How long does it take to get a Real ID in CA? What to know if you miss deadline
The deadline to get a California Real ID is just days away.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will soon require people to have a federally approved document — such as a passport or a Real ID driver’s license — on hand for domestic air travel.
As of April 14, more than 19 million Californians had Real ID identification cards, the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ Office of Public Affairs wrote in an email to The Sacramento Bee.
That means about 15 million state residents don’t have Real IDs yet.
If you’ve already applied for a Real ID or are in the middle of the process, you might wonder whether you can still board a plane.
Here’s what to know if you miss the Real ID deadline in California:
When does California Real ID requirement start?
California’s Real ID requirement will be enforced beginning on Wednesday, May 7.
You’ll need the special state-issued identification card to board domestic airplane flights as well as access federal facilities and nuclear power plants, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said on its website.
The law applies to everyone age 18 years or older, according to the federal agency.
How do I apply for a Real ID?
You’ll need to complete these steps to get a California Real ID from the DMV, according to the state road agency’s website:
▪ 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, you can use a utility bill, insurance documents, phone bill or bank statement to confirm your mailing address.
▪ Complete the online Real ID application, a process that typically takes less than 10 minutes. You’ll need your name, address, birth date and Social Security number.
▪ To complete the process, visit a California DMV office. Bring your documents establishing your identity and residence, plus your Real ID application code, and pay a $35 fee.
To avoid long lines, you can reserve an appointment online ahead of time.
“Office visits right now are 20 to 30 minutes with an appointment,” the DMV told the Bee via email.
Do I legally have to get a California Real ID?
A“A Real ID driver’s license or identification card is optional,” the DMV said.
You only need a Real ID if you plan on using your driver’s license or state identification card to board domestic flights within the United States or enter secure federal facilities after Wednesday.
“If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license, or other federally accepted identification to do those things, you do not need to get a REAL ID,” the DMV said on its website.
How long does it take to get a Real ID?
After applying for a Real ID, your new card should arrive by mail within three to four weeks, according to the DMV.
If your new ID card hasn’t arrived after 60 days, you can check its status online via the DMV website.
Can I use a temporary Real ID as identification?
When you apply for a Real ID in California, you will receive a temporary identification card.
Temporary IDs cannot be used as identification when boarding a flight or accessing a secure facility, according to the DMV website.
What happens if I miss the deadline? Can I fly without a Real ID?
If you miss the California Real ID deadline, you can still travel by plane — but only with the proper documentation.
After Wednesday’s Real ID deadline, travelers boarding planes in the United States must present an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport or permanent resident card, according to the U.S.Transportation Security Administration.
Without one of these approved forms of ID, passengers — including those with TSA PreCheck — can experience delays, be subject to additional screening or even be turned away at the security checkpoint, the federal agency said.
This story was originally published May 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "How long does it take to get a Real ID in CA? What to know if you miss deadline."
