Under the REAL ID Act, the California DMV must meet requirements set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its driver licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes. Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use
it as identification to board a domestic flight or to enter military bases and most federal facilities. The California DMV is now offering federal compliant REAL ID driver licenses or ID cards to customers. If you have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, military ID, or other form of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved identification, you may use it as your form of identification to pass TSA airport checkpoints nationwide and to visit
a secure federal building or military base. Check the TSA website at www.tsa.gov for a complete list of approved identification. You DO NOT need a REAL ID to: Those under 18 are not required to have a REAL ID to fly. U.S. citizens and all legal residents of the United States can apply for a REAL ID driver license or ID card. How to Prepare for REAL IDTo apply for a REAL ID card:
Original documents or certified copies are required. For more information, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov. What Does a REAL ID Look Like?A REAL ID driver license and ID card will have a special marking in the top right corner of the card. The marking is the California grizzly bear with a star. List of Documents to Apply for a REAL IDYou need one document from each section below. Original documents or certified copies of identity document and social security are required. Identity Document
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of California Address
Legal document supporting name change, if applicable:
Does a CA REAL ID look different?No. Your Real ID license will have the bear and star in the upper right corner. That bear and star will look no different from the bear and star mark on those licenses that fully comply.
What does a California State REAL ID look like?A: A California REAL ID will be marked in the top right corner with an image of a golden bear with a star on its backside. This is the REAL ID symbol that tells you it's a REAL ID license. A non-federal compliant license (so, not a REAL ID) would feature the “Federal Limits Apply” wording in that spot instead.
Is a California ID the same as a REAL ID?The California REAL ID is a driver license or ID card issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles that meets new federal identification standards established by Congress in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Does the California REAL ID have a chip?An enhanced license/ID contains a RFID (radio frequency identification) chip that can be scanned by federal officials at many entry points.
|