FA R M L A B O R I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
August 2018
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How the REAL ID Act Impacts Californians
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he REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, enacts the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum-security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission and every state has a more secure driver’s license today than before the passage of the Act. Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license or identification (ID) card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight or enter military bases and most federal facilities. You do not need a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or ID card to do any of the following: n Drive n Apply for or receive federal benefits (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.) n Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (i.e. a post office)
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Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations The California DMV began offering a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or ID card as an option to customers on January 22, 2018. If you have a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another form of Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) approved identification, these documents will still be accepted to board a domestic flight. Federally compliant identification will also be required to access military bases and most federal facilities. There is no need to rush into a DMV field office. A valid California driver license or ID card can be used to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities until October 1, 2020. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s n
Volume 28, Number 8 licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and, boarding a federally regulated commercial aircraft. The fees for a REAL ID card are the same as those currently charged for a driver license or ID card. A DMV field office visit is required to apply for a REAL ID driver license or ID card. Here is what else you need to do to apply: n Make an appointment with DMV by visiting the website at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. n Provide proof of identity, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, employment authorization document, permanent resident card or foreign passport with an approved form I-94. n Show a California residency document that includes your physical California resident address. Documents addressed to a PO Box must include the physical resident address on documents (for example utility bills). n Present proof of your Social Security number, such as a SSN card, W-2 or paystub with your full SSN. Note: You can request a replacement Social Security card online at www.ssa.gov. Name change documents, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, may be required if your identity document name (birth certificate) is different than the name on your application. Name change document information can be found at www.dmv.ca.gov. Sources: www.dhs.gov/real-id www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid/realidfaq