The REAL ID timeline has been postponed again, due to the pandemic. If you plan on traveling by airplane, you will need a REAL ID compliant driver's license, passport, or another federally approved ID, such as a passport card. Now, the official deadline to do so is May 3rd, 2023.

California DMV Offers Free Real ID Upgrade

California announced this week that drivers who have not upgraded their driver's license or ID to the REAL ID, can do so without a fee. The California DMV estimates that since May 2020, around 5.7 million licenses and IDs have been renewed that are not REAL IDs. Typically there is a fee to renew or replace your license, depending on the type of license and the vehicle. Through December 31, 2021, the fee to upgrade to a REAL ID is being waived.

In order to apply for your REAL ID, you need to bring proof of your date of birth, such as your birth certificate or an unexpired passport. You will also need to provide two different documents that offer proof of residency, such as a lease/mortgage and a utility bill. If you changed your name, you will need to bring documentation illustrating your name change, such as adoption paperwork or marriage license.

Here's How to Avoid the Real ID DMV Line

If you still need to upgrade to the REAL ID, there is no rush, but it's better to go to the DMV and get it done sooner rather than later. One of the most grueling aspects of going to the DMV is waiting in line. You can spend hours waiting in line, just to find out that you don't have everything you need. Wouldn't it be nice to have someone wait in line for you before the DMV opens, and then trade places with you so you can walk right in?

📌 Did you know that Skip has a DMV Line Waiting Concierge service? You can hire someone to stand in line for you, hours before the DMV opens, and then trade places with you at opening, ensuring that you save time and energy.

📅 If you prefer to make a DMV appointment, use our DMV Appointment service to get an appointment much sooner than you can with the DMV itself. Our team is often able to get appointments for you within several days – not several weeks– which is common for the DMV.