Scams abound in rush for Real ID

Fake DMV websites lure unsuspecting Californians who are looking to beat the lines and obtain new driver’s license

Lots of people were already annoyed by being required to obtain a Real ID. (If for no other reason than the requirement lengthens the already-long lines at offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles).

But now there are worries that some consumers are being ripped off by scams based on the new requirement.

The Real ID is a driver’s license or identification card that can be used to enter a secure federal facility – like a military base – or to board a domestic flight without a second form of ID.

If a person chooses to not get the Real ID, they can continue to use a non-federal ID that will have to be accompanied by a second form of ID, such as a U.S. Passport to enter secure federal facilities or board domestic flights.

Bogus DMV websites have been popping up across the web for more than 10 years, it’s reported. But it’s becoming more

contest it and possibly get the fine reduced.

“We understand the fines are expensive, but people who forgot to place their placard in their car so it’s visible have options,” she said. “If you do get cited because you forgot to put the placard up, there’s a way to contest it and get it down to $25, if you have all the valid paperwork and placard.”

She said there’s a Department of Motor Vehicles application online and one available in the office that people can fill out to get a handicap placard. A health care provider has to sign off on it before submitting it to the DMV.

“Volunteers do a lot here at the department,” she said. “They do daily runs to the court with documents for the DA and probation department.”

She said they also deliver mail at different departments in the city, perform vacation checks on people’s homes who are out of town and do welfare checks on the elderly by request.