The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced that the federal government is now enforcing the REAL ID Act. As of today, a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification is required for boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks. It sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
As of May 1, 2025, there are 19,485,231 REAL ID cardholders in California, representing about 58% of all driver’s license and ID cardholders in the state.
Californians can visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov to begin their REAL ID online application and upload necessary documents. Completing the process requires visiting a DMV office with physical copies of these documents. The DMV advises making an appointment and completing the online application beforehand to reduce wait times. Once at the office, it should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete the process.
Applicants must provide proof of identity with one original or certified document such as a valid passport or birth certificate. If there is a name change, legal documentation like a marriage certificate or adoption papers is needed. Additionally, two paper copies proving California residency (e.g., utility bill or bank statement) and a Social Security number are required.
To accommodate more customers seeking a REAL ID, the DMV has extended hours at 18 offices across California until June 27. Select offices will open from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., by appointment only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Some offices will also be open on Saturdays in May from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., exclusively for REAL ID appointments.
Regular office hours remain from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The DMV encourages using its digital services for tasks that do not require an office visit. Many simple transactions are available online rather than in person at DMV offices. Customers can use online services for eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals through their website’s Service Advisor tool.
For those interested in receiving paperless vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal notices, creating an online account at dmv.ca.gov is necessary.
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