We're Less Than A Year Away From The 'Real-ID' Deadline. Here's What You Should Know

We're now less than a year away from the REAL ID requirement deadline. That's when U.S. citizens will be required to show a REAL ID or other federally approved document to board domestic flights. These will also be required to enter military bases and federal facilities.

The deadline is May 7, 2025, and California DMV officials are warning that offices may get busier as the date looms. Rounding up the necessary paperwork and making a DMV appointment (more on that below) always takes longer than you think it will.

You can start your application online and then schedule an appointment at a DMV office near you.

Here's what Californians need to know about Real ID licenses, how to get them, and how necessary they will be:

Like it or not, a Real ID will involve a trip to the DMV.

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Justin Sullivan

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Getty Images

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Q: What is a Real ID driver's license or identification card?

It's a license or ID that is compliant with the Real ID Act, a law passed by Congress in 2005 following 9/11 that sought to create standardized driver's licenses in all states. The law established certain national security requirements for these state-issued documents.

As you might imagine, this has been a mammoth logistical undertaking, made more complicated by the pandemic. The deadline for the new ID cards has been extended several times. Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers boarding domestic commercial flights, entering a military base, or using their ID for other federal purposes will need to present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card.

While non-compliant licenses or IDs won't be accepted, people can present other federally compliant documents, such as a passport, passport card, or military ID for taking flights and other federal uses.

Proponents say a Real ID will make travel faster and easier.

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Patrick T. Fallon

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AFP

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Q: Is obtaining a Real ID license or identification card necessary?

No, it is not. It's just an easier way for folks to continue using their driver's license to board a domestic flight.

Californians who don't wish to obtain a Real ID license or state identification may apply for what's called a "federal non-compliant" driver's license or ID card. The card will be marked with the words "federal limits apply."

Californians who choose this option may continue to use their state licenses to drive and use it as they do now. But they won't be able to use them starting in 2025 for taking a domestic flight, for example. If they don't have a Real ID license or identification card, they'll need to present a passport or other approved document to fly.

Q: Think you may already have a REAL ID but not sure?

Here's how to tell.

"If you look at just the face of your license, the upper right hand corner... there'll be a bear with a star in his hind quarters, said Steve Gordon, director of the California DMV when he joined LAist 89.3's daily live news show, AirTalk. "And you'll see that if that has a bear and a star there, you have a REAL ID."

Q: How does this affect AB 60 driver's license holders?

According to the California DMV, the changes don't apply to the nearly one million immigrants who have driver's licenses under A.B. 60, the law that allows unauthorized immigrants in the state to apply for the licenses. According to the DMV, only people who are legally in the United States may apply for a Real ID license or identification.

If you already have an A.B. 60 driver's license, when it is time for you to renew, you can just continue to renew by mail, or online as normal.

Q: Must those who want a Real ID license apply right away?

While the deadline has been pushed back before, we're now less than a year away. Initially, you had until Oct. 1, 2020 before a REAL ID was required to board a domestic flight, or to enter a secure facility. That was extended to May 3rd, 2023, due to the pandemic. It has since been extended again until May 7, 2025. The Real ID option first became available to California residents Jan. 22, 2018.

If you want a Real ID license, waiting until the last minute might not be the best idea. Planning ahead can make the process easy breezy. And you'll get to make your DMV appointment fit into your busy schedule, and not the other way around.

Q: How do I apply?

Those wishing to apply for a Real ID license or identification card may start the application online, but must finalize the process in person at a DMV office. Applicants must make an appointment and come prepared with proof of California residency, proof of their Social Security number, and proof of identity such as a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card (green card) or a foreign passport with an approved form I-94 arrival and departure record. The DMV has posted a list of documents that Real ID applicants may use.

The cost of a California driver's license is $45, and the cost is $39 for state ID cards. Online, the DMV says it could take several weeks to arrive in the mail. (Yet another reason to get ahead of this task.)

Editor's note: This story was first published in June 23, 2021. It has been updated in June 2024 to reflect the latest Real ID information, including the new deadline extension and new pricing.