How to Apply for a California REAL ID

As mandated by the REAL ID Act of 2005, the federal government will require a REAL ID, U.S. Passport, or military ID to board domestic flights or access some federal facilities beginning on May 7th, 2025.

Previously issued driver’s licenses will still be valid for driving and can be presented for insurance purposes in the event of a car accident. However, if they are not REAL ID compliant, they will not be accepted for air travel or to enter certain federal facilities. California residents can begin the REAL ID application process online, but must visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person to complete it.

Are you REAL ID-compliant? Here is everything you need to know about California REAL ID requirements, including those that apply to both driver’s licenses and identification cards.

What Is California REAL ID?

REAL ID is actually a federal law, not an actual piece of identification or card.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to establish federal standards for issuing identification documents, such as driver’s licenses or identification cards, as recommended by the 9/11 Commission.

The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Additionally, it prohibits some federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards, such as accessing some federal facilities or boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

Applying for a REAL ID Driver’s License or Identification Card

According to the DMV, California residents applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card must do the following:

1. Schedule an appointment at a field office

Appointments can be made online or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

2. Prepare all necessary documents

Specific documentation must be presented when applying for a REAL ID, including ONE proof of identity document and TWO proof of California residency documents from this designated list.

3. Start the application process online

Begin the application process by uploading all REAL ID-compliant documents from Step 2. Save the confirmation code.

*Although not a requirement, this step saves time when visiting the DMV office to complete the application process.

4. Complete the application process at a DMV office

Set a time to visit a DMV field office and provide proof of identity and residency documents previously submitted online, along with the REAL ID application confirmation code.

This confirmation code works like an appointment. Wait times can also be checked ahead of time.

FAQs Regarding Eligibility for California REAL ID

Applying for a REAL ID requires a valid form of identification (state-issued driver’s license or valid passport), a Social Security number, proof of California residency, and a trip to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Common questions related to the application process and eligibility requirements are as follows.

Can I get a REAL ID by renewing my license online or by mail?

A first-time REAL ID application requires a visit to the DMV office because it is a federal identification process, and there are specific identification requirements that must be completed in person.

For example, the applicant must provide proof of identity with a state-issued driver’s license or valid passport and present proof of California residency, like a utility bill.

However, those who already possess a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card may be eligible to renew by mail or online in the future.

What documents do I need to provide to get a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Checklist provides a full, detailed list of acceptable documents, as well as alternate forms of documentation for individuals who previously lived out of state or have had a name change. The most common acceptable forms of documentation include the following:

ONE identity document: This can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or Permanent Resident Card showing full legal name and date of birth. The minimum standards of acceptable forms of documentation to prove identity should list the applicant’s full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and lawful status.
TWO proof of CA residency documents: This may include a mortgage bill, home utility or cell phone bill, vehicle registration card, and bank statement.

If the full name shown on these documents is different from the current legal name (for example, because of marriage), additional name change documentation will be required.

Do I have to get a REAL ID?

No, a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional. However, it will be needed if:

You plan to use a driver’s license or identification card for domestic air travel
You do not have other federally accepted identification for domestic air travel
You need to enter secure federal government facilities or military bases

For those who do not possess a REAL ID, a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license, or other federally accepted identification may typically be used in place of it.

Will minors need driver’s licenses/ identification cards to fly domestically?

No, minors who are traveling domestically are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the U.S. However, the companion must provide a valid form of identification, such as a REAL ID or a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card.

Minors applying for a REAL ID card can submit a residency document in their parents’ name, accompanied by a tracing document that verifies their relationship to the parent. Acceptable tracing documents include:

Birth Certificate
Agency-Group Home Agreement (Form SOC 154)
Placement Agency – Foster Family Agency Agreement (Form SOC 154A)
Agency- Foster Parents Agreement (Form SOC 156)

Department of Homeland Security Documents Required for California REAL ID

To apply for a REAL ID, several documents must be provided, including ONE document to prove identity and TWO DIFFERENT documents to prove California residency. Here is a list of the REAL ID-compliant documents that can be submitted.

One Proof of Identity Document

These documents must include the applicant’s date of birth and full name (first, middle, and last). Acceptable documents include:

Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Original or Certified Copy of a U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office)
Valid Permanent Resident Card
Foreign Passport with Valid U.S. Visa and Approved I-94 Form
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Certified Copy of Birth Certificate from a U.S. Territory
Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766)
Expired Employment Authorization Document with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
Valid Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
Valid Foreign Passport Stamped “Processed for I-551”
Documents Reflecting TPS Benefit Eligibility

Two Proof of Residency Documents

These must be printed documents that display the applicant’s full name and the same California mailing address that was included on the REAL ID application. Acceptable documents include:

Utility bills or cell phone bills (preferred)
Bank or credit union records
Insurance documents (medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental, or vehicle)
Medical documents
U.S. government-issued documents
Mortgage bill
Employment documents
Tax returns (IRS or California Franchise Tax Board)
Faith-based documents (including the name and address of the organization)
Signed rental or lease agreements
School documents showing the applicant’s date of birth from any public or private primary, secondary, post-secondary school, college, or university
Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
Property tax bill or statement
A letter from a homeless shelter, women’s shelter, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer, or government agency within the United States attesting that the applicant lives in California
Deed or title to residential real property
Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
Proof of resident tuition payment at a California public institution of higher education
An original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor
Court documents that list the applicant as a California resident
California Certificate of Vehicle or Vessel Titles or registration
A completed and signed DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form

Exceptions to Proof of Residency

If your name is not included on any residency documents, you can provide a birth certificate, marriage license, or domestic partner registration certificate to establish your relationship with the person whose name is on the residency documents.
If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, and the name on your residency document doesn’t match the name on your tracing document, you will need to provide proof of the name change.

REAL ID vs. Standard Driver’s License or Identification Card

A REAL ID is a more secure form of identification than standard, state-issued driver’s licenses. It is accepted to board a commercial aircraft, enter federal government buildings such as courthouses, and access some military bases. The primary key differences include:

California Issued REAL ID

Marked with the Golden State Bear and star imprinted on the top right corner
Is federally compliant
Can be used at security checkpoints to board domestic flights
Can be used to enter secure federal facilities

Standard Driver’s License

Federal limits will apply
Is not federally compliant
Cannot be used at security checkpoints to board domestic flights
Cannot be used to enter secure federal facilities
Can be used as photo identification, but not as evidence of legal presence in U.S.

Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Passengers 18 and older who do not have a REAL ID will need to present another form of identification that meets Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards at airport security checkpoints. Acceptable forms of identification include:

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

The TSA strongly recommends that you regularly double-check the list of acceptable identification cards before traveling, as it can change at any time. This will help ensure that you have proper identification when you arrive at the airport

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer

To reiterate, a REAL ID will be required to fly, but a standard driver’s license will still be valid for driving purposes.

After an accident, Jeff’s got you. If you were involved in a recent motor vehicle accident, schedule a free consultation and speak with one of our personal injury lawyers today.