“Apply for Real ID” 1.93 million new issued last year.

It was calculated that more than 1.9 million people were newly issued Real IDs in California last year. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that the number of residents with Real IDs as of January 1 this year was 16,870,178, an increase of 1,932,668 over the past year.

Real ID is a new California driver’s license and ID card issued in accordance with federal government standards. Starting in May 2025, it will be the only means of identification, other than passport, when boarding at airports and entering federal government buildings.

To apply for Real ID, you must visit the website (REALID.dmv.ca.gov), fill out an online application, upload the required documents, and make an appointment.

According to the DMV, the documents required for a visit include one form of identification (valid passport, birth certificate, etc.), two forms of proof of California residency (utility bill, bank statement, etc.), and a Social Security number.