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What Is a Real ID?

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What Is a Real ID?

What Is a Real ID?

If you have been paying attention to the news lately, then you have probably heard something about Real IDs. This is a new type of identification card that is compliant with the federal Real ID Act, which was enacted in May of 2005. The new law was in response to the 9/11 terror attacks. These new cards will have more information on them, and will be more difficult for criminals to duplicate.


The big concern for many Americans, is that these new ID cards will be required for anyone looking to fly on a commercial flight within the United States.


The California DMV has recently begun accepting applications for these new ID cards, though there is no need for people to rush to get the cards just yet. They will not be required to board a flight until October of 2020.

For a person to get one of these new cards, they will need to visit their local DMV office. They will need to bring with them:

  • Proof of identity like a birth certificate, US passport, or something of the sorts.
  • Proof of California residency.
  • Proof of social security number.

These new Real ID cards will be used to not only get through TSA checkpoints at airports, but they will also be used to enter federal buildings, such as military bases.

For the most part, these new Real IDs will only affect people who are looking to fly from state to state and do not use US passport or military ID card. Thankfully for many of those people, there is still plenty of time for a person to get their own Real ID card from the DMV.