What you need to bring to the DMV
The California DMV requires you to bring six specific items to get a Real ID card: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of California residency, proof of legal presence, and a completed process. You cannot complete this in person without all six categories covered — the DMV will not accept your process if anything is missing.
For proof of identity, bring your current passport, passport card, or an unexpired driver's license or ID card from another state. If you have none of these, you can use a certified birth certificate, tribal ID, or military ID instead. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a pay stub with your full SSN printed on it.
For two proofs of California residency, the DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or bank statements — all dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your name and California address. You need two separate documents; one document alone is not enough, even if it lists multiple utilities.
For proof of legal presence, bring your passport, passport card, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or a visa paired with your I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are a U.S. citizen, your passport or birth certificate serves this purpose. Non-citizens must bring the document that proves their immigration status.
Key Takeaways
- Bring all six document categories in person — proof of identity, Social Security number, two residency proofs, and legal presence proof — or the DMV will not process your process.
- Complete form DL 44 (for a new ID card) or form DL 43 (to upgrade an existing license) before you arrive, though you can also fill it out at the DMV.
- Real ID cards cost the same as standard California ID cards, with no additional fee for the Real ID designation.
- Processing takes 10 to 14 business days for a card mailed to you; you can request a temporary paper ID to use while you wait.
- If you cannot bring original documents, bring certified copies from the issuing agency — photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted.
Completing the process form before you go
You will fill out either form DL 44 (if you are getting an ID card for the first time or your license has expired more than five years ago) or form DL 43 (if you are renewing or upgrading an existing license). Both forms are available on the California DMV website as PDFs you can print and complete at home, or you can fill them out on a tablet or computer at the DMV office itself.
The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to register to vote or donate organs. Completing it at home saves time, but it is not required — many people fill it out in the waiting area. If you print it at home, use black or blue ink and write clearly; the DMV scans these forms and poor handwriting can cause delays.
You do not need to sign the form before you arrive. The DMV staff will ask you to sign it in front of them as part of the verification process. If you bring a completed form, they will review it for errors and ask you to correct anything that does not match your documents.
Steps to take at the DMV office
Arrive with all six document categories and your completed form (or blank form if you did not fill it out ahead of time). Take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. When you reach the counter, hand the staff member your documents and form together.
The DMV employee will verify that each document is original (not a photocopy), check that your information matches across all documents, and confirm that you meet the Real ID requirements. They will ask you to sign the form in front of them. They will then take a photo and fingerprints for your new card.
You will be asked to choose whether you want your card mailed to you or whether you want to pay an extra fee to pick it up in person at the office. Standard mailing takes 10 to 14 business days. If you need to drive before your card arrives, ask for a temporary paper ID — the DMV prints these on the spot at no extra cost, and they are valid for 60 days.
Document checklist by category
| Document Category | Acceptable Documents | What Does Not Work |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Passport, passport card, out-of-state driver's license, out-of-state ID card, certified birth certificate, tribal ID, military ID | Photocopies, notarized copies, expired documents (except out-of-state licenses) |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, pay stub, 1099 form | Bank statements, credit card statements, documents with partial SSN |
| California Residency (need 2) | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, cell phone bill, insurance bill, all dated within 60 days | Documents older than 60 days, documents without your name, documents from other states |
| Proof of Legal Presence | Passport, passport card, green card, EAD, visa with I-94, birth certificate (for citizens) | Expired documents, documents without your photo, documents from other countries without visa |
What happens if a document is missing or expired
If you arrive without one of the six required documents, the DMV will not process your process that day. You will need to go home, obtain the missing document, and return. This is why checking your documents before you leave home saves a wasted trip.
If your proof of identity is expired (such as an out-of-state driver's license that lapsed), the DMV will still accept it as long as it shows your photo and matches your other documents. However, if your passport or birth certificate is expired, it is still valid for Real ID purposes — these documents do not expire in the way a driver's license does. If your residency documents are older than 60 days, they will not be accepted; you will need to bring newer bills or statements.
If you cannot obtain an original document, ask the issuing agency for a certified copy. For example, if you lost your Social Security card, the Social Security Administration will mail you a certified replacement. The DMV accepts certified copies from government agencies, but it does not accept photocopies you make yourself or documents notarized by a notary public.
Fees and processing time
A Real ID card costs the same as a standard California ID card. As of 2024, an ID card for someone under 62 costs $39, and for someone 62 or older it costs $32. These prices change periodically, so confirm the current fee on the California DMV website before you go. There is no separate charge for the Real ID designation — you pay one fee and receive a card that meets both California and federal requirements.
Standard processing takes 10 to 14 business days from the date you explore. The DMV mails your card to the address you provide on your process. If you need to drive before your card arrives, request a temporary paper ID at the counter — this is printed when ready and is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent card.
If you want to pick up your card in person instead of waiting for mail delivery, you can pay an expedited fee (typically $15 to $20, though this varies) and pick it up at the DMV office within a few business days. Ask the staff member at the counter whether this option is available at your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the DMV?
No. Real ID cards must be obtained in person at a DMV office because the DMV needs to verify your original documents, take your photo, and record your fingerprints. Online renewal is available only for standard (non-Real ID) California licenses, and only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
What if my name on one document does not match my name on another?
Bring a document that explains the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The DMV staff will review it and verify that all your documents refer to the same person. If you recently married and changed your name, bring your marriage certificate along with your other documents.
Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most California DMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the California DMV website, which often reduces your wait time. Check your local office's hours and appointment availability before you go.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen — can I still get a Real ID card?
Yes. Non-citizens with valid immigration status can get a Real ID card. You will need to bring proof of your legal presence, such as a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or visa with I-94. The Real ID card itself does not prove citizenship; it only proves you have met California's identity and residency requirements.
Can someone else pick up my Real ID card for me, or do I have to pick it up myself?
You cannot authorize someone else to pick up your card. The DMV mails it to you, or you pick it up in person yourself. If you move before your card arrives, you can contact the DMV to update your mailing address and have the card sent to your new location.