Real ID Driver’s License

Real ID Driver’s License: What You Need to Know Before 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, having a REAL ID will be crucial for certain everyday activities such as boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing military bases. If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification (ID) card, your ability to travel and access certain services will be limited. This article provides everything you need to know about the REAL ID, using information from Section 1 of the California Driver’s Handbook, as well as additional details to help you understand the process.

What Is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 as a direct response to the security concerns following the 9/11 attacks. It establishes stricter standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID card contains a gold bear and star, indicating that it meets these federal requirements.

A REAL ID will be necessary for:

• Boarding domestic flights within the United States.
• Entering federal facilities such as courthouses, nuclear power plants, and military bases.
• Accessing military bases.

Key Deadlines

As noted in the image provided, beginning on May 7, 2025, your regular driver’s license will no longer be accepted for these purposes. You’ll need a REAL ID or an alternative form of identification, such as a valid passport, to board a domestic flight or access certain federal buildings.

How to Get a REAL ID

To apply for a REAL ID in California, you’ll need to visit the DMV in person. The process is similar to applying for a driver’s license, but you’ll need to provide additional documentation to prove your identity, residency, and lawful presence in the U.S.

Here’s what you need to bring to the DMV:

1. Proof of Identity
   Acceptable documents include:

   • U.S. birth certificate (certified copy)
   • U.S. passport
   • Permanent resident card (green card)
   • Employment authorization document (EAD)

2. Proof of Social Security Number
   Acceptable documents include:

   • Social Security card
   • W-2 form
   • Pay stub with full Social Security number

3. Two Proofs of California Residency
   These documents must include your name and your physical address. Acceptable options include:

   • Utility bill
   • Lease or rental agreement
   • Mortgage statement
   • Bank statement

If your name is different on any of these documents due to marriage or other reasons, you must also provide a name change document such as a marriage certificate or court order.

How Is REAL ID Different from a Standard Driver’s License?

While both the standard driver’s license and REAL ID allow you to legally operate a vehicle, the REAL ID serves an additional purpose—it complies with federal regulations for enhanced security standards. Without a REAL ID or other federally approved identification, you won’t be able to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after the May 2025 deadline.

Here’s a comparison between the two:

Do You Need a REAL ID?

If you plan to:

• Fly domestically within the U.S. starting May 2025,
• Enter federal buildings, or
• Access military bases,

then, yes, you’ll need a REAL ID.

However, if you already have another form of federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. passport, you may not need a REAL ID. For example, if you do not fly often or visit federal buildings, you might choose to stick with your regular driver’s license and use your passport when necessary.

How to Tell if You Already Have a REAL ID

REAL ID-compliant licenses feature a gold bear and star in the top-right corner. If your license or ID card does not have this symbol, it’s not REAL ID compliant.

Alternative to a REAL ID: Other Accepted Identification

If you choose not to get a REAL ID, you can still travel and access federal facilities using alternative documents, such as:

• A U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
• A military ID
• A trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI)

These documents will continue to be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for boarding domestic flights.

Frequently Asked Questions About REAL ID

1. Can I apply for a REAL ID online?
No, you must apply for a REAL ID in person at a DMV office because you need to present your original documents for verification.

2. Will my REAL ID ever expire?
Yes, just like your standard driver’s license, your REAL ID will expire and need to be renewed. You can renew it online or by mail as long as your residency or name hasn’t changed.

3. Do minors need a REAL ID?
Minors are not required to have a REAL ID to fly domestically or access federal facilities. The standard identification rules for minors on domestic flights (such as a school ID or birth certificate) still apply.

4. What happens if I don’t have a REAL ID by the deadline?
If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you won’t be able to use your standard driver’s license for domestic flights or to enter federal facilities. You’ll need another form of federally accepted identification, such as a passport.

Conclusion

The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is approaching, and it’s important to be prepared. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, need access to federal facilities, or simply want to ensure you comply with the new federal guidelines, applying for a REAL ID is a straightforward process if you gather the necessary documentation and visit your local DMV.

Make sure to apply for your REAL ID well before the May 7, 2025 deadline to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans or access to federal facilities. Keep in mind that if you already have a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or another acceptable form of identification, you may not need a REAL ID. But for many Californians, having a REAL ID will offer greater convenience and peace of mind.

For more information and to begin your application, visit the official California DMV REAL ID page at dmv.ca.gov/realid.