Governor brown signed ab 60 into law in 20, which directs the department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a driver s license to any california resident who is eligible, regardless of immigration. Your rights with an ab 60 drivers license aclu of san. Dmv outlines steps for getting driver license under ab 60. The license given by the dmv will be similar to licenses issued today and will comply with the new law, as an example, have the dp abbreviation driving. Dmv begins accepting driver license application under ab 60. Known as an ab 60 license, it is available from the california dmv without a social security number to immigrants who can prove they are california residents. Beginning january 1, 2015, immigrants without legal immigration status will be able to apply for a california driver license under ab 60. Existing law prohibits an attorney from demanding or accepting the advance payment of any funds from a person before the enactment of an immigration reform act, as defined, that is enacted after october 5, 20, and before january 1, 2017, and requires.
Federal guidance on ab 60 ca drivers licenses as of july 2015 undocumented residents can apply for a ca drivers license. Nearly 500,000 undocumented californians apply for ab 60 license. In other words, california residents who do not have satisfactory proof of lawful immigration status can now receive an ab 60 driver s license. Your rights with an ab 60 drivers license your ab 60 drivers license is a valid california drivers license. Sep 24, 2014 that marking strongly indicates an ab 60 drivers license.
Statutes of 20 requires the department to issue an original driver license to an applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states. Ab 60 is a california assembly bill allowing california residents, regardless of immigration status, to be able to get driver s licenses. Thousands of immigrant drivers seek licenses on first day of new law. The safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers. Jan 16, 2015 ab60 began permitting undocumented california residents to apply for and obtain a california drivers licenses. An ab 60 drivers license is valid for state identification purposes. The california driver s license under ab60 is meant to be used for driving purposes only. The dmv is working to draft new regulations and prepare field offices to process the new applications. Do i have to take the driving test or what should i do now. Dmv can give applicants permission to drive as noncommercial drivers licenses this means.
Dec 29, 2014 on january 1, 2015 ab 60 will become law. Feel free to copy and disseminate this faq to the public. Is there a risk when applying for an ab 60 driver license. Can the law enforcement officers treat an ab 60 driver license holder differently. Jan 20, 2015 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. Under ab 60, applicants will need to provide dmv with proof of identity and california residency.
About half a million californians have applied for a drivers license under assembly bill 60 since its enforcement on jan. An applicant who doesnt have proof of lawful presence will receive an ab 60 license, which will have a visible distinguishing feature. Ab 60 drivers license and i9 requirements as a result of ab 60 legislation, the department of motor vehicles began issuing drivers licenses in january of this year to persons who are unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states. Our california criminal and immigration lawyers explain all undocumented aliens. Because the ab 60 drivers license is inconsistent with the federal real id act, which sets standards for drivers licenses that would be accepted for federal purposes such as. Ab 60 is a california assembly bill allowing california residents, regardless of immigration status, to be able to get drivers licenses. Information on ab60 drivers licenses for undocumented.
The tension between ab60 driver licenses and form 19. Hi, ive been living undocumented in the us for a couple of years. 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. View ab 60 requirements, including all the steps and all the documents you will need to apply for and earn your ab 60 license from the dmv. If you or someone you know has an ab 60 license, here are some key points. This means that an applicant who is undocumented can receive a drivers license. It cannot be used as proof of identification in any way.
The california drivers license under ab60 is meant to be used for driving purposes only. 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. Ab 60 ab60 driver license implementation, process and what. Sapochnick is dedicated to serving our clients with a range of legal services including immigration and visa cases. This bill would require the department to issue an original drivers license to a person who is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the applicants presence in the united states is authorized under federal law if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure and provides satisfactory proof to the department of his or her identity and california residency. Assembly bill 60, also known as ab 60, the new drivers license bill for california residents who do not have proof of legal u. Ab 60 driver license implementation information dmv list. Proponents of california ab 60 and those of immigration reform in general have long argued that granting a drivers license to undocumented immigrants will create additional revenue for the state of california by allowing the dmv to tax and regulate undocumented drivers. Examples of documents that may be accepted include. Find out what identification and residency documents youll need to bring to the dmv to get your ab 60 license. After you apply for an ab 60 license, you will be issued a permit to practice driving with another licensed driver in the car. How to get a california ab 60 driver license citizenpath. On the back, it will note not acceptable for official federal purposes. This includes all immigrants, with any immigration status.
