ID before the sales floor
Staff check your ID before you're allowed onto the sales floor, not just at the register, and this page of our California dispensary guide covers what to bring. The ID has to reasonably look like a valid government ID showing you're 21.
A store licensed only for adult use can't let anyone under 21 inside. Medical stores admit 18 to 20 year olds with a recommendation, and anyone 21+. That means kids can't tag along with a parent. Budtenders and everyone else working there have to be 21, and police can send underage decoys to test the door.
Will my ID work?
Tap what's in your wallet. The state's list is short, a government photo ID, a military ID or a passport.
AcceptedCalifornia license or ID
Good everywhere, as long as it's valid and you're 21.
AcceptedOut-of-state license
Works. Any US state ID with your name, birth date, height, gender and photo counts.
AcceptedUS passport
Yes. A valid US passport is on the list.
AcceptedForeign passport
Yes. A valid passport from any country is on the list.
AcceptedMilitary ID
Accepted. A valid military ID with your name, birth date and photo is on the state's list.
Ask firstForeign driver's license
Ask first. The rule names US government IDs and passports from any country, and doesn't say whether another country's license counts. Bring the passport.
Ask firstExpired license
Expect a no. The rule calls for a valid ID, so an expired one will likely be refused.
Turned awayFake or borrowed ID
Turned away. Police run underage decoys, and using someone else's medical card can mean 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Ask first18 to 20 with a doctor's rec
Only at a store licensed for medical sales, with a government ID plus a county card or a valid recommendation.
Turned awayTurning 21 next month
Turned away. Adult-use sales start on your 21st birthday, not a day before.
- Accepted
- Ask first
- Turned away
