REAL ID Requirements And FAQs

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to set minimum security standards for driver's licenses, state identification cards and other official forms of ID. As of October 1, 2020, all states must be compliant with the REAL ID program and individuals must replace their existing ID with a compliant REAL ID in order to fly on commercial airplanes and enter federal facilities and nuclear power plants. If you are stopped by law enforcement without an updated ID, you may need a traffic ticket lawyer to advocate for your rights in court.

Understanding REAL ID Requirements

Not every U.S. resident needs a REAL ID. If you have no plans to fly in a commercial aircraft and you do not visit power plants or federal facilities, you can renew your driver's license or state iD online or by the mail. You can also enter federal buildings and fly commercially using a different type of ID approved by the Transportation Security Administration, such as a valid passport. However, if you try to use a non-compliant ID to purchase a firearm, you may need to bring additional proof of identification.

Obtaining a REAL ID in California

California residents must visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles with the appropriate documentation to apply for a REAL ID. This includes:

•         One proof of identity document with your complete, legal name and date of birth, such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate or permanent resident card

•         One name change document if your current legal name is different from the name on your proof of identity document

•         Proof of your Social Security number, which could include your Social Security card, W-2 form or pay stub

•         Two documents that prove you live in California and list your full legal name and state address, such as a mortgage bill, lease agreement, deed or tax return

•         For minors, a tracing document that proves the parents' residency, such as a birth certificate or foster placement agreement

These documents must be originals, not photocopies. They will be verified by a DMV employee when you complete your application. You can save time at your DMV visit by filling out the state's online application in advance.

Fulfilling Proof of Residency Requests

When the state first rolled out its REAL ID program in the beginning of 2018, drivers were only required to provide one proof of residency document. When California began mandating a second proof of residency document in May 2019, drivers who already got a REAL ID with one document were sent a request letter for a second document. You can mail in a copy of a second proof of residency document or bring the document to your local DMV.

Your compliant REAL ID California driver's license will have the state's bear and star logo on gold on the top right corner. If you opt out of the REAL ID program, you will receive an ID that reads Federal Limits Apply in the top right corner. You cannot use this ID as a form of ID to enter a government building or board a domestic flight. If you receive a traffic violation and have concerns about retaining your driving privileges, get in touch with an experienced ticket lawyer Los Angeles.