Californians have less than a year to get a Real ID. Here’s when and what you need to apply
If Californians want to fly away for next year’s Fourth of July weekend, they’ll need to have a Real ID on hand.
In just under 10 months on May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require people to hold a federally-approved document — such as a passport or a Real ID driver’s license — for domestic plane travel.
After more than a decade of delays, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is preparing for a crush of applicants closer to the deadline and urged people to apply now.
“You can help improve your freedom to travel easily by getting a REAL ID,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a news release. “You’ll need one to travel by plane in the U.S. next year. No need to wait.”
The Real ID Act was supposed to go into effect back in 2008, but a myriad of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and DMV backlogs have pushed the deadline back to next year.
According to new data from the DMV, more than 17.7 million Californians now hold a Real ID as of July 1. This number represents an increase of 137,929 cardholders from the previous month and 1.7 million more than last July.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A REAL ID BEFORE THE DEADLINE
Applicants need to complete four steps to obtain a California Real ID from the DMV.
Submit a document that confirms your identity, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate. Your current full name must match the name listed on the identity document.
Provide two printed documents that prove your residence within the state. For example, a utility bill, insurance documents, phone bill or bank statement can be used to confirm your mailing address.
Complete the online Real ID application. The application typically takes less than 10 minutes to fill out and asks for your name, address, birth date and social security number.
Visit a California DMV office to complete the process. You will need to bring your identity and residence documents, your Real ID application code and pay a $35 fee. Applicants can reserve a DMV appointment online ahead of time to avoid long lines.
According to the DMV, in-person appointments should only take around 15 minutes.
Californians have until next May to get their Real ID before the deadline passes. While residents can continue to fly if they have a passport, the DMV called on Californians to not wait until the last minute to apply.
“Doing it now means more time doing the things you want to do,” it said in a news release.
This story was originally published July 8, 2024 at 3:14 PM with the headline "Californians have less than a year to get a Real ID. Here’s when and what you need to apply."
