What Is REAL ID? - California DMV (2024)

• Federal compliant?
• Use to board domestic flights after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
• Use to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?

• Federal compliant?
• Use to board domestic flights after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
• Use to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
• * May be used as photo identification, but not as evidence of legal presence in U.S. Additional documentation may be required.

No. A REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional.

A REAL ID is needed if:

1. You wish to continue to use your driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S.
2. Enter secure federal facilities.

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 donotneed to get a REAL ID, however, it is recommended.

Apply for or receive federal benefits from organizations, such as Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.?

Enter a post office, or other secure federal facility that does not require identification?

Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services?

Ride Amtrak or other public ground transportation?

• No, you do not need a REAL ID to do any of the above items.

No. 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.

However, there ARE things you can do online ahead of time to apply for your REAL ID!Fill out the online application,make an appointmentor check wait times at your local office, andcreate a checklistof everything you need to bring to DMV.

Once you have a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, you may be eligible to renew by mail or online in the future.

The information below is a high-level overview of documentation requirements. We strongly recommend visiting ourREAL ID Checklistfor full details. It is the best way to make sure you understand and satisfy all document requirements, and gather all of the appropriate documentation before your visit.

• ONEidentity document that shows your date of birth and true full name, such as a valid U.S. passport, certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, valid Permanent Resident Card, etc.

  If the true full name shown on your document does not match your current true full name, additional name change documentation is required.

• TWOdifferent documents proving California residency that include the first and last name and mailing address that will be shown on your REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. Examples include a mortgage bill, home utility or cell phone bill, vehicle registration card, and bank statement.

View full list of all acceptable documentation

• Provide Social Security number on REAL ID application (exceptions may apply)

If you choose not to get a REAL ID, you will receive a driver’s license or identification card that reads “Federal Limits Apply”. This means you will not be able to use it to board flights within the U.S. or visit secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses, or other federal buildings after the new May 7, 2025 deadline.

Be sure to check with the federal facility or military base you plan to visit to verify their identification requirements.