Bernard Soriano Policy Deputy Director | State of California DMV
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that select offices will open on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., exclusively for REAL ID appointments. The selected offices will only process REAL ID applications and will not offer other DMV services. This initiative is to assist residents before the federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act, starting May 7, 2025.
From this date, it will be mandatory to present a REAL ID or another accepted federal document, such as a current U.S. passport, for domestic flights and accessing secure federal locations. Californians are still able to apply for their REAL ID post the enforcement date.
The locations offering these appointments include Concord, Fullerton, Glendale, Oakland, Poway, Riverside East, Roseville, San Clemente, San Jose, Thousand Oaks, and West Covina. Prospective applicants are urged to visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov to initiate their REAL ID application online and upload necessary documents. Physical copies of these documents must then be brought to the office to finalize the process. The DMV suggests making an appointment and completing the online application to minimize wait times. The entire application process is expected to be expedited to about 20-30 minutes upon arrival.
Regular operating hours of DMV offices are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on most weekdays, opening an hour late at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays.
The DMV has implemented various digital services to limit in-person visits. Customers are encouraged to manage most tasks online, such as renewing driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. The DMV's website offers tools like the Service Advisor to assist customers with their transactions. Additionally, customers can register for paperless notices for renewals by creating an online account at dmv.ca.gov.
For detailed guidance and to arrange appointments, residents should refer to the official DMV website.
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