California Sets July 1, 2026 Deadline for DFAL Crypto License, Applications Open March 9

California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation announced that anyone providing cryptocurrency-related services to California residents must hold a DFAL license, submit an application, or qualify for an exemption by July 1, 2026, Decrypt reports via ChainCatcher. The Digital Financial Assets Law, signed in October 2023 by Governor Gavin Newsom, establishes a statewide licensing framework covering digital asset services including cryptocurrency ATMs and has been compared to New York's 2015 BitLicense. Applications open March 9, 2026 via the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, with regulators recommending businesses review the checklist and attend a March 23 training session. California accounts for roughly one quarter of U.S. blockchain companies; CBAC's Joe Ciccolo said the state's approach could drive uniform standards nationwide, noting "Clear and predictable rules help attract serious operators and institutional capital," while cautioning that overly aggressive enforcement could push firms overseas.