Don’t Let the REAL ID Deadline Catch You Off Guard

Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that as of January 1, 2025, more than 18.5 million Californians have upgraded to a REAL ID, an increase of 118,056 from December 2024. More than 1.6 million Californians upgraded to a REAL ID in 2024, marking steady progress toward compliance with the upcoming TSA requirement.

With the new year underway, the DMV urges residents to take steps to secure their REAL ID before the May 7, 2025, federal enforcement date. This is when a REAL ID or another federally approved document will be required for individuals to fly within the U.S. or enter secure federal facilities. Although the deadline may seem distant, waiting until the last minute could lead to unnecessary delays.

“Now is the time to get your REAL ID,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “You can spend the new year focusing on your exciting plans for 2025.”

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. By starting the process online, it should take only about 15 minutes in the office. Customers need to provide:

• Proof of identity* – One original or certified document (example: valid passport, birth certificate) *Legal name change document(s) is required 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 January 1, 2025: 18,502,217

• Total REAL ID cardholders as of December 1, 2024: 18,384,161

• Total REAL ID cardholders as of January 1, 2024: 16,870,178

Before Going to an Office – Try Online First

The DMV has taken many steps to offer additional digital services. Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit, including simple self-service transactions that are no longer available in offices. 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 opt in by creating a secure online account and registering at dmv.ca.gov.