CALIFORNIA ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE VS REAL ID

When you apply for a California Enhanced Driver’s License, you can choose to get REAL ID-compliant. This means that your license will be federally recognized and accepted at airport security checkpoints across the country. If you don’t want the enhanced version of your driver’s license, then it will function as an ordinary state-issued driver’s license or identification card.

When you apply for a California Enhanced Driver’s License, you can choose to get REAL ID-compliant.

When you apply for a California Enhanced Driver’s License, you can choose to get REAL ID-compliant.

WHAT IS A REAL ID?

The federal government has set new standards for state driver’s licenses that will be required by 2020 if you want to board domestic flights or enter military bases. If your state hasn’t already started issuing compliant cards, then it may not be too much longer before they do so. The Department of Homeland Security has issued several extensions but is now giving states just two years left before their original deadline expires in October 2020.

REAL ID is a new federal standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that were created after 9/11.

REAL ID is a new federal standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that were created after 9/11. REAL ID requires stricter proof of identity than standard licenses, as well as a more secure design.

The new regulations apply to all states except for those who have been granted an extension to comply with the law. California has received such an extension until October 2020 but it may be revoked at any time if they fail to meet REAL ID requirements by then.

The REAL ID card will be required when boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities unless you have another accepted form of identification.

The REAL ID card will be required when boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities unless you have another accepted form of identification.

The following federal agencies have announced that they will accept the California enhanced driver’s license as proof of identity:

• U.S. Passport Cards and Passports (current or expired)
• Military ID Cards (active duty, retired military, dependents and DoD civilians)
• DHS trusted traveler cards (NEXUS, SENTRI & FAST)

If you don’t have a REAL ID or a passport, you’ll need to bring an alternative form of photo identification.

If you don’t have a REAL ID or passport, you’ll need to bring an alternative form of photo identification. The DMV has listed the following acceptable forms:

• Driver’s license from any U.S. state or territory (if it has your current name, date of birth and photograph).
• Identification card from any U.S. state or territory (if it has your current name, date of birth and photograph).
• Military ID card issued by the U.S., its territories or possessions, armed forces overseas departments (APO/FPO) with picture; Merchant mariner document issued by Coast Guard for those who work on vessels in navigable waters; Native American tribal documents with photo such as Comanche Nation Tribal Enrollment Card; California Indian Census Roll Certificates; Bureau of Indian Affairs registration cards issued before 1986 that include enrollment number(s); Certificate(s) of Degree Issuance from California Community Colleges dated July 1st through June 30th (with registration number printed on front cover); Official school transcripts showing attendance during previous term(s).

You can upgrade your existing California driver’s license to an enhanced version only once every 12 years.

You can upgrade your existing California driver’s license to an enhanced version only once every 12 years. You also have to present proof of identity and residency, as well as pay the applicable fees. This means that if you already have a REAL ID-compliant DL, the DMV will not accept it when you apply for another one in the future.

Once you’ve upgraded your regular card to an enhanced one, there are no additional requirements (such as proving citizenship) needed before it expires–it remains valid until its expiration date on its face.*

To learn more about the differences between a California enhanced driver’s license and a REAL ID, contact us today!

To learn more about the differences between a California enhanced driver’s license and a REAL ID, contact us today!

California Enhanced Driver’s License Benefits:

• It serves as an identification card for people who do not have proof of legal presence in the United States.
• You can use it to board domestic flights (if you are not traveling with another acceptable form of identification).
• It can be used as proof of age when purchasing alcohol/tobacco products at licensed retailers.

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the California Enhanced Driver’s License and REAL ID. If you’re looking for more information about these cards, contact us today!