California Compliance with Federal REAL ID Act Requirements
Under the REAL ID Act, the California DMV must meet requirements set by the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security for its driver licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes.
How the REAL ID Act Impacts Californians
Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license or ID card
to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight or to
enter military bases and most federal facilities. The California DMV will offer a federal compliant
REAL ID driver license or ID card to customers beginning January 22, 2018.
Do I Need a REAL ID?
If you have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, military ID, or other form of Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) approved identification, you may use it as your form of identification
to pass TSA airport checkpoints nationwide and to visit a secure federal building or military base.
Check the TSA website at
www.tsa.gov
for a complete list of approved identification.
If you know you will not be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or
military base, you do not need a REAL ID driver license or ID card.
You DO NOT need a REAL ID to:
•
Drive
•
Apply for or receive federal benefits (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
•
Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (i.e., a post office)
•
Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
Those under 18 are not required to have a REAL ID to fly.
Who is Eligible for a REAL ID?
U.S. citizens and all legal residents of the United States can apply
for a REAL ID driver license or ID card.
How to Prepare for REAL ID
To apply for a REAL ID card, beginning January 22, 2018:
Make an appointment to visit a DMV field office
Proof of identity (examples: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport,
employment authorization
document, permanent resident card or foreign passport with an
approved form I-94)
Proof of Social Security Number (examples: SSN card, W-2, paystub with full SSN)
California residency document (examples: utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage bill,
medical document)
A name change document, such as a marriage certificate, may be required.
Original documents or certified copies are required. For more information, visit
REALID.dmv.ca.gov
.
What Does a REAL ID Look Like?
A REAL ID driver license and ID card will have a special marking in the top
right corner of the card.
The marking is the California grizzly bear with a star.