Get a REAL ID in California

Get a California REAL ID: start the application online, upload your documents, then bring the originals to one DMV office visit.

Your situation

Does your California license or ID already have a golden bear with a star in the top right corner?

A card without the star says "Federal Limits Apply" in that spot.

No, or I don't have a California cardYes, it has the bear and starYou already have a REAL ID

Is your current legal name different from the name on your proof of identity?

No, it's the sameYesMarriage, divorce, adoption or a court order

Update my plan

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Your online application confirmation code
     The DMV emails it after you submit the online application. Staff use it to find your application.
   • Proof of identity
     Original. It must show your full legal name and date of birth.
     Accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Valid U.S. passport or passport card (the DMV marks this as preferred)
     • Original or certified U.S. birth certificate (not an "abbreviated" or "abstract" certificate)
     • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
     • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Valid Permanent Resident Card
     • Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and an approved I-94
     • Valid Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
   • Your Social Security number
     The DMV lists it as a requirement and notes that exceptions may apply. The online application asks for it.
   • Two proofs of California residency · 2 different documents
     Two different printed documents with your first and last name and the same mailing address you put on the application. With a P.O. Box, one of them must also show your physical address. If your name isn't on them (for example, bills in a spouse's or parent's name), also bring a birth certificate, marriage license or domestic partner registration certificate that links you to the person named.
     Accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Home utility bill or cell phone bill (the DMV marks this as preferred)
     • Bank, credit union or credit card records
     • Medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle insurance documents
     • Mortgage bill or property tax bill
     • Employment documents, or IRS or Franchise Tax Board tax returns
     • Rental or lease agreement signed by the landlord and the tenant
     • USPS Change of Address Confirmation
     • Voter registration confirmation
     • California vehicle or vessel title or registration

2. Apply online and upload your documents

   Sign in to a DMV online account (two-factor authentication needs an email address and a phone). The application takes about 9 minutes and times out after 15, but you can save and come back. Upload images of your identity and residency documents, then keep the confirmation code the DMV emails you. The DMV keeps the application for up to one year.

   Apply online on dmv.ca.gov ↗

3. Schedule an appointment or get in line

   The DMV offers "Schedule Appointment" and a separate "Get in Line Now" option. If you also need a written test, the DMV does not give tests after 4:30 p.m.

   Appointments on dmv.ca.gov ↗

4. At the office

   Bring the original documents you uploaded and your confirmation code. You sign the application with a DMV employee.

Common reasons people get turned away

• Abbreviated or abstract birth certificates are not accepted.
• The two residency documents must be different, printed, and show the same mailing address as your application.
• AB 60 driver's licenses can't be issued as REAL IDs.

Offices that issue REAL ID

A first REAL ID is finished in person at a DMV office. Agency source.

176 offices in California

• Alturas Alturas ✓ Office type issues it
• Arleta Arleta ✓ Office type issues it
• Arvin Arvin ✓ Office type issues it
• Auburn Auburn ✓ Office type issues it
• Bakersfield Bakersfield ✓ Office type issues it
• Bakersfield Southwest Bakersfield ✓ Office type issues it
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• Blythe Blythe ✓ Office type issues it
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• Capitola Capitola ✓ Office type issues it
• Carmichael Carmichael ✓ Office type issues it
• Chico Chico ✓ Office type issues it
• Chula Vista Chula Vista ✓ Office type issues it
• Clearlake Clearlake ✓ Office type issues it
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• Concord Concord ✓ Office type issues it
• Corte Madera Corte Madera ✓ Office type issues it
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• Delano Delano ✓ Office type issues it
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• Rancho San Diego Industry Business Center El Cajon ✓ Office type issues it
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• Fresno Fresno ✓ Office type issues it
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• Fresno North Fresno ✓ Office type issues it
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• Gardena Commercial Drive Test Center Gardena ✓ Office type issues it
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• Oxnard Express Port Hueneme ✓ Office type issues it
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• West Sacramento Commercial Drive Test Center West Sacramento ✓ Office type issues it
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• Yuba City Yuba City ✓ Office type issues it

Find a nearby office by city or ZIP

Search

Results show offices that issue REAL ID or may, nearest first, each labelled.

Read more

• California driver's license and ID card: first license, renewal, replacement and REAL ID
• REAL ID explained: what changed and which ID you need to fly

Sources · checked October 30, 2026

• Apply for REAL ID (California DMV)
• What Is REAL ID? (California DMV)
• REAL ID Checklist (California DMV)
• Apply Online for a Driver License or ID Card (California DMV)
• Schedule an Appointment (California DMV)

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMVorganization.org is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.