The California driver’s license changes include new design features like a Golden Bear with a white star in the upper-right corner. The white star is a symbol for the DHS to know that it is a REAL ID-compliant ID card. On the right side of the card, there’s a pale color image of a “Forty-niner” miner along with mountains and a fruit orchard.
Full Answer
What is a California driver’s license?
A California driver license (DL) is a card which gives you permission to operate a motor vehicle. A DL includes your true full name, birthdate, mailing address, signature, photograph, and physical description. The card must be in your possession anytime you operate a motor vehicle.
How do I check the status of my California driver’s license?
If you haven’t received your new DL after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. All California residents need to have a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle.
How do I get a California driver's license without a DL?
Present acceptable residency documents (if you have never had a California DL/ID). Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months). Have your thumbprint scanned. Pass a vision exam. Have your photo taken. Pass the knowledge test(s). You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests.
How do I get my California drivers license after 50 hours?
Have completed driver education. Have completed six hours of professional driver training. Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years old or older who has a valid California DL and can certify that you completed the 50 hours of practice. Practice driving at night for at least 10 of the 50 practice hours.
What is the new California driver's license look like?
A: A California REAL ID will be marked in the top right corner with an image of a golden bear with a star on its backside. This is the REAL ID symbol that tells you it's a REAL ID license. A non-federal compliant license (so, not a REAL ID) would feature the “Federal Limits Apply” wording in that spot instead.Jun 9, 2021
When did California change the driver's license?
California began issuing Real ID licenses in January 2018. The upgraded license conforms to federal requirements for a change that goes into effect on Oct. 1, 2020. On that date going forward, passengers boarding a domestic flight will need identification that meets federal standards.May 22, 2019
Are all new CA driver's licenses real ID?
California is working to meet the new standards set by the federal government and will be making available REAL ID compliant driver licenses and identification cards at all DMV locations throughout the state.
What does the bear on the California license mean?
Real ID CompliantIf your California State issued Driver's License or State ID Card is Real ID Compliant, it must have a “Star cutout in gold grizzly bear” in the top right portion of your license. The Golden Bear with the 5-point Star, in the upper right-hand corner, means your California Driver's License is Real ID Compliant.
Can I retake my license picture in California?
Currently, to get a new picture on your license, you must request a duplicate ID from the DMV and pay the associated fee, $9 or $32.Feb 5, 2020
When did REAL ID start in California?
May 3, 2023Beginning May 3, 2023, passengers who want to continue to use their driver license or ID card to board a domestic flight will need to show a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or ID card with a special marking.May 1, 2021
What does REAL ID look like?
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card will have a star in a gold circle printed in the upper right corner of the card. Enhanced licenses and state ID cards that do not have a star on them are still REAL ID compliant and will be printed with a star when renewed or replaced.
How do I know if my license is a REAL ID?
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top of the card. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses do not have a star on the top of the card.
Is REAL ID mandatory in CA?
Do I have to get a REAL ID? No. A REAL ID driver's license or identification card is optional.
Is California REAL ID an enhanced driver's license?
Enhanced Driver's License and Real ID are two separate programs. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) and Real ID are based on two different Congressional mandates with divergent requirements.
Why get a REAL ID if I have a passport?
You certainly are welcome to get a REAL ID, but since your passport is sufficient identification to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a secure federal building after May 3, 2023, we recommend you wait until your license or ID card comes up for normal renewal and avoid the initial rush.
What is an enhanced driver's license in California?
What is an Enhanced Driver's License? The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a new government identification document being promoted by the Department of Homeland Security to satisfy the mandate of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
What to do if your driver's license is lost?
If your driver’s license, ID card, or commercial driver license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you may request a replacement. Replace your license or ID.
What is a motorcycle license in California?
A California motorcycle driver’s license authorizes you to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle, motorized bicycle, moped, or any bicycle with an attached motor. Learn more about motorcycle licenses.
What is an AB 60 license?
AB 60 driver’s licenses are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States (U.S.), but who meet California DMV requirements and are able to provide proof of identity and California residency. Learn more about AB 60 driver's licenses.
How to renew a DL in person?
To renew your DL in person: Complete a DL or ID card application or bring in the DMV renewal notice mailed to you (cross out any old information and write in the current information). Have your thumbprint scanned. Pass a vision exam.
How long does it take to get a new ID in the mail?
Have your photo taken. You will receive your new ID card in the mail within 3-4 weeks. If you haven’t received your new ID card after 60 days, call us at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.
Can I renew my California driver's license online?
minus. If you already have a California REAL ID driver’s license, you can renew it in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online. It is illegal to drive with an expired REAL ID DL and you can be cited. There are no late fees to renew a DL that has already expired. Renew your REAL ID DL online.
