
What is Real ID? Real ID is a new kind of identification card issued by the California DMV
California Department of Motor Vehicles
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is the state agency that registers motor vehicles and boats and issues driver's licenses in the U.S. state of California. It regulates new car dealers, commercial cargo carriers, private driving schools, and private traffic schools. The DMV works with …
Real ID Act
The Real ID Act of 2005, Pub.L. 109–13, 119 Stat. 302, enacted May 11, 2005, is an Act of Congress that modifies U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedures standards for state driver's licenses and identity documents, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.
What documents are needed for a Real ID in California?
What documents are needed for REAL ID in California? Provide proof of identity (for example: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, employment authorization document, permanent resident card, or foreign passport with an approved form I-94).
How much does a Real ID cost in California?
The cost is the same as non-compliant cards: $35 for a Real ID driver's license, $30 for an identification card. Accordingly, what do I need to get a real ID in California? Applying for a REAL ID requires proofs of identity, social security number (SSN) if eligible, California residency, and a trip to a DMV office.
How much does it cost to get a Real ID?
The fee to get a REAL ID is $30, which is the same as a regular driver’s license or ID. If you recently renewed your license or if your license does not expire for over one more year, you can apply for a REAL ID and pay a $5 fee. Your REAL ID expiration date will remain the same as your original license.
What is a Real ID and why do you need one?
What is a REAL ID and why do you need one? A REAL ID, indicated by a star on your driver's license, is a requirement for flying, among other things. Find out what it means.

What is the difference between a California driver's license and a REAL ID?
What's the difference between my old ID and a REAL ID? The preexisting California drivers licenses and identification cards no longer meet federal standards. The new, REAL ID cards are supposed to be more secure and meet new, federal standards.
How do I know if I have a CA REAL ID?
A REAL ID issued in California will display a grizzly bear and star in the upper right corner. A federal non-compliant card will have “Federal Limits Apply” in that area.
Can you fly without a REAL ID?
On May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Find out if you're REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!
Is the real California ID a passport?
Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.
What do I need to get a REAL ID CA?
Applying for a California REAL IDMake an appointment to visit a field office. ... Provide proof of identity (for example: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, employment authorization document, permanent resident card, or foreign passport with an approved form I-94).More items...
Do I need a REAL ID to fly in 2022 california?
No. A REAL ID driver's license or identification card is optional. A REAL ID is needed if: You wish to continue to use your driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S.
Can I fly with my driver's license 2022?
You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S.
What do you need to fly on a plane 2022?
Overview. As an adult over the age of 18, you need a valid government form of ID in order to board a plane in the U.S., according to the TSA. If you are flying internationally, you will need to show your passport or passport card.
What is required to fly in the US?
Air Travel: All non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Only limited exceptions apply. Learn more about this requirement and accepted vaccines.
How much is a REAL ID in MA?
$50In Massachusetts, it costs $50 to get a REAL ID, the same cost as a standard license. Besides a REAL-ID driver's license or state ID, several other forms of ID qualify. These include U.S. and foreign passports, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards and more.
Can Oklahoma driver's license be used to fly?
YES. The Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. This means Oklahomans can continue to use their current driver license or Oklahoma identification card to fly domestically or enter federal facilities until this time.
How to prove you live in California?
To prove that you live in California, you must present TWO documents that contain your California mailing address. BOTH documents must show the applicant’s first and last name and the same mailing address that is listed on the driver license or identification card application.
What is a deed to residential property?
Deed or title to residential real property. Mortgage bill. Home utility bill (including cellular phone) School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant's date of birth.
What to do if your name does not appear on your residency?
If your name does not appear on any residency documents, you may present a birth certificate, marriage license, or domestic partner registration certificate to trace your relationship to person whose name DOES appear on the residency documentation. For example, a minor may use a residency documents showing their parent or legal guardian's name, but they must also present a birth certificate proving their relation to the person listed on the residency documents. The name on the residency documents must match the name on the tracing document.
Can a child use a residency document in their parents name?
A child may use a residency document in their parents’ name by presenting a tracing document (such as a birth certificate) showing the relationship.
What is a California REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a license or identification card that is accepted by the federal government.
When does the REAL ID Act apply?
Keep in mind, the REAL ID act only applies when someone presents a state issued license or ID for official purposes.
When will the DHS continue accepting ID cards?
Until October 1, 2020, DHS and its counterparts, like the TSA, will continue accepting ID cards and licenses that are state issued for all identification purposes. These will need to be issued by a compliant state, unless you get an extension from a state that is non-compliant.
What is a non-immigrant?
These categories of people are: a person who is a non immigrant, has an application for asylum that’s pending, has a temporary or approved application for temporary protected status, has approved deferred action or has a an application that’s pending for lawful or conditional permanent resident status.
Can you change your real ID if you don't have a PII?
If there hasn’t been any kind of changes to a person's PII or any material changes, a state can issue a duplicate of a REAL ID. These will have the exact same information that the original did, so if you need to change info, then you need to go in person.
Is a real ID a real ID in California?
If you’re not sure whether your current California driver’s license or ID card is a REAL ID, check to see if there is a gold bear and star on it. If so, you have a REAL ID. However, if your REAL ID was issued between January 2018 and April 2019, you may need to take additional steps to validate your REAL ID.
Does the DMV mail real ID letters?
To solve the issue, the DMV mailed letters to the addresses listed on the CA REAL IDs obtained by residents who submitted only 1 document proving residency with instructions on how to meet the proper California REAL ID requirements.
Gather your documents
Use DMV’s interactive REAL ID document checklist to gather all of the documentation you will need to apply for your REAL ID.
Visit a DMV Office
Check wait times before you go and bring your application confirmation code. Your confirmation code will work like an appointment.
REAL ID Checklist
To apply for a REAL ID card, you must present documentation that includes your date of birth and your true full name. Confirm what documentation you need to get your REAL ID.
What Is REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a driver license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. REAL ID cards are marked with a gold bear and a star.
Second Residency FAQs
Learn more about how Second Residency is accounted for when applying for a REAL ID.
How to get a real ID in California?
To apply for a REAL ID, an applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. A list of qualifying documents and other helpful information can be found at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.
Does the DMV require a Social Security card?
The DMV is no longer requiring a document with a Social Security number after updating its system following passage of the REAL ID Modernization Act, which will allow for further process improvements in the future.
What is the REAL ID Act?
About REAL ID. The REAL ID Act establish es minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.
How long has the REAL ID Act been in effect?
DHS is committed to enforcing the REAL ID Act in accordance with the phased enforcement schedule and regulatory timeframes. It has been 16 years since the REAL ID Act was passed and half of all the states have already met the REAL ID minimum standards. Expand All Sections.
What is a secure driver's license?
Secure driver's licenses and identification documents are a vital component of our national security framework. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.”.
What is real ID?
Real ID is a new kind of identification card issued by the California DMV that requires more proof of identity / residence to obtain, and meets the new federal regulations for identification standards.
When do you need a real ID?
Starting on Oct. 1, 2020, you will need a Real ID (or passport) for the following: To board a flight within the United States. Enter military bases or secure federal facilities.
What documents must show the applicant's name and list the same address that will appear on the federal compliant real ID?
NOTE: Residency documents must show the applicant's name and list the SAME address that will appear on the federal compliant REAL ID driver license or identification card.
What is a proof of identity?
Proof of identity which includes one of the following an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization, permanent resident card or unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form. No photocopies will be accepted.
