Californians urged to apply for REAL IDs ahead of May deadline

More than 18 million Californians now possess a REAL ID, reflecting an increase of 153,671 from August 2024, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

With the NFL football season commencing, the DMV encourages residents to start their application online for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. This will help avoid complications at airports when the federal enforcement date of May 7, 2025, arrives.

It is not necessary to wait until the federal enforcement date to obtain a REAL ID or other federally approved documents required for boarding flights within the United States and accessing secure federal facilities. Completing this process now can alleviate future concerns about using your driver’s license or ID card for domestic travel.

“Don’t get a penalty flag by waiting until after the May 7 enforcement date to get your REAL ID. Start your drive to the REAL ID end zone today. It’s one of the easiest plays you can make,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon.

To apply for a REAL ID, Californians should visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov, fill out the online application, and upload their documents. Applicants must then visit a DMV office with their uploaded documents to complete the application. By starting online, it should take approximately 15 minutes in-office. Required documents include:

- Proof of identity: One original or certified document (e.g., valid passport, birth certificate). Legal name change documents are required if names differ across documents.

- Proofs of California residency: Two paper copies (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).

- Social Security number (exceptions may apply).

For a complete list of acceptable documents and access to the online application, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

Historical data on REAL IDs shows:

- Total cardholders as of September 1, 2024: 18,011,307

- Total cardholders as of August 1, 2024: 17,857,636

- Total cardholders as of September 1, 2023: 16,332,785

The DMV has expanded its digital services significantly. Most tasks no longer require an office visit and can be completed through self-service transactions online. The DMV advises customers to utilize its online services and other channels for transactions such as driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. The Service Advisor tool on the DMV website helps users determine how best to complete various tasks.

To receive paperless vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal notices, customers need to sign in or create a secure online account at dmv.ca.gov and opt-in.

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