Real ID Requirement for US Citizens and Residents

Countdown to Real ID

A Real ID is a type of identification that meets enhanced security standards set by the federal government under the Real ID Act. For California, It’s typically issued as a driver’s license, or state ID, and is marked with a golden bear and star in the top right corner. However, according to Homeland Security, an Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (or Enhanced Identification Cards) (EDL/EID) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. EDL/EIDs can be identified by having an image of the U.S. flag and the word Enhanced at the top of the card. Real IDs are available to anyone living in the United States, who has their primary residence within the country.

Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025 will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

California Real ID vs California Regular ID

I'm getting ready to obtain my Real ID, and after waiting until it was absolutely necessary, I've decided it's finally time to apply. I discovered that if you have a passport card, you can use it for domestic flights, or if needed, accessing certain federal facilities. If I had known that when I applied for my passport late last December, I would have included the passport card option in my application submission.

It’s not that I don’t want a Real ID; it’s just that dealing with the DMV is a hassle I’d rather avoid. However, with the requirement taking effect soon—by May 7, 2025, according to the TSA and Homeland Security sites (they even have a countdown)—procrastinating isn't an option anymore, and getting a passport card just doesn't feel like the right workaround. It's finally time to address this requirement directly and take the necessary steps to complete the process.

Although, I did run into this disclaimer during the application process:

A Passport is an alternative to Real ID

Navigating the identity verification process can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Based on information from the California DMV and my own experience, I'm breaking down the required documents in each step of the application process. Since I already have a driver's license, I'm basically just upgrading to a Real ID while also renewing my license. Hopefully, this helps streamline things for you:

Apply for a Real ID: California DMV website

1. Present one proof of identity from their list, with your current full name matching what is on the identity document

   
   

2. For California, two proofs of residency from two different sources/references that show your California mailing address. Both documents must show your first and last name with the same mailing address that is listed on your real ID application

   1. If your name does not appear on any residency documents, you can present a birth certificate, marriage license, or domestic partner registration certificate to treat your relationship to the person whose name does appear under residency documentation

   2. If the residents document shows a name that’s different from the tracing document due to a name change, for example, marriage, divorce, etc. additional name change documentation will be required as evidence of the name change

   3. If you do not utilize paper mail anymore (paperless), you can also print out (hard copy not photo) a statement that displays your name and address

   
   

3. Fill out the drivers license/ID application online

   1. You can upload documents online but you will have to create a DMV online account

      1. For the application, you will need:

         1. Social Security Number

         2. Driver's License

   2. You can also take photos from your mobile device

      1. A secure link will be sent to your personal mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet) via text message so you can take photos of the documents and it will automatically upload to your application. No special app download is required.

   
   

4. Your documents will be automatically submitted after verification. You will receive an email with the confirmation code once your documents have been pre-approved.

   
   

5. Make an appointment to visit a field office

   1. You can present the confirmation code you received to your local DMV to get an appointment ticket or schedule a date and time that works with your availability

      1. I’m not sure how the DMV operates where you are, but at most of the locations I’ve visited in-and-around San Francisco, if you do not have an appointment, you pretty much have to line up at least 30 minutes before they open to avoid a long wait. But with an appointment, there still seems to be a wait- though maybe only half as long.

         
         

6. Bring all your original documents and confirmation code

   1. You are required to visit DMV in person to verify your identity and document authenticity

Digital versions of driver's licenses, such as those stored in Apple wallet, are gaining traction, but are not yet a full replacement for physical IDs. While they can be used in certain scenarios, like at TSA checkpoints in participating airports, most states and institutions still require a physical driver's license for legal and practical purposes. Digital IDs are a convenient supplement, but they haven't reached the point where they can completely replace traditional IDs. Still, I really hope that changes in the near future- just because you wouldn't have multiple physical things to keep track of!

My appointment isn’t until the end of May, so I don’t have firsthand experience to confirm if it’ll be as quick and smooth as the DMV website suggests. I’ll update this blog with an addendum after my visit to the DMV.

Stay tuned...

[Edited to Add: Updated May 23, 2025]

Navigating the DMV Appointment Process: What to Expect

Today was the big day—my DMV appointment had finally arrived! Walking up to the entrance, I noticed the setup: a separate line for walk-ins and another for those with scheduled appointments. If you’re heading in with an appointment, it’s worth knowing that they’ll admit you no more than five minutes early—so arriving ahead of time won’t necessarily give you a head start.

DMV Appointment Sign

Once inside, they immediately asked for two key things: my DMV appointment confirmation and the REAL ID document verification confirmation code. If you’re preparing for a similar visit, keeping these documents handy will ensure a smooth check-in. Planning ahead and understanding the small details can make the experience much easier—so if your appointment day is coming up, make sure you have everything ready to go!

DMV Appointment Confirmation

REAL ID Appointment Confirmation

A Quick and Smooth DMV Appointment: What to Expect

From check-in to the interview, the process moved surprisingly fast—just five minutes. One unexpected choice came up: I could either get two separate IDs—a regular driver’s license and a REAL ID card—or opt for a single, combined card. I didn’t ask why two separate cards might be necessary, So, I decided to go with the combined card. Once everything was finalized, they confirmed that my official license would be mailed out within two weeks.

During the verification process, they carefully checked all my original documents (or certified copies), made copies, and processed the $35 fee.

After that, they handed me a temporary paper license and directed me to take a new photo. The wait time? Eight minutes—not too bad. This was only my second driver’s license photo ever, and honestly, I loved my first one. So swapping it out felt a little bittersweet.

The entire experience was efficient, and knowing the steps ahead of time made it even smoother. If you’re heading into your own DMV appointment soon, having all your documents ready will make a difference!