Driver license reference
California
CURRENT
Current California reference layout
Introduced: Reference update: 2024
Fictional specimen
CA · Front
Visual field placement only
Not an actual ID · no personal information
Fictional specimen
CA · Back
Visual field placement only
Not an actual ID · no personal information
DOB: Front, lower information band.
Expiration: Front, adjacent to the date information group.
Photograph: Front, left portrait panel.
Signature: Front, below the portrait area.
Barcode: Back, lower half of the card.
REAL ID: Reference callout for an optional compliant-document indicator.
Major visible features
- Fictional gold-toned state seal callout
- Laser-etched portrait reference area
- Tactile / raised-print inspection reminder
- Front-to-back alignment cue
Reference note: Synthetic specimen only. Compare visual placement and documented features; do not use this guide to approve or reject a person or document.
PREVIOUS — MAY STILL BE VALID
Prior California reference layout
Introduced: Reference period: 2019–2024
Fictional specimen
CA · Front
Visual field placement only
Not an actual ID · no personal information
Fictional specimen
CA · Back
Visual field placement only
Not an actual ID · no personal information
DOB: Front, lower text panel.
Expiration: Front, right-side information field.
Photograph: Front, left portrait panel.
Signature: Front, below portrait panel.
Barcode: Back, bottom panel.
REAL ID: May appear where issued; inspect only as a visual reference.
Major visible features
- Fictional legacy color-band callout
- Document-number field placement
- Barcode location cue
Reference note: An unexpired license using an earlier design may still be valid. Follow employer policy and state guidance.
RETIRED
Retired California reference layout
Introduced: Historical reference
Fictional specimen
CA · Front
Visual field placement only
Not an actual ID · no personal information
Fictional specimen
CA · Back
Visual field placement only
Not an actual ID · no personal information
DOB: Front, reference-only field.
Expiration: Front, reference-only field.
Photograph: Front, reference-only portrait panel.
Signature: Front, reference-only signature panel.
Barcode: Back, reference-only barcode panel.
REAL ID: Not applicable in this retired reference.
Major visible features
- Historical visual placement
- Reference-only color family
- Clearly retired status
Reference note: Retired presentation shown for orientation only. Never make a validity or eligibility determination from this screen.