Dec. 5, 2022 update: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025.
The story below has been revised accordingly since its original publication in January 2019.
Do you need a REAL ID?
Beginning May 7, 2025, passengers who want to continue to use their driver license or ID card to board a domestic flight will need to show a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or ID card with a special marking. To get one of these cards, a person must apply at a California Department of Motor Vehicles office and provide federally mandated documentation.
The REAL ID card is optional. A person can use other federal compliant identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, to pass through airport security, as well as enter secure federal buildings and military facilities.
Applying for a REAL ID
Anyone interested in applying for a driver license/ID card with the REAL ID mark is required to visit a DMV field office in person and present specific documentation:
- Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, foreign passport with an approved form I-94. A school ID card is not accepted). Note: A name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court-filed adoption papers, is required if you legally changed your name.
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub with full SSN).
- Proof of California address (rental agreement, cell phone bill, official school documents that include your birthday).
A full list of accepted documents and an interactive checklist are available on the Real ID page of the California DMV website.
A REAL ID issued in California will display a grizzly bear and star in the upper right corner. A federal non-compliant card will have “Federal Limits Apply” in that area. Either card still allows you to drive, apply for or receive federal benefits, enter federal facilities like post offices, visit hospitals and receive life-saving services.
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You are not required to get an Oklahoma REAL ID compliant license or identification card; however, if you plan to fly domestically or access federal facilities or military bases after May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID compliant license or identification card or another acceptable form of identification such as a passport or passport card. If you already have your passport, we suggest waiting to get your REAL ID compliant license when your current license expires.
The federal REAL ID Act places new rules on which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States (U.S.) and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other federal facilities. A California issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card meets these new requirements and is marked with a golden bear and star.
Applying for a REAL ID requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and a trip to DMV. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number on your REAL ID application (exceptions may apply).
Individuals applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver’s license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.
Which card is right for me?
- Federal compliant?
- Use to board domestic flights after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
- Use to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
- Federal compliant?
- Use to board domestic flights after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
- Use to enter secure federal facilities after the new May 7, 2025 deadline?
- * May be used as photo identification, but not as evidence of legal presence in U.S. Additional documentation may be required.
Resources
For more information on REAL ID, visit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) websites.
- REAL ID (Step-by-Step) Video
- REAL ID Document Checklist
- REAL ID: Get Onboard with REAL ID (Overview)
- REAL ID Fact Sheet
- REAL ID Infographic English | Spanish
- Driver’s License and Identification Card Options
- REAL ID for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients
More information on licensing requirements for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients may be found on the REAL ID Info: Non-U.S. Citizen page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a REAL ID? plus minus
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that is also a federally accepted for of identification. REAL ID cards are marked with a golden bear and a star.