REAL ID deadline is less than a year out: How to get one in California

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The day some thought might never come is right around the corner: The deadline to swap a normal drivers' license or identification card out with a REAL ID is just over six months away.

Enforcement of the REAL ID program will finally begin ramping up in May of 2025, following nearly two decades of setbacks and hiccups that had federal officials perennially delaying the deadline for compliance.

Under a recently proposed rule, the Transportation Security Administration will begin a "phased enforcement approach" once this deadline hits, aiming for full compliance by May 2027.

The rule was pitched to give the administration more leeway, given slow uptake nationwide for the ID cards.

As of January, the Department of Homeland Security estimates only 56% of all state-issued IDs were REAL ID complaint. In California, around 17 million of the state's 39 million residents — about 43% — were considered REAL ID cardholders at the start of this year.

If the rule is accepted, federal officials still urge travelers to act sooner rather than later to get their REAL ID.

Domestic travelers especially could still experience issues going through airport security with a standard ID once the deadline hits, even with the rule change. This trouble could range from delays to written warnings given by TSA agents.

For those who have yet to trade out their current ID card for one that is REAL ID-compliant, here is what to know:

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID describes an identification card that meets the federal minimum standard created by the REAL ID Act of 2005.

Passed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the law sought to create uniformity among states about issuing these cards with the goal of heightening security at airports and federal facilities, where some form of identification is used already for entrance.

What does a REAL ID look like?

REAL ID cards look fairly similar to the standard ones with one primary difference: There is some form of star marking in the upper right hand corner.

For Californians, the star is inside a golden silhouette of the bear on the state flag. An example of what this should look like from the Department of Homeland Security can be found below.

How do I get a REAL ID card?

Just like a standard license or identification card, people looking to get a REAL ID need to go through the DMV. As each state has their own regulations on the roads, the process to obtain a REAL ID card might vary slightly.

In California, it is a three-step process to apply for the ID card: gather all the documents needed to verify identity and residency, submit the online form with the documents, and make an appointment with the DMV to complete any remaining paperwork in person.

What documents are needed for a REAL ID?

To apply for a REAL ID, one needs to have several documents available on hand so state officials can verify identity and residency before issuing the card, according to the California DMV.

For identity, people will need to have one document that includes date of birth and full name. As the DMV explains in its checklist for REAL ID applicants, this could be something like:

• A valid U.S. passport
• Original or certified birth certificate
• 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

As for proof of residency, people will need to be able to have two different documents showing their full name with the same mailing address listed on their REAL ID application form. Among the documents applicants can provide are:

• Home utility bill or cell phone bill
• Record from any state or national bank
• Insurance documents
• Mortgage bill
• Rental or lease agreement
• Tax return from the Internal Revenue Service or California Franchise Tax Board
• School documents that include the date of birth

For those who do not have their name on any residency documents, California allows for people to provide another document that can be used to trace their relationship to the person who does have their name on the form. This could be a birth certificate, marriage license or domestic partner registration certificate.

What happens if I don't have a REAL ID by the deadline?

People who do not have a REAL ID before the deadline could have difficulties boarding domestic flights or accessing secured federal facilities, such as military bases, even though there is a two-year cushion for total enforcement.

Per DHS, those sticking with their current state-issued ID would likely need to also bring an alternative form of identification to checkpoints to enter any of these places, like a passport, passport card, Global Entry card or Veteran Health Identification card.

A full list of acceptable identification at airport security can be found on the TSA's website.