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Bill Summary · AB 1149

AB 1149 — Driver’s licenses (Davies) — Summary

Main purpose

AB 1149 temporarily allows Californians to possess both a physical driver’s license and a digital driver’s license issued under the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) digital/mobile pilot program. The bill creates a limited exemption to the existing prohibition on possessing more than one driver’s license while the pilot is in operation.

Key provisions

  • Amends Vehicle Code §12511 to add a temporary exemption: a person may possess (or have under their control) both a digital driver’s license issued under the DMV’s pilot program (Section 13020) and a physical driver’s license.
  • The exemption is time‑limited:
    • The amended §12511 (with the exemption) becomes inoperative on July 1, 2026 and is repealed as of January 1, 2027.
    • A new §12511 is added that restates the general prohibition against possessing more than one driver’s license and becomes operative on July 1, 2026 — effectively ending the temporary exemption on that date.
  • The digital license referenced must be issued pursuant to the DMV’s authorized pilot program, which may include mobile Real ID credentials if allowed by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

Who is affected

  • Individuals participating in the DMV’s digital/mobile driver’s license pilot: they may legally carry both the pilot digital credential and their physical license during the exemption period.
  • Law enforcement, employers, and entities relying on single-license rules will need to recognize the temporary ability of participants to possess dual credentials.
  • The DMV, which administers the pilot and issues digital credentials under Section 13020.

Fiscal and legal notes

  • The bill’s digest notes no appropriation or fiscal committee referral.
  • No new penalties or fees are specified — the change is an exception to an existing possession prohibition.

Timeline and procedural status

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025.
  • Passed Assembly (April 21, 2025; 73-0).
  • Referred and amended in Senate committees; read and placed on Consent Calendar.
  • June 13, 2025: From Consent Calendar; ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Valladares (current status).

Practical effect

If enacted, AB 1149 would permit dual possession (digital + physical) only for a limited period ending July 1, 2026; after that date the longstanding single‑license prohibition would resume.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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