How long does it take to get a real id in california 2022

Contact:  Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue 
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657–6437 | 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2021

Document proving Social Security number no longer required after federal rule change

Sacramento –Californians applying for a REAL ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles now have one less document to provide during the application process. Following updated federal rules, the DMV no longer requires applicants to provide a Social Security card or W-2 to prove they have a Social Security number. Starting today, Californians can now simply provide their Social Security number.

By filling out the online application and uploading their documents, Californians can bring their confirmation code and documents to a DMV office at their convenience, even the same day, for express service – no appointment necessary. Once at a service window, it now takes less than 10 minutes to complete the REAL ID transaction.

“Getting a REAL ID in California just got a little easier,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “We continue to streamline the REAL ID process so that customers can upload required documents, avoid long lines and get a REAL ID well in advance of the federal enforcement date.”

To apply for a REAL ID, an applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. A list of qualifying documents and other helpful information can be found at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

Customers are required to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

The DMV is no longer requiring a document with a Social Security number after updating its system following passage of the REAL ID Modernization Act, which will allow for further process improvements in the future. The DMV continues to streamline its processes and incorporate technology to become more mobile and better serve its customers through more convenient service options.

Complete Other Transactions Online

Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit. The DMV continues to encourage customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. As a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all Californians can now renew their driver’s license online – even if the renewal notice states an office visit is required. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks. With more customers using online services, DMV offices have more space to accommodate Californians who need a REAL ID or otherwise have to visit an office.

Contact:  Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue 
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657–6437 | 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2022

Californians whose licenses expire this month can upgrade to a REAL ID

Sacramento – More than 13.8 million Californians now have a REAL ID as the federal enforcement date of May 3, 2023 approaches, according to Department of Motor Vehicles data. This is a 239,464 increase from the previous month.

Beginning next May, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

“A REAL ID will make life easier for Californians, particularly those who travel by plane,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “Now that schools are starting again, it’s time to think about next summer’s vacation. Whether you are planning to visit family or check out colleges, if you fly in the U.S., you are going to need to have a REAL ID if you want to use your license or ID card to board a plane. Don’t wait until the last minute!”

To apply for a REAL ID, Californians should visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov, fill out the online application and upload their documents. Customers must visit a DMV office and bring their uploaded documents to complete the application. Customers need to provide:

• Proof of identity* – One original or certified document (example: valid passport, birth certificate) *Legal name change document(s) if name on proof of identity is different from the name on the other documents (example: marriage certificate, adoption papers)
• Proofs of California residency – Two documents, paper copies (example: utility bill, bank statement)
• Social Security number (exceptions may apply)

Visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov for a complete list of acceptable documents and a link to the online application.

Historical REAL ID information:

• Total REAL ID cardholders as of August 1, 2022: 13,823,852
• Total REAL ID cardholders as of July 1, 2022: 13,584,388
• Total REAL ID cardholders as August 1, 2021: 11,118,071

Online Services
The DMV has taken many steps to offer more digital services. Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit. The DMV encourages customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

To sign up for paperless vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal notices, customers must sign in or create a secure online account at dmv.ca.gov, and then opt in.

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