Final answer:
Acceptable IDs in California must match voter registration, display an expiration date, be current or recently expired, and be issued by the state or federal government. They must also comply with Real ID Act standards. For first-time federal election voters, alternative documents like utility bills may also be accepted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of acceptable IDs to verify age in California include certain features that ensure the identification is valid and reliable for the purpose of verifying identity, especially for activities such as voting. Generally, an acceptable photo identification should demonstrate that the name matches the voter registration records, display a clear expiration date, and be current or have only recently expired. Furthermore, it must have been issued by the State of California or the U.S. government. California also complies with the Real ID Act of 2005, meaning compliant IDs must include anti-fraud security features, specific data, and machine-readable technology. It is noteworthy that for individuals voting for the first time in a federal election, acceptable forms of identification may be broader and can include items like utility bills or bank statements in addition to state or federally issued photo ID.