How nameplates work per Policy 1505 (revised December 2021) and Procedure 1505-1 (revised May 2023).
The basic policy
A nameplate is issued by CAL FIRE to display a uniformed employee's name and work location.
- All metal nameplates were required to be fully transitioned by July 1, 2020. Plastic nameplates are not permitted beyond this date.
- The nameplate shall not be used as a means of personal identification unrelated to the employee's official capacity.
- The nameplate shall not be used to gain or attempt to gain any personal advantage, influence, benefit, or favor from the public, businesses, or law enforcement.
Procurement
Per Procedure 1505-1: - Each CAL FIRE employee receives two (2) metal nameplates based on current classification. - The Unit Chief / Program Manager procures the nameplates per current classification, following standard procurement and contracting requirements when using outside vendors or contracts. - Employees worn on all uniform types, including the dress uniform.
Employees actively engaged in an incident shall follow appropriate incident procedures on what identification should be carried on their person.
Standard nameplate specifications
From the Uniform Insignia Display exhibit (revised July 2023):
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal |
| Size | ⅝″ × 2½″ |
| Finish | Polished |
| Lettering | Black |
| Font | Arial Font (all CAPS) |
| Color (Chief Officers) | Gold finish |
| Color (Non-Chief Officers) | Silver finish |
| Engraving | All CAPS |
| Line 1 | 3/16″ — Full first name and last name |
| Line 2 | 1/8″ — Employee's specific unit or assigned work location |
Where it goes
The nameplate is required on:
| Class | Status |
|---|---|
| Class A "Dress" | Required |
| Class B "Administrative" | Required |
| Class C "Work" | Required |
| Class D "Tactical" | Required |
| Class E "Law Enforcement" | Required, with caveat — NOT worn with the LE Exterior and Tactical Vest Carriers (per Exhibit 9452) |
IMT/ECC alternate nameplate (red aluminum)
Members of an Incident Management Team activated on an official incident, or Emergency Command Center Support Team members, wear a different nameplate while activated:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Material | Red Aluminum Metal |
| Size | 3″ × 1½″ |
| Finish | Polished |
| Lettering | White |
| Font | Arial Font (all CAPS) |
| Engraving | All CAPS |
| Line 1 | Full first name and last name |
| Line 2 | Team number |
| Line 3 | Team Position |
This alternate nameplate is worn only with Class C Work Response or Class D Tactical uniforms — not Class A, B, or E.
What the policy doesn't allow
The nameplate is the Department's identification for the wearer in their official capacity. Personal use, off-duty use that implies authority, or any use intended to obtain advantage from the public, businesses, or law enforcement is explicitly prohibited.
Sourcing
Per Procedure 1505-1, the Unit Chief / Program Manager procures the two metal nameplates per employee — including from outside vendors under standard procurement and contracting requirements. All Risk Uniforms supplies CAL FIRE-spec nameplates (⅝″ × 2½″ metal, polished, Arial CAPS engraving, gold finish for Chief Officers and silver for Non-Chief Officers, with Line 1 full name and Line 2 unit/work location) and the IMT/ECC red aluminum 3″ × 1½″ alternate for activated incident assignments.
Source
Policy 1505 — Nameplates (revised December 2021). Procedure 1505-1 — Nameplate Procedures (revised May 2023). Spec details: Uniform Insignia Display exhibit (revised July 2023).
