SAN ANSELMO, CA - MAY 09: In this photo illustration, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) logo appears on a California driver license on May 9, 2017 in San Anselmo, California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles is being accused in a federal lawsuit of violating voter federal "motor voter" law with a requirement for over 1 million residents who renew their license by mail to fill out a seperate form with their renewal. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
San Diego, California – With the May 7 federal REAL ID enforcement deadline fast approaching, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is opening 18 of its offices an hour earlier on select days to accommodate a growing number of residents seeking to upgrade their driver’s licenses.
Beginning Monday, April 14 through June 27, participating DMV offices will open at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays—exclusively for customers with appointments to apply for a REAL ID. The extended hours are aimed at easing the last-minute rush as the deadline nears.
After May 7, anyone flying domestically or entering secured federal buildings, such as courthouses, must show a federally approved form of identification, such as a REAL ID, passport, or permanent resident card. Travelers who arrive at airport security without one will face delays, additional screening, or may not be allowed through the checkpoint, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, was designed to improve national security and reduce identity fraud. Enforcement has been delayed multiple times over the years but will now be fully implemented this spring.
“To help meet demand, we’ve taken steps to increase capacity at 18 DMV offices across the state,” said DMV spokesperson Jaime Garza. “Start your application online, upload your documents, and schedule an appointment to help reduce wait times.”
The early opening hours apply to DMV locations including Clairemont, San Marcos, El Cajon, and Poway. DMV offices will maintain regular hours on Wednesdays, when they open at 9 a.m.
To apply for a REAL ID, residents must visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov to complete an online application and upload required documents, including proof of identity (such as a valid passport or birth certificate), proof of California residency (like a utility bill), and a Social Security number. A REAL ID driver’s license costs $45.
Not all Californians need to rush to apply. “If you already have a valid passport or another federally approved document, you can use that and wait to upgrade to a REAL ID when your license is due for renewal,” said Garza.
Still, for many like Maira Barrera, who frequently travels domestically, the convenience is worth the effort. “I don’t want to risk losing my passport on a quick trip. Having a REAL ID just makes more sense.”
As the May deadline looms, the DMV expects application numbers to rise further.
