(SACRAMENTO, 2026-01-01 09:32:00) — Approximately 325,000 California residents with Real IDs need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure their identification remains valid, state officials announced.
Roughly 325,000 California Real ID holders must contact the DMV to maintain the validity of their identification, according to state officials.
- Around 325,000 California Real ID holders are being asked to contact the DMV.
- State officials will provide guidance to those affected.
- The reason for contacting the DMV was not specified in the initial announcement.
The announcement indicates that a significant number of Californians holding Real IDs must take action to maintain their validity, though the specific reason for this requirement was not immediately detailed. State officials have stated they will provide guidance to those impacted, but further information is needed to understand the scope and nature of the issue.
What This Means for You
If you are a California resident with a Real ID, it is crucial to proactively check with the DMV to determine if you are among the 325,000 individuals who need to take action. Failure to do so could result in your Real ID becoming invalid, potentially causing issues when using it for federal identification purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities. The DMV will be providing guidance, so checking their website or contacting them directly is the recommended course of action.
Background and Context
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations. It established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that are accepted by federal agencies for certain purposes. California, along with other states, has been working to comply with the Real ID Act, and the current situation appears to be related to ongoing efforts to ensure full compliance. The federal government has repeatedly extended the enforcement deadline for Real ID compliance, most recently to May 7, 2025.
The DMV has faced challenges in implementing the Real ID program, including backlogs and appointment availability. This latest announcement suggests that some existing Real ID holders may need to provide additional documentation or update their information to meet the federal standards.
State officials will provide guidance to those affected, but the specific nature of the required action remains unclear.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the California DMV website for updates and specific instructions on how to address this issue. The DMV has not yet released details on how individuals will be notified or what documentation may be required.
