With the deadline three months away, California’s DMV is ramping up its efforts to remind residents to upgrade their driver’s license to Real ID.
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Under the nationwide protocol starting May 7, Real ID will be needed to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities, unless you’re using a passport or other approved federal document as identification.
As of last week, the Department of Motor Vehicles said, 18.6 million Californians had Real ID, up from 17 million a year earlier.
Some questions answered:
How do I upgrade to Real ID?
The main element of the process is providing one document proving your identity and two proving your residency. These are the accepted documents.
What if I don’t have a California driver’s license?
You can get a Real ID state identification card, or you can go through the process for your initial driver’s license.
Can I apply online?
The DMV encourages you to fill out the form and upload your proof documents online — but you’ll still need to go to a DMV office to finish up the process. Once you get to the counter, it should take about 15 minutes, the agency said.
Should I make an appointment?
When you complete the online application, you’ll get a confirmation code that’s intended to get you expedited at an office. You can still make an appointment if you want, or check current wait times, both at the agency’s office locator page.
How much does Real ID cost?
$45 for a driver’s license, $39 for a state identification card. The ID card fee is waived for those 62 and older.
How long will it take my Real ID to arrive?
The DMV estimates 2 to 6 weeks.
What if I try to board a plane without Real ID after the deadline?
The Department of Homeland Security’s website states: “Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025, will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.”
However, the Transportation Security Administration has allowed for “phased enforcement” of the new identification requirements, so you might not be barred from boarding in the early days of the rollout. A Feb. 6 press release from the agency said that passengers who show up without approved identification after May 7 “can expect delays.”
The TSA last month distributed its “final rule” on the matter, saying the protocol “provides necessary flexibility for federal agencies to begin enforcement in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact.”
Can I use my Real ID as proof of U.S. citizenship?
No, even if you submitted a birth certificate as one of your identity documents.
