What You Need for a Real ID in California

Here's a comprehensive guide to obtaining a REAL ID in California, covering your questions:

What Documents Are Required for a California Real ID?

Obtaining a REAL ID in California requires you to present specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security Number (SSN), and California residency. It's crucial to bring original documents or certified copies for identity and SSN; photocopies are generally not accepted for these.

Here's a breakdown of the required documents:

• 1 Proof of Identity (Original or Certified Copy): This document must contain your full legal name and date of birth.

  • Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card (preferred)

  • Original or Certified copy of U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office; "abbreviated" or "abstract" certificates are NOT accepted)

  • Valid Permanent Resident Card

  • Foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form

  • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

  • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen

  • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766)

• 1 Proof of Social Security Number (Full SSN Required, No Photocopies):

  • Social Security card

  • W-2 form

  • SSA-1099 form

  • Non-SSA-1099 form

  • Paystub (with full SSN)

• 2 Different Proofs of California Residency (Copies Accepted, Printed Documents Required): These documents must show your California mailing address. If your name does not appear on any residency documents, you may present a birth certificate, marriage license, or domestic partner registration certificate to trace your relationship to the person whose name DOES appear on the residency documentation.

  • Utility bills (e.g., cellular phone, gas, electric, water, cable)

  • Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident

  • Mortgage bill

  • Records from a state or national bank or other financial institution

  • Insurance documents (medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental, or vehicle)

  • Medical documents

  • Employment documents

  • IRS or California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) tax return

  • Property tax bill or statement

  • Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard

  • A document issued by a U.S. government agency

• Proof of Name Change (if applicable): If the name on your identity document is different from your current name, you must bring original or certified copies of legal documents showing the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order, adoption documents). Multiple name change documents may be needed if your name has changed multiple times.

It's highly recommended to use the DMV's interactive REAL ID Checklist tool on their website to ensure you have all the correct documents for your specific situation.

How to Apply for a Real ID in California?

Applying for a REAL ID in California involves both an online application and an in-person visit to a DMV office.

1. Start Your Application Online:

   • Visit the California DMV website and start your driver's license or ID card application online. This helps save time at the DMV office.

   • During the online application, you will be prompted to upload images of your required identity and residency documents. While this speeds up the process, you must still bring the original physical documents to your in-person appointment.

   • You'll need your Social Security Number and basic personal information. The online application typically takes about 9 minutes to complete.

   • Upon completion, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this safe, as you'll need it for your DMV visit.

2. Schedule an Appointment (Highly Recommended):

   • Make an appointment to visit a DMV field office. You can do this online or by calling the DMV. Appointments significantly reduce wait times.

3. Visit a DMV Office In Person:

   • Bring all your original (or certified copies) required documents (identity, SSN, two proofs of residency, and any name change documents) along with your online application confirmation number.

   • At the DMV, your documents will be verified.

   • You will have your thumbprint scanned.

   • You will pass a vision exam.

   • Your photo will be taken.

   • You will pay the non-refundable application fee (the same as a standard driver's license or ID card).

   • You may need to pass a knowledge test if required for your specific license renewal or application type (your renewal notice will indicate this).

4. Receive Your REAL ID:

   • After your DMV visit, you will be issued a temporary paper REAL ID.

   • Your permanent, plastic REAL ID card will be mailed to you.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Real ID?

The primary benefit of having a REAL ID in California is that it serves as a federally accepted form of identification.

• Domestic Air Travel: Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card (or another federally approved ID like a U.S. passport) will be required to board domestic flights within the U.S.

• Access to Federal Facilities: It will be required to enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal locations that require identification.

You do NOT need a REAL ID to:

• Drive a vehicle.

• Apply for or receive federal benefits (e.g., Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration).

• Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (like a post office).

• Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services.

If you already possess a valid U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, military ID, or other federally approved identification, you can continue to use these as your form of identification for federal purposes after May 7, 2025. The REAL ID will have a gold bear with a star in the upper right-hand corner, while a non-compliant card will state "Federal Limits Apply."

Can You Use a Passport Instead of a Real ID?

Yes, absolutely. A valid U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card is a federally accepted alternative to a REAL ID for purposes such as boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities.

Therefore, if you already have a valid passport, you are not federally required to obtain a REAL ID. The choice between using a REAL ID or a passport for domestic travel or federal facility access is largely a matter of convenience and personal preference. Many people prefer to carry their driver's license for everyday identification and don't want to carry their passport unless traveling internationally.

Important distinctions:

• Domestic Air Travel: Both REAL ID and a U.S. passport are accepted.

• International Air Travel: A U.S. passport book is always required for international air travel. A REAL ID is not valid for international travel or for crossing borders into Canada or Mexico. A U.S. passport card is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and for domestic air travel, but not for international air travel.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Real ID in California?

After successfully completing your in-person application at the California DMV, you can generally expect to receive your new REAL ID card in the mail within two to four weeks.

In some cases, it might take up to three to four weeks. If you have not received your new ID card after 60 days, you can check its status online through the California DMV website.

While you wait for your permanent card to arrive, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper REAL ID, which can be used until your official card is delivered. However, it's important to note that the TSA will not accept the temporary paper ID at security checkpoints. Therefore, plan ahead if you have upcoming domestic air travel or need to access federal facilities, ensuring you have another acceptable form of ID (like a passport) if your permanent REAL ID hasn't arrived.