Key Takeaways
• AB 60 licenses allow undocumented immigrants in California to drive but are not valid for federal purposes like air travel.
• Starting May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification or accepted documents can be used to board domestic flights in the U.S.
• AB 60 licenses are marked “Federal Limits Apply” and cannot be used to enter secure federal buildings or for TSA security checks.
Individuals who live in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal immigration status often seek practical ways to live and work safely. One concrete issue faced by many is how to drive legally. States like California have created laws to help with this by issuing special driver’s licenses, commonly known as AB 60 licenses. But with questions about what these cards can and cannot be used for—especially for things like traveling by plane or entering government buildings—it’s important to clearly understand both the uses and the limits of these documents. This article will answer the most common questions about AB 60 licenses, what “federal purposes” mean, and how the REAL ID Act changes the way all driver’s licenses are accepted in the U.S.
What is an AB 60 License?
AB 60 stands for Assembly Bill 60, a law passed by California that allows people who cannot show proof of legal presence in the United States 🇺🇸 to apply for a standard state driver’s license. The main goal is public safety—letting more people drive legally and get training, testing, and insurance.
- Who qualifies? Anyone living in California, even if they cannot show lawful presence in the U.S., as long as they meet other requirements like proof of California residency and passing the driving tests.
- What does the license look like? AB 60 licenses look similar to regular California driver’s licenses but are clearly marked with phrases like “Federal Limits Apply” on the front and “Not Acceptable For Official Federal Purposes” on the back.
For more details on the application process, visit the official California DMV AB 60 Driver License page.
What Are “Federal Purposes” When It Comes to ID?
When people talk about “federal purposes,” they are referring to situations where the U.S. government sets the rules for acceptable identification. Some of the most common federal purposes include:
- Boarding a domestic flight (travel within the United States 🇺🇸 by airplane)
- Entering secure federal buildings (like federal courthouses)
- Visiting certain military bases or other highly controlled government sites
Not all situations in daily life count as federal purposes. For example, using your ID to buy alcohol, check in to a hotel, or identify yourself to local police usually only requires a state-approved ID, not one that is federally approved.
Can an AB 60 License Be Used to Board Domestic Flights?
No, AB 60 licenses cannot be used to board a domestic flight in the United States 🇺🇸. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is in charge of airport security, checks passengers’ IDs to make sure they meet federal standards. Under current rules, any state-issued license that is not “REAL ID compliant” will not get you past airport security.
- Why not? AB 60 licenses are specifically marked “Federal Limits Apply” and “Not Acceptable for Official Federal Purposes.” These notices mean the license was issued for state driving purposes only and does not meet federal security requirements.
- What’s the law? This rule comes from the REAL ID Act, a law passed in 2005. The REAL ID Act made it illegal to use certain types of identification—like AB 60 licenses issued to undocumented people—for federal purposes. Only REAL ID-compliant licenses or other government-approved documents can now be used to fly within the country.
Example:
Maria lives in California and holds an AB 60 license. She wants to visit family in Texas, so she plans to fly from Los Angeles to Dallas. When she arrives at airport security, TSA will not accept her AB 60 license as proof of identity. She’ll need to use a different document (see below for options).
What Is the REAL ID Act?
The REAL ID Act is a federal law that sets standards for state-issued IDs. Starting on May 7, 2025, everyone who boards a domestic flight or enters a secure federal building will need to show:
- A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or
- Another federally approved identification document (such as a valid foreign passport or certain U.S. immigration documents).
A REAL ID license looks similar to a regular driver’s license but has a star or other marking near the top to show that it meets federal rules.
Why Was the REAL ID Act Created?
The U.S. government wanted stricter security standards for official IDs after the events of September 11, 2001. The REAL ID Act sets out rules for how states verify people’s identity before giving them special ID cards that can be used for federal purposes.
Why Can’t AB 60 Licenses Be Used for Federal Purposes?
AB 60 licenses, and other similar cards from states that allow undocumented immigrants to drive, are meant only to:
- Let a person drive legally in their state
- Serve as a form of identification for state or local purposes (like dealing with police, getting insurance, or some other basic needs)
They do not meet the stricter security rules required by the REAL ID Act. Because of this, the federal government says these licenses cannot be used for official federal purposes, including getting on an airplane or entering certain government buildings.
Important: The phrase “federal limits apply” is printed on AB 60 licenses to warn both the cardholder and anyone checking IDs that this license is not good enough for certain situations.
What Documents Can I Use To Board A Flight If I Have An AB 60 License?
If you have an AB 60 license, and you want to travel within the United States 🇺🇸 by air, you MUST use a different, federally accepted document. Some common examples include:
- A valid (unexpired) passport from your country of citizenship
- A U.S. Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”), if you have one
- An Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- A trusted traveler card (like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
Note: These are just examples; not everyone will qualify for each type of document. If you’re unsure which identification is accepted, you can check the TSA’s complete list of accepted IDs.
