The Los Angeles Post

Let a REAL ID be Your Lucky Charm this St. Patrick’s Day

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Sacramento – Nearly 15.3 million Californians now have a REAL ID – an increase of 166,610 from the previous month – according to California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) data.

The DMV is encouraging all Californians to consider getting a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card now – so wherever they go, whatever they do, luck will be upon them, when the federal enforcement day of May 7, 2025, requires a REAL ID to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities. Not having a REAL ID or other federally approved document to get through airport security may cause you to miss out on seeking the pot of gold across the U.S. for St. Patrick’s Day fun.

“No extra luck is needed. We’ve made it fast and simple to get a REAL ID. Just fill out the application online, upload your documents, put on your favorite green shirt, and follow the rainbow to your nearest DMV field office to complete the process,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “The luck of a four-leaf clover can only get you so far, but soon the REAL ID will get you anywhere in the United States.”

To apply for a REAL ID, Californians should visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov, fill out the online application and upload their documents. Customers must visit a DMV office and bring their uploaded documents to complete the application. Customers need to provide:

  • Proof of identity* – One original or certified document (example: valid passport, birth certificate) *Legal name change document(s) is required if name on proof of identity is different from the name on the other documents (example: marriage certificate, adoption papers).
  • Proofs of California residency – Two documents, paper copies (example: utility bill, bank statement).
  • Social Security number (exceptions may apply).

Visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov for a complete list of acceptable documents and a link to the online application.

Historical REAL ID information:

  • Total REAL ID cardholders as of March 1, 2023: 15,276,836
  • Total REAL ID cardholders as of February 1, 2023: 15,110,226
  • Total REAL ID cardholders as March 1, 2022: 12,704,421

Online Services         

The DMV has taken many steps to offer more digital services. Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit. The DMV encourages customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

To sign up for paperless vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal notices, customers must sign in or create a secure online account at dmv.ca.gov, and then opt in.