Article Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles
REAL ID Act
If
you fly within the United States or enter secure federal buildings and
military bases, you will need a valid passport or other federally
approved document, such as a REAL ID driver license or identification
card, beginning October 1, 2020.
Before
you renew your driver license or identification card or apply for one,
you must choose between a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or
identification card and a federal non-compliant one. Use our REAL ID infographic (PDF) to help decide which one is right for you.
NOTE: Individuals applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID driver license.
If you choose to get a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or identification card, you must visit a DMV field office and present original or certified documents proving your identity (one document), Social Security number (one document) and California residency — street
address (two different documents). Photocopies of residency documents
are accepted. Additional original or certified documents must be
presented if you have changed your legal name. Find out if you have the
correct documents:
EASY TO USE:
List of documents to apply for a REAL ID (PDF)
How to Apply for a REAL ID (video)
Watch the step-by-step REAL ID Application Guide video on how to apply for a REAL ID on DMV’s YouTube Channel.
You have a choice:
You
can choose either a federal compliant REAL ID driver
license/identification card OR a federal non-compliant driver
license/identification card.
REAL ID
DRIVER LICENSE / ID CARD:
· To apply, you must visit a DMV field office and present original or certified documents (no photocopies) proving your identity (one document), Social Security number (one document) , and California residency — street address (two
different documents) are required. Photocopies of residency documents
are accepted. Additional original or certified documents are also
needed if you have changed your legal name.
· You
can use a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or identification
card to fly within the United States or enter a secure federal facility
that requires identification, when new federal ID requirements begin
October 1, 2020. (Note: Check with the federal facility/military base
before your visit to verify their identification requirements.)
· California REAL ID driver licenses and identification cards have a bear and star in the upper right corner.
FEDERAL NON-COMPLIANT
DRIVER LICENSE / ID CARD:
· You can renew online or by mail (if eligible) without visiting a DMV field office.
· You
CANNOT use a federal non-compliant driver license or identification
card to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities that
require identification, such as military bases, STARTING October 1,
2020. (Note: Check with the federal facility/military base before your
visit to verify their identification requirements.)
· This card contains the phrase "FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY".
· Plan your DMV visit by making an appointment to visit a field office. (This is not a requirement but strongly recommended)
· Complete the electronic driver license and ID card application online before your office visit.
· See the complete list of documents to apply for a REAL ID and bring original or certified documents to your DMV visit that prove the following:
- Identity (one
document) Ex: certified U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport,
permanent resident card, or unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S.
visa and approved I-94 form.
NOTE: Name change documents if
the name on your identity document (for example, a birth certificate)
is different than your current legal name. Ex: certified marriage or
domestic partnership document.
- Social Security number (one document) Ex: Social Security Card (here’s how to order a replacement one) or W-2/paystub that shows the full SSN.
NOTE: If you have changed your name, the name on your Social Security document must match your legal name change document. - California residency — street address (two different documents), Ex: home utility bill that lists your name and physical address (a
P.O. Box can be used as the mailing address to receive your REAL ID,
but your residency document must display both a P.O. Box and street
address).
NOTE: View the complete list of document options (PDF) to apply for a REAL ID card.
NOTE: Printed copies are accepted for residency documents, but electronic files are not allowed.
IMPORTANT: All documents must show the same name, otherwise a name change document may be required.
· Pay the application fee: $36 for Driver License or $31 for Identification Card.
Use this interactive checklist to
help you gather the required documents to prove your identity, Social
Security number and California residency to apply for a REAL ID driver
license or identification card.
DMV Speakers Bureau
The
DMV offers in-person presentations about the REAL ID driver license and
identification card program for large groups of 40 or more. To
request a presentation, please email dmvspeakersbureau@dmv.ca.gov and provide the name of your organization, possible dates/times and approximate number of attendees.
Important note: The
DMV Speakers Bureau is unable to assist with personal DMV matters and
transactions. For assistance, call 1-800-777-0133 or use DMV online services.
REAL ID Resources
· Request Letter to Satisfy Second Residency Requirement (for REAL ID cardholders who submitted only one proof of residency)
· Frequently Asked Questions – Second Residency Letter Requirements
· Frequently Asked Questions – Two (2) Proofs of Residency Required
· Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID
· The California DMV will continue to release updated information regarding REAL ID. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
· The US Department of Homeland Security has additional information on REAL ID.
· DMV’s REAL ID Fact Sheet (PDF)