California REAL ID requirements

• Upgrade fee
  $32
• First-time fee
  $41
• Address documents
  2 required
• Appointment
  Required
• Online pre-application
  Available
• Card arrives in
  2-4 weeks

Proof of identity — bring one

Original or certified copy only. Photocopies, laminated documents, and phone photos are rejected.

• Valid U.S. passport or passport card
• Certified U.S. birth certificate (with raised seal)
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
• Valid permanent resident card (Green Card)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550/N-570)
• Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560/N-561)

Proof of Social Security number — bring one

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Pay stub with full SSN

Proof of California address — bring 2

Each document must show your name and street address. P.O. boxes are not accepted.

• Utility bill (within 60-90 days)
• Bank or credit card statement (within 60-90 days)
• Mortgage bill or rental/lease agreement
• Vehicle registration card
• IRS or government-issued mail
• Medical or insurance document with address

Proof of legal name change — only if your name changed

• Certified marriage certificate
• Certified divorce decree with name change
• Court order for legal name change

Additional California requirements

• Complete online pre-application before your appointment
• Bring printed confirmation code to DMV office

Application form: DL 44 — Driver License/Identification Card Application. Filling it out before you arrive saves counter time.

• Appointment strongly recommended — walk-ins face long wait times
• REAL ID has been required for domestic flights since May 7, 2025
• REAL ID has a gold bear and star on the card
• Complete your application online first to save time at the DMV