May 26, 2019 - Sacramento – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notified California last Wednesday that it is in full compliance with the federal REAL ID Act and regulation.

“California has been working toward compliance for a long time, and it is a testament to the hard work of many that this day has arrived,” said Kathleen Webb, acting director of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). “We thank the Department of Homeland Security for its approval as we work to prepare Californians for the new federal identification requirements that begin October 2020.”

Starting October 1, 2020, DHS will require passengers to show a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

To date, the California DMV has issued 4.1 million REAL ID driver licenses and identification cards. After updated guidance from DHS, the DMV is mailing letters to REAL ID cardholders who submitted one proof of residency when they applied for a federal compliant driver license and identification card. When cardholders receive the letter, they simply need to verify their address, sign and date the document, and send it back in the prepaid envelope provided. This will satisfy the second residency requirement for REAL ID, and no return visit to a DMV office will be necessary.

Californians are now required to submit two different documents when applying for a REAL ID driver license or identification card.

To apply, individuals must visit a DMV office and bring the following documents:

• One Proof of Identity – Original or Certified 
  (Ex: Valid passport, birth certificate, etc.)
  
  
• One Proof of Social Security Number
  
  
• Two Proofs of California Residency – Paper Copies
  (Ex: Utility bill, cell phone bill, bank statement)

For a complete list of acceptable documents, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov. Customers are encouraged to fill out the online driver license application before their office visit at eDLapp.dmv.ca.gov.
Source: DMV