CA DMV REAL ID Requirements and Application (2026)

Short answer: A REAL ID is a California driver’s license or ID card that is also federally accepted identification, marked with a golden bear and a star. Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID or another federally accepted ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities. To get one, apply online, upload one proof of identity and two proofs of California residency, then visit a DMV office with the originals. It’s optional.

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What is REAL ID?

The DMV describes a REAL ID as a California license or ID card that is also federally accepted. It’s marked with a golden bear and a star in the upper-right corner. A card that isn’t REAL ID compliant reads “Federal Limits Apply.”

Federal enforcement began on May 7, 2025. Since then, you need a REAL ID or another accepted document to:

Board domestic flights within the U.S.
Enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses

The DMV says you do not need a REAL ID to drive, apply for federal benefits, enter a post office, visit a hospital, or ride Amtrak or other public ground transportation.

Can you fly without a REAL ID?

Yes, with another federally accepted ID. The DMV lists a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, enhanced driver’s license or other federally accepted ID. It still recommends getting a REAL ID. Under TSA rules, the DMV notes, minors traveling with a companion don’t need ID, but the companion does.

California REAL ID requirements: the documents

All documents must show your true full name. Use the DMV’s interactive REAL ID Checklist to confirm yours before you go.

One proof of identity

Bring one original or certified document showing your full name and date of birth. The DMV accepts, among others:

U.S. passport or passport card (listed as preferred)
Certified U.S. birth certificate from a city, county or state office (abstract versions are not accepted)
Permanent Resident Card
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94
Employment Authorization Document (I-766)

Two proofs of California residency

You need two different printed documents that show your first and last name and the California mailing address on your application. Accepted types include:

Home utility or cell phone bill (listed as preferred)
Bank, credit union or credit card records
Mortgage, lease or rental agreement (signed by owner and tenant)
Insurance, medical, employment, tax or government agency documents
California vehicle registration or title
Voter registration confirmation or property tax bill
A completed and signed No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification form (DL 933)

If you use a P.O. box, one document must show both the P.O. box and your home address. If your name isn’t on a residency document, you can link yourself to the person named on it with a birth certificate, marriage license or domestic partner certificate. Minors can use a parent’s document plus a birth certificate.

Social Security number

The DMV says to bring your Social Security number, and notes that exceptions may apply.

Name change documents

If the name on your identity document isn’t your current legal name, bring at least one document for each legal name change. The DMV accepts a marriage certificate, domestic partnership certificate, adoption documents, a name change document showing your name before and after the change, or a dissolution document showing your resulting legal name.

How to apply for a REAL ID in California

Gather your documents. Run through the DMV’s REAL ID Checklist.
Fill out the application online. When you convert to REAL ID, the online application asks you to upload your identity and residency documents. The DMV says the form takes about 9 minutes on average. Save the confirmation number it emails you.
Visit a DMV office. A first-time REAL ID can’t be finished by mail or fully online. Bring the original documents you uploaded and your confirmation code. The DMV suggests checking wait times before you go. Our DMV appointment guide explains how to book.
Finish at the office. Applications are stored for up to a year and processed only when you visit. If your visit also includes a knowledge test, note that tests aren’t given at offices after 4:30 p.m.
Watch for your card in the mail. Once you have a REAL ID, the DMV says you can renew it online.

How much does a REAL ID cost?

The DMV’s Licensing Fees page doesn’t list a separate REAL ID fee. As of November 2026, it lists $46 for an original or renewed Class C driver’s license and $40 for a regular ID card; senior ID cards (age 62 and older) have no fee. When the DMV launched REAL ID in 2018, it said all licenses, including REAL ID licenses, cost the same. If you upgrade between renewals, the fees page doesn’t list a separate upgrade fee, so confirm the amount when you apply.

Getting REAL ID when you renew

The DMV suggests applying for REAL ID at your regular renewal. Its online renewal page includes an option to convert a standard card to REAL ID while renewing, but you still finish at an office the first time. See our California driver’s license renewal guide for the rest of the renewal rules.

Who can’t get a REAL ID

The DMV states that people applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver’s license are not eligible for a REAL ID. AB 60 licenses are for people who can’t provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. For people with temporary legal status, the DMV says cards expire on the date of their legal presence document or according to their immigration status.

Getting your first license? Choose REAL ID from the start

The DMV says all noncommercial licenses are issued as either REAL ID compliant or federal non-compliant cards, so first-time drivers choose on the application. New drivers and people moving to California still take the knowledge test. Read our guides for adults getting a first license and new California residents, then take the free 10-question practice test before your DMV visit.

Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.

Start the free test →

Frequently asked questions

When did REAL ID become required in California?

Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. Since then you need a REAL ID or another federally accepted ID to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

Can I fly without a REAL ID?

Yes, if you have another federally accepted ID. The DMV lists a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID or enhanced driver's license as examples.

How many proofs of residency do I need for a California REAL ID?

Two different printed documents showing your first and last name and California mailing address, such as a utility bill and a bank statement.

Can I apply for a REAL ID completely online?

No. You can start the application and upload documents online, but a first-time REAL ID must be finished at a DMV office with your original documents.

Does a REAL ID cost more than a regular license?

The DMV's fee page doesn't list a separate REAL ID fee. As of November 2026, an original or renewed Class C license is $46. When REAL ID launched in 2018, the DMV said REAL ID licenses cost the same as other licenses.

Can I get a REAL ID with an AB 60 license?

No. The DMV says people applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver's license are not eligible for a REAL ID.

California REAL ID: Requirements, Documents and How to Apply