§ 12800.5 — California Vehicle Code

(a) (1) A license shall bear a fullface engraved picture or photograph of the licensee.

(2) Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall not, unless requested by the licensee, distribute or sell the licensee’s picture or photograph or any information pertaining to the licensee’s physical characteristics to any private individual, other than the licensee, or to any firm, copartnership, association, or corporation. This paragraph does not apply to a private business entity that contracts with the department for the production of driver’s licenses and identification cards, if the contract prohibits the unauthorized use and disclosure of the information.

(b) (1) A Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, and that it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.

(2) A driver’s license that is not a Real ID driver’s license, as described in Section 681, shall bear a notice including, but not limited to, that the license is issued as a license to drive a motor vehicle, it does not establish eligibility for employment, firearms purchases, voter registration, or public benefits, and that it is not acceptable for official federal purposes.

(d) This section shall become operative on the date the department notifies the Legislature that the driver’s license has been revised to include the notices specified in subdivision (b).

(Repealed (in Sec. 7) and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 482, Sec. 8. (AB 1766) Effective January 1, 2023. Section conditionally operative by its own provisions.)