The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is making changes this spring to help residents get their Real ID before the upcoming deadline. Starting May 7, anyone flying domestically or entering secure federal buildings must present a Real ID, a passport, or another approved federal identification.
To assist with this, 18 DMV offices will open an hour earlier at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, through June 27. This extra hour is specifically for those with appointments to obtain a Real ID. However, the early opening will not be available on Wednesdays, when offices operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The DMV locations participating in this early opening include offices in Pleasanton, Fremont, Folsom, and many others across the state. Residents can apply for a Real ID by filling out an online application at the DMV’s Real ID website and uploading necessary documents. These documents must include proof of identity, like a birth certificate or passport, and proof of California residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement. A Social Security number is also required. There is a $45 fee for the Real ID.
Officials have noted that Californians 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. The Real ID Act was established in 2005 to enhance security and reduce fraud following the September 11 attacks. Although the deadline was initially set for earlier, federal officials have pushed it back multiple times, giving Californians more time to comply.
With the deadline approaching, the DMV’s efforts to extend hours aim to ease the process for residents needing this important identification.