California Driver’s License Real ID: What You Need to Know before October 2021
California residents who have a driver’s license will soon need to upgrade to a Real ID if they want to continue using it as a form of identification for domestic flights, entering federal facilities, and military bases. The deadline for this transition is October 2021, but many people are still unaware of the requirements and process for obtaining this upgraded form of identification.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with the aim of improving the security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act established minimum security standards for the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes.
In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been working to implement the requirements of the Real ID Act since 2018. To obtain a Real ID, residents must provide a list of documents that prove their identity, date of birth, social security number, and residency in the state. These documents include a passport or birth certificate, social security card, and two proofs of residency such as utility bills or rental agreements.
The process of obtaining a Real ID involves an in-person visit to a DMV office, where applicants will need to submit their documents, have their photo taken, and pay a fee of $36. The Real ID will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner to indicate that it meets the federal security standards.
For those who are unable to visit a DMV office in person, there is also an option to apply for a Real ID through the mail. This process involves submitting copies of the required documents, completing an application form, and paying the fee by check or money order. However, the DMV warns that processing times may be longer for mail-in applications.
With the deadline for obtaining a Real ID fast approaching, the DMV has been encouraging residents to make an appointment as soon as possible to avoid long wait times at the office. The agency has also been hosting outreach events at various locations throughout the state to help spread awareness about the requirements and process for obtaining a Real ID.
Despite these efforts, there are still many Californians who are unaware of the Real ID requirement and may be caught off guard when they try to use their driver’s license for federal purposes after October 2021. Some residents have expressed frustration with the additional documentation and fees required for the Real ID, while others have raised concerns about the privacy and security implications of having their personal information stored in a federal database.
In response to these concerns, the DMV has assured residents that the information collected for the Real ID is secure and will not be shared with other agencies or used for any purposes other than verifying the applicant’s identity. The agency has also emphasized the importance of obtaining a Real ID for those who regularly travel by air or need access to federal facilities.
As the deadline for obtaining a Real ID draws near, it is important for California residents to be informed about the requirements and process for upgrading their driver’s license. By taking the necessary steps to obtain a Real ID before October 2021, residents can ensure that they will be able to continue using their driver’s license for domestic flights, entering federal facilities, and military bases without any disruptions.
