LOS ANGELES, CA (January 10, 2018) - All California drivers will need to upgrade their driver’s licenses to a REAL ID driver’s license, beginning January 22, 2018. The new ID card was mandated as part of the REAL ID Act of 2005 and passed in response to 9/11 that created new security standards for states driver’s licenses and IDs. This is the biggest change to ID cards and driver’s licenses in years. However, we believe that the changing over to the new REAL ID is a smart move as it will standardize the ID requirements across all states that currently have various ID standards and make your identification more secure and safe.
We are advising all Californians to make appointment with your local DMV office and upgrade to the new REAL ID. Here’s everything you need to know about your new REAL ID:
What is the REAL ID and why do I need it – The REAL ID is a federal compliant driver’s license or ID card that will be required, to travel domestically beginning in January 22, 2018. Without a REAL ID, you will need to bring your passport or be prepared to miss your flight, as TSA will not let you through the security checkpoints.
All states must comply with the new REAL ID requirements. Currently, there are nine states whose ID cards to not comply with the federal minimum-security requirements. In all other states that comply, including California, you can continue to use your state-issued driver’s license or ID to fly in the U.S. until October 1, 2020, but we suggest you upgrade to the REAL ID as soon as possible. Keep in mind that you do not need a new REAL ID to drive, vote, or if you do not plan on flying domestically.
When do I need to upgrade to the new REAL ID – Beginning January 22, 2018, all California DMV offices will begin accepting applications for the new REAL ID driver’s license and identification cards. As a result, all California drivers will be required to visit the DMV to upgrade their driver’s license if they plan to travel domestically. Remember, you have up and until October 1, 2020 to get your new ID card, however it pays to get it sooner rather than later especially if you plan on traveling.
How do I upgrade my driver’s license to the REAL ID – You cannot apply for a REAL ID by mail, you must apply in person at your local DMV office. When applying for your new ID card, please make an appointment at your local DMV and bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport
- Proof of California residency – this can be a rental or lease agreement, home utility bill, mortgage bill or another approved document
- Proof of social security number such as your social security card or a paycheck that discloses your social security number
- If you change your name, got married or divorced, you may need to prove additional documents.
GetDismissed is a web-based legal document assistant that has helped thousands of California drivers quickly and inexpensively prepare the necessary paperwork to contest and dismiss their traffic tickets through the Trial by Written Declaration process. The recipient of a 2016/2017 “Best of Los Angeles Award,” GetDismissed is a web-based application and is also available for all iOS based phones in the App Store and for all Android-based phones in Google Play. The site and app work for most California traffic tickets, including speeding, red light, sign infractions, cell phone use, among others.
