The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the California REAL ID Deadline
COVID-19 has shaken the world as we know it, and the impact has been felt in almost every aspect of life. One area that has been affected is the California REAL ID deadline. The initial deadline of October 1, 2020, was postponed, and there has been a lot of speculation on when the extension will end. As a California resident, it’s essential to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on the REAL ID California deadline.
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DHS Announces Extension of REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline
California’s REAL ID deadline has been postponed due to the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced an extension of the REAL ID full enforcement deadline, giving Californians more time to obtain a valid passport or other federally approved document such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other federally approved document to board a domestic flight in the United States. This marks the third pandemic-related extension for California residents, who now have until May 7, 2025, to obtain their REAL ID cards.
The California DMV has reported that the number of Californians with a REAL ID is growing as DHS extends the enforcement date. To ensure you comply with these new regulations, it is important to check your local DMV website for information on applying for and receiving your REAL ID card before this deadline.
A backlog is causing the need for an extension
Following the Covid-19 pandemic and the postponement of the REAL ID deadline, there’s a backlog in processing applications, and the DMV is working to process this backlog. And because work has filed up for processing REAL ID applications, it’s essential to note that the application processing is leading to wait times for residents longer.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card and a federally accepted form of identification. REAL ID cards are marked with a golden bear and are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 to set national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which must meet certain security requirements to be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding an airplane or entering certain federal facilities. Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant card to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
How to get a REAL ID
Getting a REAL ID is a simple process that requires you to present documents showing your date of birth and full legal name. You can visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website for the necessary documentation. At a minimum, you must provide proof of identity, social security number, and residency in the state. You will also need to take a new photo and have your thumbprint taken at the DMV.
Once you have all the necessary documents and have visited the DMV, you can apply for your REAL ID. It typically takes about ten days for the card to arrive in the mail. After receiving your REAL ID card can be used for domestic air travel starting May 7th, 2025.
What documents are needed to get a California REAL ID?
Getting a California REAL ID requires you to provide certain documents. You must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and California residency. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid passport or birth certificate and two proofs of California residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Also, you’ll need to bring your current driver’s license or identification card.
Do I have to get a REAL ID?
Yes, California residents need to get a REAL ID. A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card and a federally accepted form of identification. It is marked with a golden bear and star in the upper right corner and will be required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities after May 7, 2025. To apply for a REAL ID, you must visit your local DMV office in person and bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, California residency, and legal presence in the United States.
Appointments for a California REAL ID
Another impact of COVID-19 on the REAL ID deadline is the appointment system. Due to the pandemic, the DMV has had to limit the number of in-person appointments, leading to wait times and fewer available slots longer. Residents need to schedule an appointment early to avoid any delays.
Online options for a California REAL ID
Due to the postponement of the REAL ID deadline, it’s easier to get the identification through online options. Residents can apply online, and the DMV offers a virtual assistant to help in guiding applicants throughout the process. With technology, it’s easier for many residents to get their REAL ID without visiting the DMV offices physically.
Renewals of REAL ID
It’s important to note that, even with the extensions, you don’t keep REAL ID for a lifetime. Residents must renew their IDs every five years; the pandemic will impact the renewal process. The DMV has encouraged residents to look into mail-in and online renewal options to make the process more efficient.
California REAL ID Deadline
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Yes, California extended the REAL ID deadline. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. This extension was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will give travelers more time to update their IDs. California also offers driver’s licenses/identification cards that are REAL ID compliant for those who need them.
Yes, the REAL ID will be mandatory in California starting May 7, 2025. All travelers 18 or older need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to fly within the United States or enter certain federal facilities. To apply for a REAL ID card, you will need at least one document proving your identity and two documents proving your residency in California.
Yes, you can walk in for a California Real ID. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and identification cards. As the REAL ID Act mandates, you must bring certain documents to apply for a REAL ID. You can find out more information on the DMV website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/.
You can still fly in the US without a Real ID until May 7, 2025. However, after that date, you will need either a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification to fly domestically. You may also be able to use other forms of identification, such as a passport or passport card, for domestic travel.
Our experience obtaining a California REAL ID
One of our trips to the local DMV ended up as two stress-filled trips. Among the list of documentation supposedly accepted by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, issues is a W-2 form. Well, I brought mine in as one of two residency documents. And I was turned away because it was printed from my computer versus being an “official” document. The company I work for, a multi-billion dollar corporation, has only issued electronic W-2 forms for its employees for quite a few years. I don’t have any other W-2. There went my blood pressure as I had to return home to grab an alternate form of documentation. I hope your experience is more stress-free than mine was.
Then we waited for the paperwork to be processed. Weeks later, we’re still waiting for the REAL ID to appear in the mailbox.
We knew this was important to obtain, especially because we love to travel. Travelers without this identification won’t be able to travel on domestic flights unless using a passport.
Do you already have a REAL ID?
As of summer 2023, over 15 million California REAL IDs have been issued. Maybe you already have yours. However, there are still people who need one.
Sure, it’s an inconvenience. We’re used to flashing our driver’s license as our ID at the airport. But after the deadline, the driver’s license may no longer get you past security. It is reported that about half of all travelers still need to obtain a REAL ID.
How do you know if you have a REAL ID? Well, first, you’ve probably endured the red tape of your local Department of motor vehicles. Still, if you’re not sure, look for a star in the top right corner of your driver’s license.
You’ll have options for domestic flights, but the REAL ID will likely be the most convenient form of identification. Other options include your passport, military ID, or other approved identification.
Without the right type of identification, you might need to undergo additional screening. You might get turned away even with a ticket in hand.
The REAL ID Act of 2005
What is the cause of all of this? Look no further than the REAL ID Act of 2005. This law resulted from recommendations contained in the 9/11 Commission Report, even though the implementation was not to become enforced until October 2020. In part, this has resulted from The Department of Homeland Security issuing waivers given the volume of people without REAL IDs. But now, the sand is running out of the hourglass. The REAL ID Act of 2005 aims to get people to prove their identity with more stringent documentation requirements.
The way to get a REAL ID differs by state. Some states started issuing these driver’s licenses years ago. Others have just recently started to get with the program. As residents of California, we began to see notices of this situation appearing in the mail around 2019.
California REAL ID Deadline
Conclusion:
COVID-19 has affected almost every aspect of life in one way or another. Although the pandemic has caused delays and backlogs in processing REAL IDs, the DMV has been working tirelessly to ensure that residents can get their IDs as soon as possible.
As this deadline approaches, planning ahead and considering the online options is essential to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Anyways, what is good for alleviating stress? Fun travel. Don’t let the stress monster destroy your future travel plans. If you don’t have a REAL ID, get a date on your calendar to visit your state’s Department of motor vehicles.
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Happy future travels.
