Secure a REAL ID for Hassle-Free Travel

Contact:  Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657–6437 | dmvpublicaffairs@dmv.ca.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2025

Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced that 18.6 million Californians now have a REAL ID as of February 1, 2025 – an increase of 169,116 from January 2025.

The DMV recommends Californians obtain their REAL ID by May 7, 2025, the federal enforcement deadline. From this date, a REAL ID or another approved federal document will be necessary for domestic flights and access to secure federal facilities. Applying early will help avoid potential delays.

“If you have plans to travel after May 7, upgrade to a REAL ID before the enforcement deadline,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “However, if you already have a federally approved document such as a passport, you can wait to upgrade to a REAL ID when your ID or driver’s license is due for renewal.”

To apply for a REAL ID, Californians should visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov, fill out the online application and upload their documents. Customers must visit a DMV office and bring their uploaded documents to complete the application. By starting the process online, it should take only about 15 minutes in the office. Customers need to provide:

  • Proof of identity* – One original or certified document (e.g., valid passport, birth certificate, etc.) *Legal name change document(s) is required if name on proof of identity is different from the name on the other documents (example: marriage certificate, adoption papers).
  • Proofs of California residency – Two documents, paper copies (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
  • Social Security number (exceptions may apply).

Historical REAL ID information:

  • Total REAL ID cardholders as of February 1, 2024: 17,009,013
  • Total REAL ID cardholders as of February 1, 2025: 18,671,333
  • Total REAL ID cardholders as of January 1, 2025: 18,502,217

Before Going to an Office – Try Online First

The DMV has taken many steps to offer additional digital services. Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit, including simple self-service transactions that are no longer available in offices. The DMV encourages customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

To sign up for paperless vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal notices, customers must sign in or create a secure online account at dmv.ca.gov and then opt in.

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