The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging residents to apply for the federal REAL ID, a new type of driver’s license set to be fully implemented on May 7, 2025. The DMV is seeking residents’ cooperation to ensure a smooth transition to the new identification system.
REAL ID is part of a federal project aimed at strengthening identity verification.
The program, overseen in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), includes advanced security features such as anti-counterfeiting technology, facial recognition capabilities, and verification of personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and a unique identification number.
Following the passage of the REAL ID Act by Congress in 2005, all 50 states, including California, began issuing these federally compliant driver’s licenses. Once the implementation is complete, traditional driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for certain purposes, including boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced in September a potential extension of the REAL ID compliance deadline to May 5, 2027, no decision has been finalized.
As of November 7, the California DMV has issued over 18.3 million REAL IDs.
Residents can apply for a REAL ID online at REALID.dmv.ca.gov. Required documents include:
*A valid passport or birth certificate
*Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements, vehicle registration, or cellphone bills)
*Social Security Number
The application fee is $35.
For more detailed instructions, applicants can watch an informational video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILbrTbz3uLM.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