Dmv lists new documents required for driver license under ab. Citizenship and immigration services has posted on its website guidance for employers of employees who present a drivers license issued by a state to persons who cannot submit satisfactory proof of legal. That marking strongly indicates an ab 60 drivers license. Provides that for an applicant that cannot provide a ssn or establish satisfactory proof of legal presence dmv shall issue a separate drivers license with. California assembly bill 60 ab 60 is a bill passed into law that, in effect, allows undocumented immigrants to the united states to apply for a california driver s license with the ca department of motor vehicles dmv. The requirements to get an ab 60 license can be confusing, so infinity has done the research for you. According to the department of motor vehicles, 12 percent of california drivers do not have a valid driver s license.
Applying for a ab 60 driver licence hello, 17 years ago i got a dui in california at that time a had a valid driver licence. The concern for anyone who used fake information in a prior drivers license application to the dmv is. The senate amendments require dmv to issue a drivers license to individuals who are ineligible for a ssn if the individual can provide specified documents. Ab 60 driver license will have a different look than regular driver license. A december 28 report in san joses mercury news noted that two years after the implementation of ab 60, a controversial law allowing illegal aliens to obtain drivers licenses in california, an. This research will examine various immigrant rights groups support for navigating the implementation process of ab 60. During the past month, we have received dozens of requests to have foreign documents certified by the california secretary of states office. Dec 30, 2014 the safe and responsible driver act, better known as assembly bill 60 california ab 60, was signed into law in 20. Californians planning to apply for a new driver license under ab 60 should study. An ab60 license allows an undocumented immigrant to. Should an undocumented immigrant get an ab60 drivers license in. Drivers licenses for illegal immigrants in the united states wikipedia.
Focused on the latino community, we offer personal consultation to help you gather the documents required by the dmv, including identification and proof of residency. Dmv lists new documents required for driver license under. Ca law officers may not arrest or discriminate against a driver who shows them this form of identification. The mexican consular id from 2006 and 2014 and the mexican. Im 19 years old and i just got the driver license by mail and it said the restrictions ab. Because the ab 60 drivers license is inconsistent with the federal real id act, which sets standards for drivers licenses that. Ab 60 drivers license frequently asked questions april 2015 what is an ab 60 license and how can i use it. Ab 60 driver licenses siren services, immigrant rights.
The ab 60 drivers license will have a visible distinguishing feature on the front. Ab 60 document options for a california driver license. Drivers 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. This research also examines how ab 60 will affect undocumented immigrants and seeks to help inform the implementation of. 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. Our commitment is to successfully implement this law to increase safety on. Undocumented immigrants can lawfully drive in california with an ab 60 license. Giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens makes illegal. Ab 60 prohibits law enforcement agencies from using the drivers license for criminal investigation, arrest, or detention based on immigration status. In october 20, governor jerry brown signed ab 60, a law led by assemblymember luis alejo, which will allow california residents, regardless of immigration status, to get driver licenses starting january 1, 2015. Dmvs prep for the influx of ab 60 drivers license applicants coming in 2015 by camillia lanham. One of the requirements for obtaining your ab 60 license is that you must prove your identity and california residency with documentation.
This means that ice or law enforcement cannot look for ab 60 license holders based only on the fact that you have an ab 60 license. Of course, this leaves open the question regarding discrimination outside california. Within the california drivers license database, ab 60 license are not marked differently from other california driver licenses. The excitement in the room over the ab 60 license and its importance to the community was. Your ab 60 license is a valid california drivers license. California highway patrol, sheriff, or police officers. 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 s license frequently asked questions april 2015 what is an ab 60 license and how can i use it. Nov 10, 2014 community corner dmv lists new documents required for driver license under ab 60 dmv now will verify identity and california residency, with such documents as rental and mortgage contracts or. All ab 60 permits and licenses are recognized as valid by the state of california. California research bureau, california state library, jan.
