How can I tell if my CA driver's license is a "Real ID?"

[Muse]

I renewed at my local DMV mid-July 2017. They said they were rolling out a new ID system and I got one, it's in addition to the DL I was getting, and it was a Senior Citizen Identification Card. Don't know if the DL I got by virtue of the same visit was part of the "new" system. I had an appointment.

I like having two IDs in that if I'm not driving I sometimes have the other one with me just in case I need an ID. I used it once.

How can I tell if I have a Real ID here or if I need to go again in person at some point to get one? Searching online I'm not seeing anything pertaining to determining if the ID you have is a "Real ID."

 

[quikah]

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid

 

[eng2d2]

How long did you wait to get that ID? The wait for these are 5 hours minumum. Crazy.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

How long did you wait to get that ID? The wait for these are 5 hours minumum. Crazy.

Rather just use my passport then pay more for a RealID.

 

[Preyhunter]

If it's identical to the ID's for illegals, it's real enough. Or so I'm told.

 

[eng2d2]

If it's identical to the ID's for illegals, it's real enough. Or so I'm told.

Its actually the same price but its not worth the wait.

 

[killster1]

you have to wait inside teh DMV for 5 hours/?

 

[eng2d2]

you have to wait inside teh DMV for 5 hours/?

That is minimum in california with appointment or longer. Without appointment it is 8 hours minimum or longer. Everyone is getting the real ID. So I told my nephew to just get the regular ID and switch later when the hype subside.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

I recently picked up a Real ID (since I was traveling to Chitown from NC, and didn't know if I had to be in compliance, NC isn't Real ID yet but Chitown is).

It should have a star on the top right. In Cali's case, it's a bear.

 

[highland145]

No real id but a CWP. Good enough.

 

[Muse]

My IDs are non-compliant.

The confusing part is deciding whether to get a Real ID or the "Federal Limits Apply" non-compliant ID. They are offering both now for DL and ID. I don't know why someone wouldn't just opt for the Real ID. What's the downside? I read the whole spiel at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid. I can think of two possibilities. They say you have to show up in person to get the Real ID. By deduction I imagine you maybe don't have to show up in person to get the non-Real ID. The other possibility (and both are simultaneously possible, I suppose) is that the Real ID will cost you more in fees.

This whole thing stinks. I mean, it's only a year since I got my most recent IDs and now I have to think about getting others. I do have a passport as of about a year ago (that I have had no use for yet), but I keep it in my safe deposit box. That or my passport card (also in my SDB) will get me on a domestic flight after Oct. 1, 2020, but figure I'll get a Real ID by then just to avoid the hassle of going to my bank for my passport. I'll wait a while for the frenzy to subside, be sure to make an appointment in advance and fill in the application online before the appointment.

 

[IBMJunkman]

There is also confusion by CA FFL as to whether you can buy a gun with a non-RealID.

 

[dingster1]

Virginia is having the same issue. Hope they have it sorted by the time I move there. I travel a lot domestically and don’t wanna have to take my passport if I don’t have to.

 

[Alpha One Seven]

If it has a picture of you and is issued by the state, it is a state issued photo ID.

 

[who?]

If it has a picture of you and is issued by the state, it is a state issued photo ID.

Some state issued photo IDs are in compliance with the federal RealID act and the TSA will continue to trust them for getting past security at airports after some deadline date.

 

[who?]

I didn't know that they wanted a state certified birth certificate and not the hospital one to get a Real ID act compliant ID so I used the state certified bc to get a passport and used that to get my latest drivers license.

 

[JulesMaximus]

There is also confusion by CA FFL as to whether you can buy a gun with a non-RealID.

I just bought a handgun and I don’t have a real ID.

 

[snoopy7548]

you have to wait inside teh DMV for 5 hours/?

If you're a AAA member, I think you can do it there instead.

 

[Muse]

If you're a AAA member, I think you can do it there instead.

If true, that's an added incentive to get back with AAA. I stopped sending them money maybe 20 years ago but I keep getting letters from them trying to get me back onboard. My car being over 20 years old, I'm thinking maybe yeah.

 

[killster1]

That is minimum in california with appointment or longer. Without appointment it is 8 hours minimum or longer. Everyone is getting the real ID. So I told my nephew to just get the regular ID and switch later when the hype subside.

i DOnt follow why is there a min wait time requirement? when i enter my DMV with out appointment. My license expires in oct and im tempted to let it lapse for a week and get it in November some time. I wonder if they will cancel my cars registration

Can you not just show up check in then come back in 4 hours to get the license? im confused why they would make you sit there for 5 hours for what reason

 

[Alpha One Seven]

Some state issued photo IDs are in compliance with the federal RealID act and the TSA will continue to trust them for getting past security at airports after some deadline date.

I don't know about that, I use a passport for travel.

 

[highland145]

I just bought a handgun and I don’t have a real ID.

That shady guy on a back street doesn't count.

 

[Darwin333]

I don't know about that, I use a passport for travel.

Even when simply traveling within these United States?

 

[Alpha One Seven]

Even when simply traveling within these United States?

Yes, unless I am driving there myself.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Even when simply traveling within these United States?

I mostly travel international so it's not a huge leap for me to just bring my passport with me if I travel in the states.