CA REAL ID Upgrade Offered: What To Know

CALIFORNIA — Californians who renewed their driver's license or identification card during the pandemic just became eligible to get a REAL ID upgrade for free, officials said Monday.

The fee normally associated with the REAL ID will be waived for those who qualify, the Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement Monday.

"We don’t want Californians to pay the price for not getting a REAL ID during the pandemic,” said Steve Gordon, DMV director. “While the federal government has extended the enforcement date for a REAL ID, there is no need to procrastinate. If you act now, you can take advantage of this offer and upgrade to a REAL ID for free.”

Eligible Golden Staters can upgrade online here.

Although residents seemingly have plenty of time — until May 3, 2023 — to get their REAL ID, officials are urging residents to complete the process as soon as possible.

A trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles is required during the REAL ID application process, so DMV and federal officials have moved the deadline to get the new identification card several times amid the ongoing pandemic.

Fewer than 50 percent of Americans were able to obtain their REAL ID as the coronavirus ravaged the nation over the last 15 months.

"Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority," Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, said in April.

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 License. This new card will have a little gold bear in the top right corner, while a 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 applyif 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
• Paystub

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. 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."