Under California AB 1766, the DMV must begin issuing state identification cards to any California resident who can prove identity and California residency, without requiring proof that their presence in the United States is federally authorized. The law sets a firm start date of no later than July 1, 2027.1California Legislative Information. California Code VEH 12801.9 The requirements to get one are narrow, and this article walks through them.
Who Can Apply
You qualify if you meet two conditions. You must provide satisfactory proof of your identity, and you must provide satisfactory proof that you live in California. You do not need to show that your presence in the United States is authorized under federal law.1California Legislative Information. California Code VEH 12801.9
An estimated 1.6 million undocumented California residents stand to gain access to a state-issued ID once the program is running.
Documents That Prove Your Identity
The law lists specific documents the DMV must accept. The department may accept additional documents, but it cannot refuse the ones written into the statute. Any of the following works:
- A valid, unexpired consular identification document or passport issued by your country of citizenship
- An original birth certificate or other proof of age designated by the department
- A foreign federal electoral photo card issued on or after January 1, 1991
- A driver’s license from another country
- A marriage or divorce certificate
- An official school or college transcript showing your date of birth, or a sealed foreign school record with your photograph
- A DHS Form I-589 (asylum application), Form I-20, or Form DS-2019
If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you must bring them with a certified translation or an affidavit of translation.1California Legislative Information. California Code VEH 12801.9
Documents That Prove California Residency
To show you live in California, the DMV must accept any of the following:
- A home utility bill
- A lease or rental agreement
- A deed or title to real property
- A property tax bill or statement from the previous 12 months
- An income tax return
What Happens to Your Documents and Information
What you submit is protected. All information collected during the application is classified as non-public record. The DMV cannot disclose it except when compelled by a court-issued order, warrant, or subpoena. An internally issued administrative subpoena from a federal agency, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is not enough. Only a court that has reviewed and approved the request can compel disclosure.2California State Assembly. California Assembly Committee on Transportation – AB 1766 Bill Analysis
The DMV also cannot keep copies of your identity or residency documents beyond the time needed to verify they are authentic. Once validated, they are not held on file.
Beyond that, the law prohibits any government agency, law enforcement body, commercial entity, or individual from obtaining, accessing, or disclosing noncriminal history information maintained by the DMV for the purpose of immigration enforcement. It explicitly states that immigration enforcement does not qualify as an “urgent health and safety need.”3California Legislative Information. AB-1766 Department of Motor Vehicles – Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards
What the Card Can and Cannot Be Used For
The card works as a valid California state ID for everyday purposes: opening a bank account, signing a lease, picking up a child from school, verifying your age, and identifying yourself in routine situations.
It is not REAL ID-compliant. Federal REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025, so a non-compliant card cannot be used to board a domestic commercial flight or to enter restricted areas of federal buildings.4Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID The card itself carries a statement that it is not acceptable for official federal purposes. To fly domestically, you would need a REAL ID-compliant card, a valid U.S. passport, or another federally accepted document. The TSA maintains the full list.5Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
Fees
California currently charges $40 for a standard identification card, whether original, renewal, or replacement. Residents 62 or older pay nothing, and a reduced-fee ID is available for $11 to those who qualify.6California DMV. Licensing Fees The DMV has not published whether AB 1766 cards will carry the same fee schedule when the program begins on July 1, 2027.