AB 60 License and Auto Insurance — California Guide 2026

Q: What is an AB 60 license?

AB 60 is a California law (effective January 2015) that allows any California resident to obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Over 1 million AB 60 licenses have been issued. The license cannot be used as evidence of immigration status.

Q: Is insurance more expensive with an AB 60 license?

No. Your license type does not determine your insurance rate. What matters is your driving record, age, vehicle, zip code, and prior insurance history. An AB 60 license is treated the same as any other California driver's license for insurance purposes.

Q: Can the police use my AB 60 license to determine my immigration status?

No. California law specifically prohibits using an AB 60 license as evidence of immigration status. During a routine traffic stop, police can verify your license and insurance but cannot investigate your immigration status under SB 54.

Q: Do I need an AB 60 license to get car insurance?

Having an AB 60 license gives you access to all carriers and generally better rates. However, some carriers can issue policies with just an ITIN and matricula consular. Having a license is strongly recommended for both legal driving and better insurance options.

AB 60 is one of the most important laws for immigrant drivers in California. Since January 2015, it has allowed any California resident to obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Over 1 million AB 60 licenses have been issued, giving holders the legal right to drive and — critically — access to auto insurance from every carrier in the state.

What is an AB 60 license?

AB 60 (Assembly Bill 60) was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2013 and took effect on January 1, 2015. The law requires the California DMV to issue a driver's license to any applicant who meets the standard requirements (identity verification, residency proof, passing the written and driving tests) without regard to immigration status.

Key features of the AB 60 license:

Valid California driver's license for all driving purposes
Cannot be used as evidence of immigration status by any person or government agency
Marked "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" — this means it cannot be used for federal purposes (boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings) but is fully valid for driving
Accepted by ALL auto insurance carriers in California
Renewal process is the same as any other California license

AB 60 and auto insurance — what you need to know

All carriers accept AB 60 licenses

Every auto insurance company operating in California accepts the AB 60 license. There is no exception. If a carrier refuses to insure you because of an AB 60 license, they are violating California Insurance Code Section 11580.1b, which prohibits denying coverage based on immigration status.

Your license type does not affect your rate

Insurance companies calculate your rate based on:

Your driving record (tickets, accidents, DUI)
Your age
Your vehicle (year, make, model)
Your zip code
Your prior insurance history

Whether your license says "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" or not has zero impact on your premium. The carrier sees a valid California driver's license — period.

Your information is protected

The California DMV is prohibited by law from sharing AB 60 applicant information with federal immigration agencies. Your DMV records related to your AB 60 license application are confidential. Additionally, insurance companies do not report customer information to ICE — read more about this in our article: Insurance Companies Do NOT Report to ICE.

Have your AB 60 license? Call Via Rapida Services and we will find you the best rate from multiple carriers. No broker fees on standard policies. Bilingual service.

Call 209-670-1556 Get a Quote Online

How to get an AB 60 license

If you do not have your AB 60 license yet, here is the process:

Gather your documents: Proof of identity (foreign passport, consular ID, or other qualifying document) and proof of California residency (utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement)
Visit a DMV office: Make an appointment at dmv.ca.gov. You will need to fill out form DL 44
Pass the written test: Available in multiple languages including Spanish
Pass the driving test: Standard behind-the-wheel driving test
Pay the fee: Currently $41 for a regular license

The license is valid for 4 years. Renewal follows the same process as any California license.

What about the "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY" marking?

Many AB 60 holders worry about this marking on their license. Here is what it means and does not mean:

It means: You cannot use this license to board domestic flights (after REAL ID enforcement), enter federal buildings, or as proof of legal presence
It does NOT mean: Your license is invalid for driving, insurance, or traffic stops. It is a fully valid California driver's license for all state purposes.
For insurance: Carriers do not care about this marking. They see a valid California license number, which is all they need.

AB 60 license and traffic stops

Under SB 54 (California Values Act), local law enforcement is limited in their cooperation with federal immigration authorities during routine encounters:

Police can verify your license and insurance during a traffic stop
Police cannot detain you for ICE based on your AB 60 license
Your AB 60 license cannot be used as evidence of immigration status
Having valid insurance protects you from additional fines and vehicle impoundment

This is why having both an AB 60 license AND auto insurance is critical — it keeps a routine traffic stop routine.

Getting the best rate with an AB 60 license

To get the best auto insurance rate with your AB 60 license:

Avoid broker fees. Many agencies targeting AB 60 license holders charge broker fees of $200-$500. At Via Rapida Services, we do not charge broker fees on standard policies. Read: What Is a Broker Fee?
Maintain continuous coverage. After 6-12 months of continuous insurance, your rate drops significantly.
Keep a clean driving record. No tickets, no accidents.
Compare multiple carriers. We shop your information across multiple companies to find the best rate.
Ask about discounts. Multi-car, multi-policy, automatic payments, pay-in-full.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get car insurance with an AB 60 license?

Yes. All auto insurance carriers in California accept the AB 60 license. Insurance Code Section 11580.1b prohibits denying coverage based on immigration status.

What is an AB 60 license?

AB 60 is a California law that allows any California resident to obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Over 1 million have been issued since 2015.

Is insurance more expensive with an AB 60 license?

No. Your license type does not determine your rate. What matters is your driving record, age, vehicle, zip code, and prior insurance history.

Can the police use my AB 60 license to determine my immigration status?

No. California law prohibits using an AB 60 license as evidence of immigration status.

Do I need an AB 60 license to get car insurance?

Having one gives you access to all carriers and better rates. Some carriers can issue policies with just an ITIN and matricula consular, but having a license is strongly recommended.

Get insured with your AB 60 license

Call 209-670-1556 or visit us in Stockton, San Jose, or San Rafael. Bilingual service, no broker fees on standard policies.

ITIN Insurance Guide →Derechos de Inmigrantes (Espanol) →Seguro Con Matricula Consular →First Time Driver Insurance →