According to the assembly appropriations ab 60 page 4 committee, dmv estimates the bill would make roughly two million undocumented immigrants immediately eligible for a drivers license dl or identification id. When will the ab 60 driver s license become available. Documents required to get ab 60 license infinity insurance. The dmv is required to issue an original driver license to an applicant who is unable to submit satisfactory proof of legal presence in the united states. The act, which went into effect january 1, 2015, permits any eligible californian to obtain a driver license, regardless of immigration status. As of january 2015, any eligible california resident can receive a drivers license, regardless of their immigration status. Existing law, the state bar act, provides for the licensure and regulation of attorneys by the state bar of california, a public corporation. You may legally drive in california and use your ab 60 driver s license as legal identification in certain situations applying for an ab 60 driver s license know your rights.
In 2015, california dmv issued more than 600,000 drivers license under ab 60. Ab 60 drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. Ab 60 ab60 driver license implementation, process and what to. 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. Ab 60 driver license immigration advocates network. You will not be able to obtain your ab 60 license without bringing this important documentation. This means that local and state law enforcement officers cannot notify federal authorities when presented with an ab60 license. Ab 60 drivers license and i9 requirements inside this issue. It will also state on the back not acceptable for official federal purposes.
Ab 60 is a new state law that allows immigrants living in california to get a drivers license. Ab 60 california drivers licenses for undocumented. Ab 60 passed the california state legislature in 20 and will go into effect january 1, 2015. This is the third step of infinitys ab 60 license checklist.
Ab60 began permitting undocumented california residents to apply for and obtain a california drivers licenses. California ab 60 drivers license for undocumented immigrants. Faq ab 60 drivers license san diego immigration lawyers. Applying for a california drivers license under ab 60 aclu. Nov 10, 2014 community corner dmv outlines steps for getting driver license under ab 60 dmv now will verify identity and california residency, with such documents as rental and mortgage contracts or utility bills. Previous post watching rare early comedy from jay leno and freddie prinze splitsider. Applicants for a drivers license under ab60 may pay a slightly higher application and renewal fee, effective until june 30, 2017, to offset the costs to the state of implementing this program. You can also take driver training behindthewheel classes in california secondary schools high schools, technical schools, or adult schools or. Many community colleges and organizations offer paid driving classes. This bill would revise the definition of an immigration reform act to include any immigration reform act enacted after october 5, 20, the presidents executive actions on immigration announced on november 20, 2014, or any future executive action or order that authorizes an undocumented immigrant who entered the united. Does california ab 60 driver license impact my gc process. Governor brown signed ab 60 into law in 20, which directs the department of motor vehicles dmv to issue a drivers license to any california resident who is eligible, regardless of immigration. Sep 20, 2015 does california ab 60 driver license impact my gc process. According to the department of motor vehicles, 12 percent of california drivers do not have a valid drivers license.
Driver s 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. Nearly 500,000 undocumented californians apply for ab 60. California drivers license information for undocumented residents. Recently, the aclu of southern california participated in an event in kern county on ab 60, californias new safe and responsible driver act. Faq ab 60 drivers license san diego immigration lawyers law. Applications for ab 60 driver license are accepted starting from january 1 st, 2015. Many have already scheduled an appointment with the dmv in order to obtain a drivers license and a considerable amount of information regarding ab60 exists, including websites that explain the process of obtaining a license, the documents necessary to apply, and practical tips. This bill would require the department to issue an original driver s license to a person who is unable to submit satisfactory proof that the applicants presence in the united states is authorized under federal law if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure and provides satisfactory proof to the department of his or her identity and california residency.
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