The federal REAL ID enforcement deadline is quickly approaching. As of May 7, 2025, specific federally compliant identification will be required for certain activities, such as boarding domestic flights. Here at Lexus of Valencia, we want to make sure that local Valencia, CA drivers are ready for this important change. This is what you need to know about the upcoming REAL ID deadline.
What is REAL ID and Why Does it Matter?
REAL ID refers to the minimum security standards set by the federal government for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, including California, used for specific official purposes. The deadline is May 7, 2025, and after this date, Transportation Security Administration agents will require travelers to present a REAL ID-compliant card or another acceptable type of ID, like a passport, to pass through checkpoints for domestic flights. Compliance will be required to access certain federal facilities.
Guide to REAL ID in California
Here in California, REAL ID-compliant identification cards are issued by the DMV. You can identify a California REAL ID by its distinctive bear symbol and a star in the top right corner of the card. To obtain a card, you must visit a California DMV office and provide documents proving:
- Your identity (U.S. passport or birth certificate)
- Your Social Security Number (SSN card or W2 form)
- Your California residency (two different printed documents, such as a utility bill or bank statement)
You can upload images of these documents to the online portal before your appointment in order to save time. For more information about REAL ID in California, visit your nearest California DMV office.
Don’t Get Caught Unprepared for REAL ID
Here at our Valencia, CA Lexus dealership, we want to ensure that you’re ready for the REAL ID deadline. Visit us today for more specific guidance on REAL ID!
