REAL ID

DMV’s unexpected twist affecting those who have not processed Real ID in California

The deadline for California residents to apply for a Real ID is fast approaching. Here’s all the information you need to get yours.

Andy Hall

Update: Apr 19th, 2025 12:47 EDT

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding residents who have yet to apply for a REAL ID to act now before the federal deadline approaches.

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID or another federally approved document to board domestic flights and access secure federal facilities. Although the deadline may still seem far off, officials warn that waiting until the last minute could lead to unnecessary delays.

Reminder: @TSA and @iflyfresno officials reminded residents of California's Central Valley that REAL ID requirements will be enforced beginning May 7, 2025. Read more here: https://t.co/1MkcpJoqsN pic.twitter.com/lpKuYPFjK8
— TSA_Pacific (@TSA_Pacific) April 17, 2025

How to apply for, or renew your REAL ID

To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must complete the online form (the average time to complete this application is nine minutes - note that the app times out after 15 minutes). Online applications require you to create a DMV online account (email address and a way to receive a phone call or text message required).

Once you have filled in the form and uploaded the required documents, you will need to visit a DMV office to finalize the process - remember to bring all of your original documents (passport, birth certificate) with you. Some DMV locations will be opening an hour early exclusively for REAL ID appointments between April 14 and June 27.

To apply for a REAL ID, you must present several documents, including at least one proof of identity document which includes your date of birth and your full name (first, middle, and last) - for example, a valid US passport or birth certificate, and residency (e.g. utility bill, bank statement).

🪪 You can now use your California mobile driver’s license (mDL) at SAN, just add to your digital wallet.

A reminder to our passengers that the REAL ID deadline is May 7 2025. pic.twitter.com/9DMcZsIukk
— San Diego Airport (@SanDiegoAirport) March 13, 2025

How much does it cost to process my REAL ID?

The California DMV charges a $39 fee for the REAL ID. However, those who already hold a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved document can wait until their driver’s license renewal deadline.

REAL ID dcument checklist

Valid U.S. passport or passport card (Preferred)
Original or Certified copy of U.S birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office). “Abbreviated” or “Abstract” certificates are NOT accepted.
Valid Permanent Resident Card
Foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory
Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
Valid Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
Valid foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility

California DMV expands opening hours to help residents obtain REAL ID before deadline

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging residents to secure their REAL ID as soon as possible, as it will become mandatory starting May 7, 2025 for domestic flights and access to federal facilities.

To streamline the process, 18 DMV offices across California will offer extended hours from April 14 to June 27, opening at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. However, there will be no extended hours on Wednesdays.

Residents can apply for a REAL ID by completing the online application, uploading required documents, and visiting a DMV office to finalize the process. Officials recommend applying early to avoid last-minute delays.

REAL ID application: extended opening hours

To help residents obtain their REAL ID before the May 7, 2025 deadline, 18 DMV offices across California will operate under extended hours from April 14 to June 27, opening at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Pleasanton – 6300 W. Las Positas Blvd.
Fremont – 4287 Central Ave.
Folsom – 323 E. Bidwell St., Suite A
Carmichael – 5209 North Ave.
Thousand Oaks – 1810 E. Avenida de Los Arboles
Van Nuys – 14920 Vanowen St.
Arleta – 14400 Van Nuys Blvd.
Glendale – 1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Pasadena – 49 S. Rosemead Blvd.
Culver City – 11400 W. Washington Blvd.
Westminster – 13700 Hoover St.
Costa Mesa – 650 W. 19th St.
San Clemente – 2727 Via Cascadita
Rancho Cucamonga – 8629 Hellman Ave.
San Diego Clairemont – 4375 Derrick Drive
San Marcos – 590 Rancheros Drive
El Cajon – 1450 Graves Ave.
Poway – 13461 Community Road