Scanning or swiping driver's licenses and ID cards
Civ. Code 1798.90.1
Other · Data security
Businesses may electronically scan California driver's licenses and IDs only for listed purposes (age or ID verification, legal recordkeeping, check approval, fraud prevention) and may not keep or use the data for anything else.
- Where
- California
- Citation
- Cal. Civ. Code 1798.90.1
- Status
- In force
- Last amended
- 2019-01-01
- Enforced by
- Local prosecutors
- People can sue
- No
- Penalties
- Misdemeanor: up to one year in county jail and/or a fine up to $10,000 (1798.90.1(c)).
- Applies to
- Businesses and organ procurement organizations that electronically scan or swipe California driver's licenses or ID cards
Practices it requires
- Scan or swipe a DMV-issued license or ID only to verify age or authenticity, meet a legal recording requirement, approve a check or payment (name and ID number only), or prevent fraud.Cal. Civ. Code 1798.90.1(a)(1)
- Do not retain or use information obtained by scanning for any other purpose.Cal. Civ. Code 1798.90.1(a)(3)
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.
Unverified: Original enactment date not determined.
Research reference, not legal advice.