How to get a RealID driver’s license without a DMV visit

State officers have been nudging us since 2018, however tens of millions of Californians nonetheless haven’t up to date their driver’s licenses to federally mandated Actual ID standing. Why? Even earlier than the pandemic, many drivers delay the chore as a result of it required a go to to a state Division of Motor Automobiles web site, places of work infamous for lengthy waits and temperamental computer systems.

The deadline, already prolonged greater than as soon as, is presently Might 2023.

Now comes comforting information: The DMV and Vehicle Membership of Southern California have teamed as much as supply Auto Membership members an opportunity to keep away from DMV visits and as a substitute get Actual ID upgrades at 19 membership places.

These membership visits can be doable by appointment solely and could also be obtainable for a restricted time. DMV officers say this system will roll out earlier than Aug. 1. Step one: Go to RealID.dmv.ca.gov.

This supply doesn’t assist non-members of the Auto Membership, however for the 7 million Southern Californians who already belong (by the membership’s tally), it may ease a nagging accountability.

Collaborating Auto Membership places of work embrace websites in Alhambra, Arcadia, Camarillo, Chatsworth, Chino, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Inglewood-Ladera, Laguna Hills, La Quinta, Lengthy Seashore, Los Angeles, Manhattan Seashore, Northridge, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redlands, Riverside, San Diego (Clairemont) and Santa Barbara. They’re because of start making appointments by the top of July.

Actual ID is a part of a U.S. Division of Homeland Safety marketing campaign to tighten safety for journey, and its implementation has been slowed by troubled teamwork with state businesses. The deadline to replace California driver’s licenses has already been prolonged a number of instances.

However starting Might 3, 2023, DHS officers say, they may require a legitimate passport or one other federal-approved doc — like a Actual ID driver’s license — from anybody boarding a flight throughout the U.S. or accessing safe federal amenities and army bases.

California driver’s licenses which have been upgraded to Actual ID standing are marked with a gold bear and a star within the higher proper nook.

The brand new collaboration with the Auto Membership is one among a number of efforts made by state DMV officers to nudge individuals into getting Actual ID license upgrades. In late June, the DMV stated that any Californian who obtained a driver’s license or state ID card in the course of the pandemic, however didn’t get Actual ID, can improve for no additional charge by way of the top of 2021.

The DMV estimates that between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021, it should have issued about 5.7 million driver’s licenses and IDs that aren’t Actual IDs. The DMV charge for a fundamental (Class C) driver’s license is $38, with or with out Actual ID.