§ 12950 License Signature Requirement

Vehicle Code·California

AI SummaryReview recommended

If you have a license, you must sign it with a pen right when you get it, otherwise it doesn't work, unless the license already has a printed copy of your signature; a digital signature also counts.

Key Takeaways

•You must sign your license with a pen and ink as soon as you receive it.
•The license isn’t valid until you sign it, unless it already has a printed copy of your signature.
•A digital (digitized) signature counts the same as a handwritten one.

Example

Jane gets her new driver’s license in the mail. She signs her name with a pen on the spot, and then she can legally drive. If the license already had a printed copy of Jane’s signature, she wouldn't need to sign it at all.

The law says the license isn’t valid until Jane signs it with a pen, unless the license already shows her signature. A digital signature would work the same way.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 12950 License Signature Requirement

(a)Every person licensed under this code shall write his or her usual signature with pen and ink in the space provided for that purpose on the license issued to him or her, immediately on receipt thereof, and the license is not valid until so signed, except that if the department issues a form of license which bears the facsimile signature of the applicant as shown upon the application, the license is valid even though not so signed. (b)For purposes of subdivision (a), signature includes a digitized signature.

Last verified: February 26, 2026

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 12950.

§ 12950 License Signature Requirement

Vehicle Code·California

AI SummaryReview recommended

§ 12950 License Signature Requirement

If you have a license, you must sign it with a pen right when you get it, otherwise it doesn't work, unless the license already has a printed copy of your signature; a digital signature also counts.

Key Takeaways

•You must sign your license with a pen and ink as soon as you receive it.
•The license isn’t valid until you sign it, unless it already has a printed copy of your signature.
•A digital (digitized) signature counts the same as a handwritten one.

Example

The law says the license isn’t valid until Jane signs it with a pen, unless the license already shows her signature. A digital signature would work the same way.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 12950 License Signature Requirement

Last verified: February 26, 2026

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 12950.

Key Takeaways

Example

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Related Statutes

References