---
type: country
domain: web3-compliance
status: compiled
tags: [Legal, Crypto Tax, Crypto Regulation, Country]
aliases: [California]
created: 2026-04-23
compile_into: ""
slug: subdivision--california
sources: "[./crypto-map/data.json#/US-CA, \"https://soken.io/crypto-map/countries/california.html\"]"
source_url: "https://soken.io/crypto-map/countries/california.html"
title: "California — Crypto Regulation 2026 | Soken"
description: California regulates cryptocurrency under the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) with a focus on consumer protection and…
scraped_at: "2026-04-23T20:01:37.907694+00:00"
entry_type_raw: subdivision
parent_country: US
region: north_america
---

# California — Crypto Regulation 2026 | Soken

# California

California regulates cryptocurrency under the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) with a focus on consumer protection and enforcement actions against unlicensed crypto lending and overcharging. The state operates under the Digital Financial Assets Law (AB 39, 2023) and the California Money Transmission Act.

## Overview

|     |     |
| --- | --- |
| Status | **Legal** |
| Risk Score | 35/100 (Moderate Risk) |
| Region | north america |
| Currency | USD |

## Tax

|     |     |
| --- | --- |
| VAT on Crypto | No |

## Licensing

|     |     |
| --- | --- |
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | DFPI |
| Framework | Digital Financial Assets Law (AB 39, 2023); California Money Transmission Act |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $50,000 - $500,000 |

Licensing is required for crypto lending and money transmission activities; enforcement actions have been taken against unlicensed operators.

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under California's financial laws with a focus on consumer protection and licensing requirements.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the state's financial regulatory framework to ensure consumer protection and compliance.

## NFTs

**Status:** no\_rules

No specific NFT regulation

## Mining

|     |     |
| --- | --- |
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity | $0.1/kWh |
| Renewable | 20% |
| Infrastructure | excellent |

Mining is legal with moderate electricity costs and good infrastructure; renewable energy accounts for 20% of electricity.

## Geopolitics

|     |     |
| --- | --- |
| Stability | very\_stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 67/100 |
| Banking Access | open |

Last reviewed: 2026-04-13 ·
Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.io/crypto-map/)

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