REAL ID Saturday: It's A Thing This Weekend In California

CALIFORNIA — The California Department of Motor Vehicles is holding “REAL ID Saturday” this weekend, and before you get too excited (sarcasm) know that this federally mandated thing is sneaking up on us.

In order to fly within the United States or enter secure federal facilities, beginning Oct. 1, 2020 residents will be required to show one of the following documents at airport security checkpoints and specific federal screening locations:

• REAL ID driver license or identification card
• Passport or Passport Card
• Global Entry Card
• Other federally approved documents

Congress enacted the REAL ID Act in 2005, which defines a REAL ID as a federally acceptable form of identification. And here we are — Dec. 7, 2019 REAL ID Saturday. It's being promoted at four California DMV offices (King City, Madera, Manteca and Pomona), but more than 60 DMV offices — that are open every Saturday — are also available for those who want to apply for a REAL ID.

If you're planning on applying this weekend or any day after, you must bring the following documents to a DMV office:

• One proof of Identity – original or certified
  • (Examples include: valid passport, birth certificate, etc.)
• One proof of Social Security Number
• Two proofs of California residency – paper copies
  • (Examples include: utility bill, cell phone bill, bank statement, vehicle registration card)

For a complete list of acceptable documents, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

Now if you're a procrastinator, state officials urge you not to wait too long.

“Let this holiday travel season be a reminder to all Californians that the October 2020 federal enforcement date will already be here by this time next year,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “If your identification card or driver license expires after the federal enforcement date, and you need a REAL ID sooner, we encourage you to apply now.”

To save time, the DMV encourages residents to fill out their REAL ID application prior to visiting their nearest DMV office. Californians can also check the status of wait times at their local branch by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/fo/fotoc.

Here's the good news: Not everyone needs a REAL ID. If all you want to do is drive, and you don't plan to travel or go through any federal screenings, a regular valid driver's license is just fine.

For more information, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov.