Secondary Review occurs when the DMV needs to further investigate your documents or your record. It’s designed to ensure that all eligible Californians are able to obtain a permit or license, regardless of their immigration status. Your application for an AB 60 Permit or License will be on hold and you can’t take your driving test until you complete the Secondary Review process. However, you should be able to take your written test. The DMV employee should explain why you’re being referred to Secondary Review. Reasons you may be referred to Secondary Review include:
- You previously submitted an invalid SSN or there was a mismatch with a previous DMV record
- The identity documents you provided aren’t on the list of approved documents and must be further verified by the DMV
- Any of the documents you’ve provided are perceived as potentially fraudulent
- You’ve received a ticket from law enforcement in the past while driving (whether or not you gave your true name).
To schedule a Secondary Review appointment, call 855-421-1001. Wait times may vary, depending on call volume. You’ll receive an appointment confirmation letter by mail. You’ll have another opportunity to prove your identity and California residency using a wider variety of documents, and you’ll be required to attend an extra appointment with a DMV at a different office than the field office you originally visited. Secondary Review is conducted by staff members of the DMV’s Investigations Division, who will review your identity and residency documents. Your interview make take up to one hour. The Secondary Review process can take anywhere from two weeks to three months- it all depends on volume and the region you’re applying in. You can email general questions about the Secondary Review process to: driverslicense@caimmigrant.org
