California · Penal Code

PEN §26180: (a) Any person who files an application required by Section 26175 knowing that any statement contained therein is false is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Filing a false application is a misdemeanor; making a false statement about specific matters (license denial, criminal conviction, insanity finding, drug use, military discharge, mental commitment, or citizenship renunciation) is a felony.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Any person who files an application required by Section 26175 knowing that any statement contained therein is false is guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) Any person who knowingly makes a false statement on the application regarding any of the following is guilty of a felony: (1) The denial or revocation of a license, or the denial of an amendment to a license, issued pursuant to this article. (2) A criminal conviction. (3) A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. (4) The use of a controlled substance. (5) A dishonorable discharge from military service. (6) A commitment to a mental institution. (7) A renunciation of United States citizenship.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.