- New California licenses feature iconic scenery and upgraded security
- Digital signature added; magnetic stripe removed.
- Old licenses remain valid until expiration.
- Fees unchanged: $45 (license), $39 (ID)
California is giving its driver’s licenses and ID cards a major refresh. The new design combines a modern look with extra security features to keep personal information safer. While the change adds some style with California scenery, the updated tech behind the card makes counterfeiting much harder.
What’s New in the Design
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The updated cards highlight California’s most iconic sights. You will see coastal cliffs, redwood forests, and golden poppies integrated into the background. It is the first major visual redesign since the rollout of REAL ID in 2018. Albeit subtle, the changes give the card a cleaner and more contemporary feel while honoring the state’s natural beauty.
Stronger Security Features
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The most important part of the refresh hides beneath the surface. The new cards include a digital signature embedded in one of the barcodes on the back. The old magnetic stripe has been removed entirely, while traditional safeguards like holograms, microprinting, and UV images remain, making it harder for anyone to tamper with or forge a license.
What It Means for You
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If you already hold a California license or ID, there is no need to replace it early. DMV Director Steve Gordon says he understands some people want the refreshed card, but current licenses remain valid until expiration. Fees also remain the same: $45 for a license and $39 for an ID.
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