You’ve still got a year before you must have it to join your luggage and board that flight to Honolulu. But if you don’t get that California REAL IDEA by next May, you can kiss Waikiki sayonara.
More than 13 million Californians now possess a REAL ID, the federally compliant ID issued by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, as of May 1.
The DMV says 213,661 more REAL IDs were issued since last month, as it continues to encourage California residents to apply for the ID.
Beginning May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, such as the REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.
“We encourage folks to get their REAL ID now,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said. “There is no need to procrastinate. It’s easy to start the application online. Customers can fill out the online application, upload their documents, get verification and make an appointment when and where they want. Within a few days, you are ready to go.”
In Pasadena, residents can apply for the REAL ID via the Pasadena DMV webpage, www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/field-office/pasadena. They will then need to visit the Pasadena DMV office, at 49 S. Rosemead Blvd., to complete the application.
Customers will need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport or a birth certificate; legal name change documents if the name on your proof of identity is different from the name on the other documents; two documents as proof of California residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement; and your Social Security number.
A California issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card meets these new requirements and is marked with a gold bear and star, according to the California DMV.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, visit www.REALID.dmv.ca.gov.
To take advantage of more digital services offered by DMV, such as signing up for paperless vehicle registration or renewing driver’s licenses, customers are advised to secure an online account at www.DMV.ca.gov.