What is the difference between real id and regular license

It's not time to panic, but things are getting real regarding the Real ID. 

Americans who routinely fly or visit federal facilities will likely want to obtain a Real ID. 

Here's all you need to know about the ID, which will be required to fly in the coming year. 

What is Real ID?

A Real ID is a driver license or state ID card that doubles as a federally recognized form of identification. In California, the Real ID includes a gold bear and star on the card's top-right corner. 

It is an acceptable form of ID at airports and secure federal facilities, such as federal courthouses and military bases. 

It was created from a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission. Congress adopted the Real ID Act in 2005.

Do I need a Real ID?

It depends.

Without one, you'll need to bring a valid passport in order to board a domestic flight. A driver license without the gold bear and star cannot be used to board flights after Oct. 1, 2020.

However, if you have a passport, military ID or federally approved document, you can still use those for domestic flights and federal facilities.

How do I get a Real ID?

A Real ID can only be obtained in person at a DMV office.

The DMV recommends people complete an online application prior to their visit. Appointments are not required, though people without them could face longer wait times. 

What do I need to bring to the DMV?

A lot.

First, one must present proof of identity, which includes date of birth and full name.

Acceptable documents include:

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
• Original or certified copy of U.S birth certificate that was issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office. “Abbreviated” or “abstract” certificates won't be accepted.
• U.S. certificate of birth abroad or consular report of birth abroad of U.S. citizen
• Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form
• Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. territory
• Certificate of naturalization or certificate of U.S. citizenship
• Valid, unexpired permanent resident card
• Valid, unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD card with notice of action (I-797 C)
• Valid/expired permanent resident card with notice of action (I-797 C) or approval notice (I-797)
• Unexpired foreign passport stamped “processed for I-551”
• Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility

Second, one must bring proof of a Social Security number. People who are ineligible for a Social Security number can still apply. 

Acceptable documents include:

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Pay stub with full Social Security number

Last, one must present two different documents showing proof of residency.

Acceptable documents include:

• Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
• Deed or title to residential real property
• Mortgage bill
• Home utility bill (including cell phone)
• School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant's date of birth. If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.
• Medical documents
• Employment documents
• Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
• Tax return (either Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or California Franchise Tax Board (FTB))
• Change of address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
• Property tax bill or statement
• Faith-based document that includes the name and address of organization
• Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
• Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
• Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California
• 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 resident of California
• Letter attesting that the applicant resides in California from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer or government agency within the United States
• A document issued by a U.S. government agency, meaning the entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
• California certificate of vehicle or vessel titles or registration
• A DMV no-fee identification card eligibility verification (DL 933) form, completed and signed

How much will it cost?

A Real ID driver license is $36.

A Real ID identification card is $31.

When do I need one?

If you want to use your driver license or identification card to board a domestic flight, you will need a Real ID before Oct. 1, 2020.

Where can I get more information?

Visit realid.dmv.ca.gov or call 800-777-0133.

Shane Newell covers breaking news and the western Coachella Valley cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs. He can be reached at , (760) 778-4649 or on Twitter at @journoshane.

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