CA REAL ID: Changes You Need To Know About Before The Deadline

CALIFORNIA — Californians have a little less than a year to apply for a REAL ID card, but officials are urging residents not to wait.

Millions of Californians have yet to get their REAL ID, and residents could save themselves headaches by not waiting until the last minute. The Department of Homeland Security is to begin enforcement for air travelers on May 3, 2023.

"There really is no need to wait. It’s easy to start the application online," Department of Motor Vehicles Director Steve Gordon said in a June release. "As May of next year gets closer, those who procrastinate might have to wait in line to be helped at the DMV. Today, you can get an appointment within a day or two at most offices."

During the pandemic, the deadline was moved to next year for the Golden State and the rest of the nation. The pandemic made it more cumbersome for residents to make trips to the California Department of Motor Vehicles since the agency was operating in person at a limited capacity.

As of June, 13.3 million Californians had gotten a REAL ID — an increase of 208,206 from May, the state DMV said in a statement. One million Californians have gotten a REAL ID since the start of the year, the agency said.

But the DMV isn't the only place residents can get the new identification card. Californians can bypass long lines by visiting a participating Automobile Club location. Visit their website for more information.

Getting a REAL ID isn't necessarily required, but the state is recommending it. U.S. passports will still be an acceptable form of federal identification to board any flight or visit a federal property. Those who are under 18 years old are not required to have this ID to fly.

View the DMV's fact sheet about the REAL ID here.

It's important to note that the new federally compliant ID card looks slightly different from a traditional California driver's license. This new card will have a little gold bear in the top right corner, while a traditional driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply."

Any Californian who can prove their legal presence in the U.S. with one accepted identity document is eligible to apply for this card, officials said. DACA and Temporary Protected Status recipients are also eligible to apply if their documents are current, the DMV said. See the REAL ID checklist here.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

Information about the REAL ID in Español can be found here.

How to apply for the REAL ID in California

To apply for the new card, you'll need to gather a few documents and take a trip to the DMV.

1. First, gather any of the following identity documents:

• Valid U.S. passport.
• Birth certificate.
• U.S. certificate or consular report of birth abroad.
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C).
• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797).
• Unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551."
• Documents reflecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefit eligibility.

2. Then find proof of your Social Security number (full number required)

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Pay stub

3. Gather two of these documents to prove California residency

• Home utility bills (including cellular phone).
• Medical documents.
• Car or boat registration.
• Employment documents.
• Insurance documents.
• Bank and financial institution records.
• Change of address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service.
• Mortgage bill.
• Rental or lease agreement (signed by owner and tenant).
• IRS or California FTB tax return.

4. Make the application.

Complete the application process online and upload your documents here.

5. Visit a DMV office.

Find one close to you.

"Check wait times before you go and bring your application confirmation code," officials said. "Your confirmation code will work like an appointment."