REAL ID Enforcement Date: May 7th, 2025
Sacramento – More than 18.1 million Californians now have a REAL ID – an increase of 126,782 from September 2024, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
There is no trick to treating yourself to a REAL ID and there is no need to be spooked by the May 7, 2025, federal enforcement deadline that requires a REAL ID or another federally approved document to fly within the U.S. or enter secure federal facilities.
By applying for your REAL ID now, you can dodge any last-minute scares and enjoy stress-free travels.
“There’s nothing scarier than waiting until the last minute,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “You won’t be haunted by the thought of not being able to fly next year if you get your REAL ID now.”
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 October 1, 2024: 18,138,089
Total REAL ID cardholders as of September 1, 2024: 18,011,307
Total REAL ID cardholders as October 1, 2023: 16,477,185
Online Services
The DMV has taken many steps to offer more 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.