California residents might have heard about the Real ID card and how it will soon be required for domestic air travel and other federal purposes. But what exactly is the California Real ID card, and why is it important?
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The law established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, in an effort to prevent fraudulent identification cards from being used for terrorist activities or other illegal purposes.
The California Real ID card looks similar to a regular driver’s license or identification card, but it has a gold bear and star in the upper right corner to distinguish it from a standard ID. The card also contains a star indicating that it is compliant with the Real ID Act. To obtain a Real ID card, California residents must provide additional documentation to verify their identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Starting October 1, 2021, the California Real ID card will be required for boarding domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities. This means that if you do not have a Real ID card or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or military ID, you will not be able to fly within the United States or access certain federal facilities.
Many Californians have already made the switch to a Real ID card, either by renewing their driver’s license or obtaining a separate Real ID card from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process for getting a Real ID card is similar to that of obtaining a regular driver’s license, but applicants must bring additional documents to prove their identity and residency.
For those who have not yet obtained a Real ID card, the DMV recommends making an appointment to avoid long wait times at the office. The DMV website provides a list of acceptable documents that can be used to verify identity, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
While the Real ID card is not mandatory for all Californians, it is highly recommended for anyone who plans to fly within the United States or access federal facilities after October 1, 2021. Without a Real ID card or another acceptable form of identification, travelers may be turned away at the airport or federal facility, disrupting their plans and causing unnecessary stress.
In addition to the Real ID card, California residents should also be aware of the importance of keeping their personal information secure. Identity theft is a common problem that can result in financial loss and damage to your credit score. To protect your identity, be sure to shred documents containing sensitive information, monitor your credit report regularly, and avoid sharing personal information online or over the phone unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.
Overall, the California Real ID card is an important tool for ensuring the security of our nation’s transportation systems and federal facilities. By obtaining a Real ID card, Californians can help prevent identity theft and ensure that they have the proper identification when traveling domestically or visiting secure federal facilities. If you have not yet obtained a Real ID card, be sure to do so before the October 1, 2021 deadline to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans.
