California Code of Regulations
Title 13 - Motor Vehicles
Division 1 - Department of Motor Vehicles
Chapter 1 - Department of Motor Vehicles
Article 2.0 - Driver Licenses and Identification Cards
Section 16.08 - Acceptable Document Approval Criteria

Universal Citation: 13 CA Code of Regs 16.08

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) The department may identify and approve foreign documents that provide satisfactory proof of the applicant's identity. To obtain approval by the department, the department shall have received information from the country of origin that the foreign document meets the following criteria:

(1) The applicant was required to provide proof of nationality and identity to the country of origin that issued the document.

(2) In addition to verifying the authenticity of the documents presented by the applicant pursuant to subsection (a)(1), the country of origin verified the applicant's identity and nationality.

(3) The document includes all of the following security features:
(A) A unique identification number.

(B) An optically variable feature such as a hologram, color-shifting inks, or a look through element.

(C) An ultraviolet image.

(D) Encoded information that meets 2D barcode standards (PDF-417) in the machine readable zone, a Radio Frequency Identification Chip, or a Quick Response Code.

(E) Micro printing.

(F) Secure laminate.

(G) Integrated photograph and signature.

(4) The face of the document includes all of the following data:
(A) Name of the individual to whom it is issued.

(B) Date of issuance.

(C) Date of expiration.

(D) Name of the issuing entity.

(E) Identification number.

(F) Date of birth.

(5) If the document is a foreign federal electoral photo card in addition to the requirements of (1) through (4) of this subsection it must also meet the following:
(A) Have an issuance date on or after January 1, 1991; and

(B) If in a language other than English, be accompanied by a certified translation or an affidavit of translation into English.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), foreign passports that at a minimum meet the 2005 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards may be used to provide satisfactory proof of an applicant's identity.

(c) The department shall review foreign documents for compliance with this section and shall maintain a list of the compliant documents and publish this list through a variety of means, including posting the list on the department's internet web site.

1. New section filed 12-1-2014 as an emergency; operative 1-1-2015 (Register 2014, No. 49). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 6-30-2015 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.
2. Certificate of Compliance as to 12-1-2014 order, including amendment of subsections (a)(3)(B) and (a)(3)(D), transmitted to OAL 5-7-2015 and filed 6-19-2015; amendments effective 6-19-2015 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2015, No. 25).
3. Amendment of subsections (a)(3)(D) and (b) and repealer and new subsection (c) filed 8-23-2016; operative 10-1-2016 (Register 2016, No. 35).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 1651 and 12801.9, Vehicle Code. Reference: Sections 12800, 12800.7, 12801 and 12801.9, Vehicle Code.

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