flores has more on why some are concerned. Dmv lists new documents required for driver license under ab 60. How california drivers license records are shared with. Starting january 1st, 2015 ab 60 drivers licenses will be available for california residents regardless of immigration status. Can an undocumented person in california get a drivers. Starting january 22, all drivers licenses in california will sport a new look. This means that an applicant who is undocumented can receive a drivers license under ab 60. 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. Faq ab 60 drivers license san diego immigration lawyers law. Think twice about applying if you have a record of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs a dui or other criminal record, have been ordered deported removed in the past, or.
Giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens makes illegal. 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. California motor voter california secretary of state. Ab 60 california drivers licenses for undocumented. Why did the dmv send me a ab 60 drivers license when im.
The safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Undocumented immigrants fear ice is obtaining their home address from ab60 licenses when california passed a law creating a drivers. Applying for a real id requires proofs of identity, social security number ssn if eligible, california residency, and a trip to a dmv office. Dmv confirms ice has limited access to ab 60 license. How to get a california ab 60 driver license citizenpath. Dmv lists documents required for new driver license under. Applying for a california drivers license under ab 60 aclu of. For further assistance in providing the proper documentation, select ab 60 checklist.
Your ab 60 license is a valid california drivers license. Ab 60 drivers license holders aclu of southern california. As of january 2015, eligible california residents can receive a drivers license, regardless of their immigration status. In 2015, california dmv issued more than 600,000 drivers license under ab 60. How does this affect ab 60 drivers license holders. California research bureau california state library.
Even so, part of ab 60 requires that police officers in california not discriminate based on immigration status or the fact that the driver holds an ab 60 drivers license. Ab 60 driver license immigrant legal resource center ilrc. California drivers license information for undocumented residents. Beginning january 1, 2015, immigrants without legal immigration status will be able to apply for a california driver license under ab 60. Driver license applicants under ab 60 must meet all other qualifications for licensure and must provide satisfactory proof of identity and california residency. Ab 60 represents an enormous victory for the immigrant communities and for the state as a whole. Are ab 60 driver licenses available only to people who are unlawfully present in the united states. An applicant who does not have proof of lawful presence will receive an ab 60 license, which will have a visible distinguishing feature. Eligible applicants completing a driver license, identification id card or change of address transaction online, by mail or in person at the dmv will be automatically registered to vote by the california secretary of state, unless they choose to opt out of automatic. The coalition is committed to successful implementation of ab 60 and drivers licenses for all. Drivers licenses ab 60 california immigrant policy center.
Most importantly for travelers, you will now be given the option when renewing to get a standard id or one that is. The bill would require, on or before january 1, 2018, the california research bureau to compile and submit to the legislature and the. The california drivers license under ab60 is meant to be used for driving purposes only. Ab 60, which became effective in 2015, allows individuals to apply for drivers licenses in california regardless of their immigration status and without proving that they are lawfully present in the united states. Because both ab 60 licenses and nonreal ids are considered valid california identification, regardless if they satisfy federal requirements or not.
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