The front of your California driver license shows your photo, name, and driving privileges
The front side of a California driver license displays your photograph in the upper right corner, your full legal name, date of birth, and California driver license number. Below that are your address, eye color, height, and sex or gender marker. The expiration date appears in the lower right. Your class of license (Class C for regular driving, Class D for motorcycle, etc.) and any restrictions or endorsements are listed as codes — for example, "01" means corrective lenses required.
The photograph must meet specific requirements: taken within the last six months, show your full face from the front, have a plain white or off-white background, and be in color. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat unless for religious reasons. If you wear glasses for driving, you must wear them in the photo. The DMV takes the photo at your appointment, so you do not bring one yourself.
Your signature also appears on the front, printed from the process you signed. This signature is used to verify your identity when you present the license.
The back of your California driver license contains organ donation status and driving record codes
The back of your California driver license shows whether you have registered as an organ and tissue donor through the Donate Life California program. A heart symbol and "DONOR" text appear if you chose to register; no symbol means you did not register or declined. You can change your donor status at any time through the DMV website, in person, or when you renew.
The back also displays a series of codes that describe restrictions, endorsements, and conditions on your license. These codes are printed as numbers and letters — for example, "1" means corrective lenses, "3" means mechanical devices, "8" means outside mirror required. If you have a commercial license or a motorcycle endorsement, additional codes appear here. A barcode and magnetic stripe on the back allow law enforcement and businesses to read your information electronically.
The back includes your full address again and a second signature line, though the signature is usually printed from your process rather than signed in person a second time.
Key Takeaways
- Your photograph on the front must be taken within six months of your appointment, show your full face against a plain background, and be in color; the DMV takes it for you.
- Your driver license class and any restrictions appear as codes on the front; common codes include "01" for corrective lenses and "3" for mechanical devices.
- The back displays your organ donor status with a heart symbol if you registered, and you can change this status at any time without renewing your license.
- Both sides include your address, signature, and identifying information; the back also contains a barcode and magnetic stripe for electronic verification.
- Restrictions and endorsements are shown as codes on both sides; understanding these codes helps you know exactly what you are and are not permitted to do while driving.
How restrictions and endorsements appear on your license
Restrictions limit how or when you can drive. If you have a restriction, it appears as a code on both the front and back of your license. The most common restriction is "01," which means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. Other restrictions include "3" for mechanical devices (hand controls), "8" for outside mirror required, and "D" for daylight driving only.
Endorsements add driving privileges beyond a standard Class C license. A motorcycle endorsement appears as "M1" or "M2" depending on the type of motorcycle. A commercial endorsement appears as "1" for Class A, "2" for Class B, or "3" for Class C commercial. Hazmat endorsement appears as "H." These codes tell law enforcement what you are legally permitted to operate.
If you have multiple restrictions or endorsements, each appears as a separate code. For example, a driver with corrective lenses and daylight-only restrictions would see both "01" and "D" listed. You can request a copy of your driving record from the DMV to see the full text description of each code if the abbreviation is unclear.
What happens if information on your license is incorrect
If your photograph is blurry, your name is misspelled, your address is wrong, or any other information on the front or back is incorrect, you must request a replacement license. The DMV will not correct errors on your existing license — you must explore for a new one. Bring proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate for name corrections or a utility bill for address corrections) to your appointment.
Replacement licenses cost the same as a renewal in most cases. If the error was the DMV's mistake, you may not be charged a fee; ask at your appointment. The new license will have a different license number and expiration date, so the old one becomes invalid once you receive the replacement.
If your photograph is unacceptable — for example, you blinked, the background is wrong, or your face is partially obscured — the DMV will retake it at no extra charge during your appointment. You do not need to schedule a separate visit.
Differences between a standard license and a REAL ID compliant license
A REAL ID compliant California driver license looks similar to a standard license but includes a gold star or circle in the upper right corner of the front. This star indicates that your identity was verified against federal records and that the license meets federal security standards for air travel and federal building access.
The information displayed on both sides is the same as a standard license. The main difference is in how the license was issued: REAL ID licenses require additional documents (such as a passport, birth certificate, and proof of Social Security number) and a more thorough identity verification process. If you do not have the star, your license is still valid for driving but cannot be used as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
You can renew to a REAL ID license at any DMV appointment. Bring the required documents, and the DMV will issue a REAL ID license with the same photograph and information as before, plus the gold star.
How to read the barcode and magnetic stripe on the back
The barcode on the back of your California driver license is a two-dimensional code that law enforcement and some businesses scan with a handheld reader. The barcode contains your name, date of birth, license number, address, and expiration date. When a police officer scans your license during a traffic stop, the barcode pulls up your driving record and any active warrants or alerts in the system.
The magnetic stripe below the barcode works similarly but is older technology. Not all readers can access the magnetic stripe, and it is gradually being phased out. The barcode is the primary method used by law enforcement and the DMV.
You do not need to do anything to maintain the barcode or magnetic stripe. Avoid bending, scratching, or exposing your license to extreme heat, as damage can make the barcode unreadable. If your barcode is damaged and cannot be scanned, you can request a replacement license from the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses or contacts in my driver license photo?
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, you must wear them in your photo. If you do not wear corrective lenses while driving, you should not wear them in the photo. The photo must accurately represent how you appear when you are behind the wheel.
What does the heart symbol on the back of my license mean?
The heart symbol and "DONOR" text on the back mean you have registered as an organ and tissue donor through California's Donate Life program. You can register, change your status, or opt out at any time through the DMV website or in person at a DMV office.
Why does my license have codes instead of written-out restrictions?
California uses standardized codes to save space on the license and to make the information readable by electronic scanners used by law enforcement. You can request a written explanation of any code from the DMV, or you can look up the code in the California Driver Handbook.
Can I get a new photo if I do not like how I look on my current license?
You can renew your license early and request a new photo, but you will pay the full renewal fee. The DMV does not offer photo retakes for cosmetic reasons outside of a renewal or replacement appointment. Some people choose to renew a few years early specifically to get a new photo.
What should I do if the barcode on my license will not scan?
If your barcode is damaged or unreadable, visit a DMV office and request a replacement license. Bring your current license and proof of residency. The replacement will have the same information but a new barcode that scans properly.