California § 12800 - Each application for an original or a renewal of a driver
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 12800 — Each application for an original or a renewal of a driver, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12800. Each application for an original or a renewal of a driver
Each application for an original or a renewal of a driverâs license shall contain all of the following information: (a) (1) The applicantâs true full name, age, gender category, mailing address, residence address, and social security account number. (2) The applicant shall choose their gender category of female, male, or nonbinary. (3) The department shall not require documentation for an original driverâs license applicantâs initial choice of a gender category or a licensed applicantâs request for an amendment to a gender category other than the following: (A) The applicantâs self-certification of their chosen gender category. (B) Documentation required by this code and the California Code of Regulations as necessary to establish that an applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. (b) A brief description of the applicant for the purpose of identification. (c) A legible print of the thumb or finger of the applicant, which has been confirmed by the department to be on file prior to issuance of a driverâs license. (d) The type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires to operate. (e) Whether the applicant has ever previously been licensed as a driver and, if so, when and in what state or country and whether or not the license has been suspended or revoked and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension or revocation. (f) Whether the applicant has ever previously been refused a driverâs license in this state and, if so, the date of and the reason for the refusal. (g) Whether the applicant, within the last three years, has experienced, on one or more occasions, either a lapse of consciousness or an episode of marked confusion caused by a condition that may bring about recurrent lapses, or whether the applicant has a disease, disorder, or disability that affects their ability to exercise reasonable and ordinary control in operating a motor vehicle upon a highway. (h) Whether the applicant understands traffic signs and signals. (i) Whether the applicant has ever previously been issued an identification card by the department. (j) Any other information that is necessary to enable the department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a license under this code. (k) (1) Commencing January 1, 2027, a statement informing the person that they may also need to change their address for purposes of their vehicle registration. (2) The information described in paragraph (1) shall be given to the person orally if the driverâs license application or renewal is done in person. ( l ) The department shall adopt regulations to provide a process for an amendment to a gender category. (m) This section shall become operative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 12800
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 12800 cover?
Section 12800 ("Each application for an original or a renewal of a driver") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 12800?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 12800" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 12800 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.