Due to a system setting issue with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), approximately 325,000 California residents are required to replace their “REAL ID” (including real driver’s licenses) or switch to non-REAL ID standard identification documents. Authorities have begun sending written notifications to affected residents.
At the end of 2025, on December 31st, the DMV issued a statement indicating that after reviewing the technical system, they found that the expiration date of some legal residents’ REAL IDs did not align with their legal residency status, necessitating reissuance of relevant documents to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
The DMV has pledged to expedite the process and waive any related fees. Those affected are residents of California who have legal residency status but have not yet obtained U.S. citizenship.
The DMV pointed out that this issue stems from the “old system setting” of the DMV. While the DMV verifies the applicant’s legal identity when issuing a REAL ID, a small number of people had their REAL ID expiration dates automatically set based on the renewal period of standard identification documents, rather than in accordance with their legal residency status, due to outdated program codes from 2006.
Steve Gordon, the Director of the California DMV, stated that this issue affects only about 1.5% of REAL ID holders in California, and “nearly 99% of REAL ID holders do not need to take any action.”
The DMV stated that in the coming weeks or months, approximately 325,000 affected California residents will receive written notifications. These notifications will include detailed instructions to assist residents in obtaining a valid REAL ID or, if eligible, replacing it with a non-REAL ID standard identification document.
To prevent fraud, the DMV emphasized that affected residents do not need to pay any additional fees. The DMV will not request personal information or payment over the phone, via text messages, or email to address this matter.
In their press release, the DMV also mentioned that all REAL IDs issued in California have undergone identity verification steps, and the agency has never issued REAL IDs to any undocumented immigrants.
Effective as of May 7, 2025, the U.S. REAL ID Act officially came into effect. This federal law passed by Congress in 2005 aims to enhance the security of identification documents to prevent terrorism and identity fraud.
Following the full implementation of the REAL ID Act, presenting a REAL ID is required for domestic flights within the United States and entering federal facilities, including military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure areas.
In other words, as of May 7th of the previous year, Americans must present a REAL ID when using a driver’s license or identification document for domestic flights, or they will not be able to pass through smoothly.
The REAL ID Act was originally scheduled to be fully implemented years ago but faced multiple delays due to varying preparedness levels among states. Even though it has now started to be implemented, there are still individuals who have not obtained a REAL ID.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that beginning on February 1, 2026, domestic travelers without a REAL ID or other accepted alternatives (such as a passport, green card, etc.) will need to pay a $45 fee for identity verification using the verification system at security checkpoints. The verification process typically takes 10-15 minutes and sometimes up to 30 minutes.
It is important to note that even if the fee is paid, passengers may still be denied boarding if the government cannot complete the identity verification.
TSA does not require identification from domestic passengers under the age of 18. For infants and toddlers under 2 years old, who fly free and for unaccompanied minors needing to apply for TSA PreCheck service, it is still crucial to carry a birth certificate or passport. Specific implementation may vary by airline. ◇