California's Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL), enacted through AB 39 and SB 401 as consolidated legislation, creates a state licensing regime for digital financial asset businesses operating in California. General licensing requirements apply from 1 July 2026; earlier staged dates apply to digital-asset transaction kiosks. Do not assign a single blanket effective date.
Actpartially_effective
California Digital Financial Assets Law (AB 39 / SB 401)
Also known as: California Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL)
United States California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Overview
Key Details
Jurisdiction
United StatesRegulator
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Law Type
Act
Status
Partially EffectiveOfficial Law Number
California Financial Code §§ 3200–3272
Official Title
California Digital Financial Assets Law (AB 39 / SB 401)
Enacted Date
October 13, 2023
Effective Date
July 1, 2026
Topics Covered
Who This Law Applies To
Persons engaging in covered digital-financial-asset business activity with or on behalf of California residents.
Key Requirements
- Creates a state licensing regime for digital financial asset businesses operating in California.
- Applies special limits and disclosures to digital-asset transaction kiosks (earlier staged dates).
- Includes customer protection, disclosures, records, supervision and enforcement requirements.
Official Sources
Official instrument pageStaged commencement — do not display one blanket effective date. Kiosk duties have earlier staged dates. Verify current commencement schedule with DFPI.
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