What Can I Legally Do With An AB 60 License?
Although an AB 60 license cannot be used for federal purposes, it is still a helpful and legal document within California. These licenses let you:
- Legally drive a car in California
- Use the license as ID for most state-level purposes, such as:
- Proving identity to local police or in court
- Registering a car
- Getting car insurance
- Making certain types of purchases that require ID within California
Keep in mind: While you may use an AB 60 license for most things inside California, other states might not recognize it as a valid license or form of ID.
What Happens If I Try To Use An AB 60 License For Federal Purposes?
If you try to use an AB 60 license at airport security or to enter a secure federal building, TSA officers or security guards will not accept it. They may:
- Ask you for another form of acceptable identification
- Refuse you entry to the flight or the building
- Delay your travel or bar access until you provide a valid document
This is because federal law does not allow these licenses for official federal purposes—even if they look similar to regular state licenses.
Why Are AB 60 Licenses Clearly Marked?
States that issue licenses to undocumented immigrants must make it clear which documents do not meet federal ID standards. The purpose is to:
- Prevent confusion about what the license can and cannot be used for
- Ensure security officers and others know not to mistakenly accept the license for federal purposes
Markings like “federal limits apply” and “not acceptable for official federal purposes” carry out these goals. Such clear markings help cardholders avoid unintentional legal trouble and help security staff carry out U.S. law.
Has the REAL ID Deadline Changed?
Yes, the deadline for needing a REAL ID to board a domestic flight has changed several times. As of now, the official date is May 7, 2025. After this date, everyone flying within the United States 🇺🇸 who is 18 or older must show a REAL ID-compliant license or another federally accepted document.
- This means even U.S. citizens with regular state licenses that are not REAL ID-compliant will need to update their credentials.
- AB 60 licenses will never qualify as REAL ID, because they do not meet the federal requirements for proof of lawful presence.
What Are Some Common Misunderstandings About AB 60 Licenses?
Many people believe that all driver’s licenses are the same or that they are all accepted for air travel and other federal purposes. That is not true. Here are some things that are commonly misunderstood:
- AB 60 licenses do not give you new immigration status or federal benefits. They only let you drive legally in California and serve as limited state identification.
- You cannot use an AB 60 license to vote, get federal benefits, or sponsor a family member for a visa.
- You cannot use it to work legally or as proof for Form I-9 (employment verification).
- AB 60 licenses are not “REAL ID” and are never accepted by the TSA for air travel.
- Having an AB 60 license will not make you a priority for immigration enforcement. California law protects the privacy of AB 60 applicants.
Where Can I Get More Information Or Help?
For more on AB 60 licenses, you can read the resources provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles or see the ACLU’s fact page on AB 60 driver’s licenses.
If you have questions about which documents to use for federal purposes, including air travel, check the official TSA identification page.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- AB 60 licenses, issued in California to undocumented people, let you drive and act as limited ID, but cannot be used for federal purposes like flying domestically or entering secure federal buildings.
- These licenses always say “federal limits apply” and “not acceptable for official federal purposes,” making their limits clear.
- The REAL ID Act requires stricter proof of identity and lawful presence for IDs used in federal settings. Only REAL ID-compliant cards or other official documents are accepted.
- After May 7, 2025, all individuals traveling by plane within the United States 🇺🇸 must have a REAL ID or another federally approved ID.
- If you only have an AB 60 license, use a valid foreign passport or another accepted document for air travel or entering secure government buildings.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that AB 60 licenses are useful for daily life in California but cannot take the place of REAL ID-compliant identification for federal government needs. Always double-check what your license allows and keep up with changing travel and ID rules to avoid problems.
For more support, contact local immigrant support groups or check government websites for the latest information on document requirements for travel and official federal purposes.
Learn Today
AB 60 License → A California driver’s license available to residents without legal immigration status, allowing driving but not valid for federal purposes.
Federal Purposes → Activities requiring identification accepted by U.S. federal agencies, like boarding domestic flights or entering secure government buildings.
REAL ID Act → A 2005 federal law that sets stricter standards for state-issued IDs used for official federal purposes, including air travel.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) → The U.S. agency responsible for airport security, ensuring only federally compliant IDs are used at security checkpoints.
Lawful Presence → Proof that a person is legally allowed to live in the United States under immigration regulations and laws.
This Article in a Nutshell
AB 60 licenses help undocumented Californians drive legally but cannot be used for federal purposes, such as flying or entering federal buildings. Beginning May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification will be accepted for domestic flights. Know AB 60’s limits, use alternative ID for travel, and stay updated on document requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com
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