After a few postponements, the deadline to obtain a REAL ID to board domestic flights is May 7, 2025.
Last week, however, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed a new rule that would allow for a transition period of two years before full enforcement of the ID would kick in.
Don’t want to wait? Here’s how to get a REAL ID in California — and a tip to speed up the process:
Start the process online
You will need to visit a DMV office to get a REAL ID, but California wants you to fill out an application and upload your required ID documents online ahead of time. The one big advantage of starting the process early is that once you are done, you will be given a confirmation code that will fast track you when you get to DMV. If you want to wait, you likely will have to input your data at a DMV kiosk onsite, anyway.
— To apply for a REAL ID online, first you must create a DMV account and fill out the application for a driver’s license/ID.
— Then upload the required ID documents: These include one proof of identity document and two proof of residency documents. Here are some examples:
Proof of identity documents:
Valid U.S. passport or passport card
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
Proof of California residency documents:
Home utility bill or cellphone bill
Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
Medical documents
A document issued by a U.S. government agency, meaning the entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
Mortgage bill
Employment documents
Tax return (either Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Faith-based document that includes the name and address of organization
Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant’s date of birth. If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.
Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
Property tax bill or statement
Letter attesting …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
