Real ID license f ix is on the way
DMV will send letters to early applicants who need a second proof of residence.
Early adopters should watch their mail for a letter from the DMV.
The fix for early adopters of the Real ID driver’s license is coming soon to a mailbox near you, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has announced.
California began issuing Real ID licenses in January 2018. The upgraded license conforms to federal requirements for a change that goes into effect Oct. 1, 2020. On that date going forward, passengers boarding a domestic flight will need identification that meets federal standards.
Hundreds of thousands of the California Real ID licenses were issued before the Department of Homeland Security last fall told the state that the early California version did not meet its standards. The DHS had previously approved California’s process.
Those who already have the license and were required to provide only one proof of residence to obtain it should begin looking for a letter from the DMV. The letter will ask the license holder to certify that the address where the letter was received is correct. The recipient simply needs to sign it and return it in a postage-paid envelope, the DMV said.
If the mailing address on the letter is not correct — perhaps you have moved since your Real ID was issued — you will check the “No” box. In that case, you will need to sign the letter, place two proofs of residence that show your new address in the envelope and return it. You can see what proofs of residence are required on the DMV website.
The DMV also will ask, if your address is incorrect, that you go online and update your address.
The letters started going out Monday.
DHS’ backtracking last fall threw California’s Real ID process into chaos. Those who already had the driver’s license wondered whether they would be allowed to use it to board a domestic flight. (They can now and beginning Oct. 1, 2020.) New applicants had to produce a second proof of residence.
The need for this highergrade identification becomes necessary for air travel beginning Oct. 1, 2020, when California driver’s licenses that do not have the distinguishing bear and star in the upper right corner will no longer be enough to board a plane. A passport will work; the Transportation Security Administration lists on its website other forms of identification that agents will accept. Other important notes:
You do not need a Real ID license to drive. The plain-vanilla driver’s license will work. But many people prefer to carry a federally compliant license because they almost always have the license with them.
You will still need a passport for an international flight.
This change in licenses affects all states and territories, not just California.
If your license expires this year, you might want to start trying to get an appointment if you’re planning to get Real ID. You must go to a DMV office to apply for Real ID, and the demand has been heavy.
The DMV provides an interactive checklist for documentation at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid/checklist.