California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 6006

(a) Active licensees who retire from practice shall be enrolled as inactive licensees at their request.

(b) Inactive licensees are not entitled to practice law.  Those who are enrolled as inactive licensees at their request may, on application and payment of all fees required, become active licensees.  Those who are or have been enrolled as inactive licensees at their request are licensees of the State Bar for purposes of Section 15 of Article VI of the California Constitution.  Those who are enrolled as inactive licensees pursuant to Section 6007 may become active licensees as provided in that section.

(c) Inactive licensees have such other privileges, not inconsistent with this chapter, as the board of trustees provides.