Updated California review - thoughts?

TX template got updated recently, looks really good now

Just got my updated California ID and thought I'd drop a review for anyone on the fence. I've been running a FL one for a while down here in GA, and honestly FL is more common in GA so it might get less scrutiny, but I wanted to see how the new CA card compares. So here's what I've noticed after handling it for a couple days.

First up, microprint accuracy. The new CA has the usual fine line text around the state outline and on the back. On this copy it's crisp under a loupe — no blurring or missing letters. The tiny "CALIFORNIA" repeated along the edge is legible, which is a good sign. Some batches have had issues with the microprint being too bold or breaking up, but this one looks solid. The guilloche patterns are sharp too, no bleeding between lines.

UV light response is where it gets interesting. Under a blacklight the front has the classic state seal and "CALIFORNIA" in a bright yellow-green that glows evenly. The back has some bio-data patterns that show up in a softer blue-purple. The brightness is consistent across the whole card — no dead spots or weak patches. Color temperature is on point with gen, maybe a tad cooler than I remember from my old one, but within acceptable range. The UV does fade out after about 10 seconds under direct exposure, which is typical for the current stock.

OVI color-shifting: the gold bear and the "CA" on the front shift from gold to green depending on the angle. The transition is smooth, not abrupt, and the metallic sheen catches light nicely. Compared to a real CA I checked, the color shift range is slightly narrower — it doesn't go as deep into the green side, but honestly most bouncers won't be holding it at 45 degrees in direct sunlight. The shift is still very convincing in normal lighting.

Card material feel is pretty close to the real thing. The new CA uses polycarbonate, so it's stiff and has that slight flexibility when you bend it. Mine has the right thickness — not too thick like some older laminates. The surface texture is smooth but not slippery, with a subtle matte finish on the front. The edges are clean, no rough spots or delamination. The laminate layers feel well sealed, though I noticed a tiny bit of separation near one corner after a week in my wallet. Tbh probably not a dealbreaker, but something to keep an eye on.

So overall I'd give this updated CA an 8 out of 10. Microprint and UV are solid, OVI is decent but not perfect, material feel is good with a minor durability thing. If you're in a state where CA is less common than FL, it might get a second look, but for GA where FL IDs are everywhere, I'd say stick with FL. That said, if you need a CA specifically, this one is definitely usable for low-risk situations.

Go with FL, people in the southeast see them all the time