California residents who are looking to obtain a new driver’s license or identification card may have heard about the Real ID Act and its requirements. What exactly is the difference between a California Real ID and a standard driver’s license, and why is it important to know the distinction?
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards were put in place to improve the security of state-issued IDs and to make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain fraudulent identification.
California began issuing Real IDs in 2018 as a way to comply with the federal regulations set forth by the Real ID Act. A California Real ID looks very similar to a standard driver’s license, but it has a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. This gold star indicates that the ID is compliant with the Real ID Act.
One of the main differences between a California Real ID and a standard driver’s license is the documentation required to obtain each type of ID. To apply for a California Real ID, residents must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of California residency, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. In contrast, to obtain a standard driver’s license, residents only need to provide proof of identity and residency.
Another key difference between a California Real ID and a standard driver’s license is the purpose for which each type of ID can be used. A California Real ID can be used for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal facility that requires identification. A standard driver’s license, on the other hand, cannot be used for these federal purposes.
It is important for California residents to understand the difference between a Real ID and a standard driver’s license, especially if they plan to travel by air domestically. Starting October 1, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security will require all travelers to have a Real ID-compliant form of identification in order to board a domestic flight. This means that a standard driver’s license will no longer be accepted as a form of identification for air travel.
To avoid any issues when traveling domestically, California residents should consider upgrading their standard driver’s license to a Real ID. This can be done by visiting a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and bringing the necessary documentation to apply for a Real ID. The process of obtaining a Real ID is similar to applying for a standard driver’s license, but with additional documentation requirements.
It is important to note that although a California Real ID is more secure than a standard driver’s license, it is not mandatory for all residents to have one. Residents who do not plan to travel by air domestically or visit federal facilities that require identification may choose to stick with their standard driver’s license. However, for those who do plan to travel domestically, upgrading to a Real ID is highly recommended to avoid any potential issues.
In conclusion, the difference between a California Real ID and a standard driver’s license lies in the documentation required to obtain each type of ID, the purposes for which each ID can be used, and the upcoming federal requirement for Real ID-compliant identification for air travel. California residents should be aware of these differences and consider upgrading to a Real ID if they plan to travel domestically. By understanding the distinction between a Real ID and a standard driver’s license, residents can ensure that they have the appropriate form of identification for their needs.
