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.