REAL ID Appointments (2024)

FAQs

Can you get a CA REAL ID without an appointment? ›

An appointment is not required, but strongly recommended.

Connolly said to get a REAL ID you must make an appointment on the MVC website. “REAL ID is currently available at all MVC licensing centers, we are also issuing REAL ID at a variety of mobile unit events,” he said.

REAL ID applicants have the option to make an appointment at one of the 30 appointment facilities, or they can visit a walk-in facility. To determine what facilities require an appointment or to make an appointment, please visit Secretary of State Facility Appointments.

Since a REAL ID is a form of federal identification, you must visit a DMV office in person when applying for a REAL ID for the first time. You will need to show documentation proving your identity and California residency. View full list of all acceptable documentation.

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Walk-ins are only allowed for first time licenses/IDs/permits, name changes, and red decals at Licensing Centers. Other MVC transactions that can't be completed online require an appointment that customers need to schedule at NJMVC.gov. Appointments at Licensing and Vehicle Centers must be scheduled at NJMVC.gov.

Yes, there's still a lot of paperwork involved. You'll need to bring two proofs of residential address, one proof of your Social Security number and six other points of ID, which can range from your current driver's license to a tax bill. More information on REAL ID and all the paperwork here.

Yes. The Standard NJ License/ID costs $24; REAL ID costs $35.

The passport is the ultimate form of ID for travel. It's required for international flights, but it's also accepted as a REAL ID alternative for domestic flights. That said, it's not a bad idea to get a REAL ID, so you don't need to use your passport for domestic travel. Instead, you can keep it safe at home.

What if there is an emergency and someone needs to renew their driver's license immediately? They can visit the Loop facility – the only DMV in the Chicago area that does not take appointments and is walk-in only.

Is REAL ID free in Illinois? ›

The fees for a REAL ID card are the same as those charged for a standard DL/ID. Please note that vision, knowledge and/or road tests may be required. An individual can only receive one REAL ID card – either a REAL ID driver's license or a REAL ID identification card.

Customers who choose to get a REAL ID will pay a one- time fee of $30, plus a renewal fee (current renewal fee is $30.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license or a photo ID).

Customers wishing to obtain a REAL ID driver license or ID card will need to present a social security card. Click here for more information on REAL ID. PennDOT will allow customers to also present one of the following documents as proof of their Social Security Number: W–2 form, from one of the last two tax years.

Tax Records • Lease Agreements • Mortgage Documents • W-2 Form • Current Utility Bills (Water, Gas, Electric, Cable, etc.)

If you just don't have the time or patience, you can nix the appointment and opt to walk in during a slow period. If you want to get in and out of the DMV in the shortest time possible, go: Bright and early when the DMV opens. Before the lunch hour, before noon.

Show two (2) forms of California residency document (for example: utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage bill, medical document). Present proof of your Social Security Number (for example: Social Security Card, W-2 form, SSA-1099 form, Non-SSA-1099 form, Paystub (with full SSN).

Get Your REAL ID

To apply for a REAL ID, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov, fill out the online application and upload your documents. A visit to a DMV office is required to complete the application.