Deadline to get a California Real ID is almost here. Here's what you need to apply

Hannah Poukish, The Sacramento Bee on Jan 9, 2025

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Time is running out to get your Real ID in California.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will soon require people to have a federally approved document — such as a passport or a Real ID driver’s license — on hand for domestic plane travel.

On Monday, the California Department of Motor Vehicles urged residents to apply for a Real ID ahead of the May deadline.

“Although the deadline may seem distant, waiting until the last minute could lead to unnecessary delays,” the agency said in a news release.

Here’s what you need to know about obtaining a California Real ID:

Why do I need a California Real ID?

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 in an effort to strengthen national security in the United States.

The law was shaped around the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to create federal standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The Real ID Act was originally set to go into effect in 2008.

However, a variety of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and DMV backlogs delayed the deadline for more than a decade.

When does Real ID requirement got into effect?

The Real ID requirement will be enforced starting on Wednesday, May 7.

You’ll need the special state-issued identification card to board domestic airplane flights as well as access federal facilities and nuclear power plants, the Department of Homeland Security said on its website.

How do I apply for a Real ID? How much does it cost?

Applicants need to complete these steps to get a California Real ID from the DMV, according to the agency’s website:

•Submit a document that confirms your identity, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate. Your current full name must match the name listed on the identity document.

•Provide two printed documents that prove your residence within the state. For example, you can use a utility bill, insurance documents, phone bill or bank statement to confirm your mailing address.

•Complete the online Real ID application, a process that typically takes less than 10 minutes. You’ll need your name, address, birth date and Social Security number.

•To complete the process, visit a California DMV office. Bring your documents establishing your identity and residence, plus your Real ID application code, and pay a $35 fee.

To avoid long lines, you can reserve an appointment online ahead of time.

Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Offices are closed on weekends and holidays.

According to the DMV, in-person appointments should only take around 15 minutes.

The DMV said it’s preparing for a surge of applicants closer to the deadline and urged people to apply as soon as possible.

When is the deadline to apply?

Californians have until Wednesday, May 7, to get their Real IDs before the deadline.

“Now is the time to get your REAL ID,” DMV director Steve Gordon said in a release. “You can spend the new year focusing on your exciting plans for 2025.”

More than 18.5 million Californians had Real IDs as of Jan. 1, according to new data released by the DMV.

This number represents an increase of 118,056 cardholders from the previous month and 1.6 million more than in January 2024.

Do I have to get a California Real ID?

“A Real ID driver’s license or identification card is optional,” according to the DMV’s website.

You only need a Real ID if you plan on using your driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights within the United States or to enter secure federal facilities after May 7.

“If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license, or other federally accepted identification to do those things, you do not need to get a Real ID,” the DMV said.

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