A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. It can be used to board a domestic flight within the U.S. and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal locations. 

No. A REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional.

A REAL ID is needed if:

1. You wish to continue to use your driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S.
2. Enter secure federal facilities.

If you want to continue to use a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license, or other federally accepted identification to do those things, you do not need to get a REAL ID, however, it is recommended.

Apply for or receive federal benefits from organizations, such as Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.? 

Enter a post office, or other secure federal facility that does not require identification?

Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services?

Ride Amtrak or other public ground transportation?

• No, you do not need a REAL ID to do any of the above items. 

No. The TSA does not require anyone under the age of 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the U.S. However, the companion will need acceptable identification, such as a REAL ID, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, DHS Trusted Traveler Card, etc. (see the TSA’s full list of acceptable identification). 

Applying for a REAL ID depends on the type of  identification you currently use, and when it expires. Because of high demand for REAL ID between now and the new May 7, 2025 deadline (when the new federal identification requirements begin), DMV recommends you wait to apply for a REAL ID at the time of your renewal cycle.

No. Since a REAL ID is a form of federal identification, you must visit a DMV office in person when applying for a REAL ID for the first time. You will need to show documentation proving your identity and California residency.  View full list of all acceptable documentation (PDF).

However, there ARE things you can do online ahead of time to apply for your REAL ID! Fill out the online application, make an appointment or check wait times at your local office, and create a checklist of everything you need to bring to DMV.  

Once you have a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, you may be eligible to renew by mail or online in the future.

Note The information below is a high-level overview of documentation requirements. We strongly recommend visiting our REAL ID Checklist for full details. It is the best way to make sure you understand and satisfy all document requirements, and gather all of the appropriate documentation before your visit.

• ONE identity document that shows your date of birth and true full name, such as a valid U.S. passport, certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, valid Permanent Resident Card, etc.
  
  Note If the true full name shown on your document does not match your current true full name, additional name change documentation is required.

• TWO different documents proving California residency that include the first and last name and mailing address that will be shown on your REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. Examples include a mortgage bill, home utility or cell phone bill, vehicle registration card, and bank statement.

View full list of all acceptable documentation (PDF)

• Provide Social Security number on REAL ID application (exceptions may apply)

If you choose not to get a REAL ID, you will receive a driver’s license or identification card that reads “Federal Limits Apply”. This means you will not be able to use it to board flights within the U.S. or visit secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses, or other federal buildings after the new May 7, 2025 deadline.

Be sure to check with the federal facility or military base you plan to visit to verify their identification requirements.

A REAL ID is a new form of identification that has its own documentation requirements. Even if you previously submitted your proof of identity documents to DMV for a driver’s license or identification card, you must do so again in order to meet federal REAL ID application requirements. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.