California vs Texas - which passes better?
Texas all the way, hands down. I've been around the block on both of these and honestly the new TX template is just a home run right now. Most vendors have really dialed in the replication—the card stock feels almost spot-on to my hand, that slightly flexible but sturdy polycarbonate blend they use on the real deal. Microprint on the new TX is crisp too — I checked it under a loupe and the tiny state name in the background doesn't smear or blur like some older attempts. UV response is solid: bright, consistent blue with the right intensity, not too washed out and not blinding. The OVI on the lone star and the state outline shifts from copper to green nicely, maybe just a touch slower than real but for general use it passes the tilt test every time.
California though, man, what a headache. They packed so many security features into that card that replicating it cleanly is a nightmare. The raised lettering on the date of birth and the top line — that's the killer. Most vendors end up with it either too flat, too shiny, or uneven. I've seen some attempts where the lettering feels more like a thick sticker than actual embossing. The microprint on CA is tiny and multi-line in the background, and a lot of replicas I've handled have gaps or broken letters under magnification. UV response is decent when they get it right — the state outline and bear glow a soft green — but I've seen batches where it's way too yellow or barely visible. OVI on the CA bear is color-shifting yellow to green, but the transition is often muddy. And the card material? Hard to nail the exact feel of the thick polycarbonate with those smooth edges; too often I've gotten cards that are flimsy or have a tacky finish.
So yeah, if you're picking between the two for regular use, go Texas. The newer templates are just more forgiving and the replication's been refined pretty well by now. I'd give the best TX fakes out there a solid 8.5 to 9 out of 10 overall — everything from the raised text on the top line to the feel in the wallet just works. California, even from the top-tier guys, I'm looking at maybe a 6 or 6.5 out of 10 at best. The raised lettering alone drags it down, and the microprint accuracy is a constant gamble. For what it's worth, if you really need a CA, you have to hunt around and pay a premium, but Texas is the safe bet every time.
