The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is making a move this spring to help residents get their Real ID before the upcoming May deadline. Starting May 7, anyone flying domestically or entering secure federal locations, like courthouses, will need a Real ID, a passport, or another approved form of identification.
To assist with this, 18 DMV offices will open an hour early at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from now until June 27. This extra hour is specifically for people with appointments to get their Real ID. However, these early hours will not be available on Wednesdays, when offices operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The DMV has identified several locations that will offer this early service, including offices in Pleasanton, Fremont, and San Diego, among others. Residents who already have a U.S. passport or another federally approved document can wait until their driver’s license is up for renewal to upgrade to a Real ID.
To apply for a Real ID, Californians should fill out an online application at the DMV’s Real ID website and upload necessary documents. These documents include a valid passport or birth certificate for identity verification, proof of California residency like a utility bill, and a Social Security number. There is a $45 fee for obtaining a Real ID driver’s license.
The Real ID Act was enacted in 2005 to enhance security and reduce fraud after the 9/11 attacks. Although the federal government has pushed back the deadline multiple times, travelers are encouraged to secure their Real ID as soon as possible.
For those who need to get their Real ID, now is the time to make an appointment and gather the required documents to ensure compliance with the upcoming regulations.