What do I need to update my California ID?
If you want a REAL ID as your updated DL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) two proofs of California residency. See acceptable documents list. If you want a non-REAL ID DL/ID you need only provide proof of your true full name. See acceptable documents list.
How long does it take to change address in California?
California law requires that you notify DMV within 10 days of changing your address. As of January 1, 2019, individuals may self-select a gender identity of male (M), female (F), or nonbinary (X) to appear on their driver’s license or identification (DL/ID).
How to get a DMV 14 form?
By mail: Download the DMV 14 (or call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request to have the form mailed to you; note this may take up to 5 days to receive) and mail the completed form to the address listed on the form. In person: Visit any DMV office, complete a DMV 14, and give it to a representative.
What do I need to get a real ID?
Gather the required documents to show DMV. If you want a REAL ID as your updated DL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) two proofs of California residency in addition to a completed Gender Category Request form (DMV 329S). See acceptable REAL ID documents list.
What is a real ID in California?
The federal REAL ID Act places new rules on which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States (U.S.) and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other federal facilities. A California issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card meets these new requirements ...
How do I get a real ID?
To apply for a REAL ID card, you must present documentation that includes your date of birth and your true full name. Confirm what documentation you need to get your REAL ID .
When do you have to apply for a real ID?
Applying for a REAL ID depends on the type of identification you currently use, and when it expires. Because of high demand for REAL ID between now and the new May 3, 2023 deadline (when the new federal identification requirements begin), DMV recommends you wait to apply for a REAL ID at the time of your renewal cycle.
What documents show your full name?
ONE identity document that shows your date of birth and true full name, such as a valid U.S. passport, certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, valid Permanent Resident Card, etc. If the true full name shown on your document does not match your current true full name, additional name change documentation is required.
Do I need a real ID to fly?
No. A REAL ID driver license or identification card is optional. A REAL ID is needed if: You wish to continue to use your driver license or identification card to board domestic flights within the U.S. Enter secure federal facilities.
When is the new federal travel deadline?
or visit secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses, or other federal buildings after the new May 3, 2023 deadline.
Can I get a real ID if I have an AB 60?
Provide Social Security number on REAL ID application (exceptions may apply). Individuals applying for or renewing an AB 60 driver’s license are not eligible to receive a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.
How to get a new driver's license in California?
To get a new California driver’s license, you’ll have to make an appointment with your local DMV office. Remember to bring at least two proof of identity documents, including, but not limited to: 1 S. birth certificate 2 S. passport 3 Permanent Resident Card 4 Employment Authorization Documents
When did the California DMV release the new driver's license?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should know by now that the California DMV released a new line of driver’s licenses back in 2018. It sports a new look, with an updated design and a few new anti-forgery countermeasures. The best part about the update is the option for travelers to get either a standard ID or a REAL ID-compliant card ...
How long does a California driver's license last?
The new California Driver’s Licenses must be renewed 6 months before expiration and up to 2 months after it expires . Prior to expiration, the California DMV will send you a notice by mail, reminding you to go for renewal.
How long does a military license last in California?
All California state licenses issued to military personnel remain valid while they’re in service, expiring only 30 days after they are discharged . For lost or stolen licenses, you’ll have to contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles at (886) 658-5758.
When will real ID cards be accepted?
REAL ID-compliant cards will be accepted as official ID’s starting in October 1, 2020. For cards to be REAL ID-compliant, they must meet the standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.
Can you have a negative driving record?
You have no negative marks on your driving record. You have a non-suspended license. You are not under probation. You did not change address since your last license renewal. If your license has been expired for over 2 years, however, you’ll have to go down to your local DMV office and go through the process of renewal.
Is a California driver's license real ID compliant?
Is the New California Driver’s License REAL-ID Compliant? Yes. As for old driver’s licenses (i.e. those issued pre -2018), they can still be used as a primary identification document in airports until October 1, 2020. After that, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant card to get through airport security.
When will California DMV require real ID?
Here is DMV’s Official Statement: Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver’s license or identification (ID) card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board an airplane or enter military bases and most federal facilities. The California DMV will provide a federal compliant REAL ID ...
When will California real ID be changed?
Due to security reasons, Driver Licenses all over the USA are changing starting 22 of January 2018. These new licenses are called “Real ID”. So if you encounter long lines these days in one of the DMV Offices, most probably this is because of massive REAL ID applications. Don’t go to DMV without reading California Real ID checklist.
When was the REAL ID Act passed?
Federally compliant identification will also be required to access military bases and most federal facilities. The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed in response to the events of 9/11. For more on the REAL ID Act, visit the Department of Homeland Security website. Source: DMV.