California DMV Offers Free REAL ID Upgrade

If you received your driver's license or identification card in California during the pandemic but did not get a REAL ID, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is inviting you to upgrade now for no additional cost. This new incentive is available through the end of the year.

Pandemic Setbacks

During the pandemic, the DMV temporarily expanded eligibility to renew online or by mail to include Californians age 70 or older and customers who had reached their limit on out-of-office renewals (customers normally required to renew in person). This was big, as an office visit is required to get a REAL ID. The California DMV announced they are expecting to issue about 5.7 million driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL IDs between March 2020 and July 2021 to customers eligible for one.

When a driver's license application for a new license or renewal is completed, a fee is paid at that time. That fee will be waived for customers who received a non-REAL ID during the pandemic if they upgrade now on the DMV site.

DMV Director Steve Gordon said, “We don’t want Californians to pay the price for not getting a REAL ID during the pandemic. While the federal government has extended the enforcement date for a REAL ID, there is no need to procrastinate. If you act now, you can take advantage of this offer and upgrade to a REAL ID for free.”

REAL ID Requirements

Because of the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pushed back the requirement for a REAL ID. Beginning May 3, 2023, they will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver's license or ID card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

Applying for a REAL ID

When applying for a REAL ID, the applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. You can find a list of qualifying documents and other helpful information by clicking here.

The California DMV is working to improve its services and make it easier to get or upgrade to a REAL ID. By filling out the REAL ID application online and uploading your documents, you can make an appointment and then bring your confirmation code and documents to your local DMV at your convenience. Once at a service window, the California DMV says it now takes less than 10 minutes to complete the REAL ID transaction.

The California DMV is encouraging Californians to act now and complete the online application for a REAL ID before coming into an office. Then be prepared with the appropriate documents to speed up the process for everyone!