Is your California license okay for travel?

Since January, the California DMV has been offering drivers the option of a regular driver’s license or an enhanced “REAL ID”. You can use the enhanced version at airport security and other federal installations. REAL ID licenses have a golden bear with a white star in the upper right corner. Regular licenses do not. (See above or see this for more details)

You should opt for a REAL ID compliant license if you plan on using it to get through airport security. This will involve a trip to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).”

Clearly, that message did not register clearly with Barkley, or maybe he was just too busy and rushed to take the time to fully read the renewal notification from the DMV (his excuse!). In any case, he now has to go back and re-renew his license.

Here are 5 things California frequent travelers need to know about REAL ID: 

1> Your current, regular California license will work at airport security through October 1, 2020, even if it is non-compliant.

2>When your driver’s license comes up for renewal, you are now given the option of getting a regular license, or a REAL ID compliant license. If you are a frequent traveler, be sure you ask for a REAL ID!

3>To get your REAL ID compliant license, you will have to show up in person at the DMV with specific documentation (see those docs here).You cannot renew a REAL ID online or by mail, you must show up at the DMV.

4>If your current driver’s license expires after October 1, 2020, you will need to get a new REAL ID compliant license before that date. But don’t sweat it now. You have more than two years to do this.

5>After, October 1, 2020, the TSA will require a REAL ID compliant license, or a passport (or similar federally approved ID) to pass through airport security.

Got it? I hope so! More details about REAL ID from the DMV can be found here.