California Real ID deadline just one week away

FREMONT, Calif. (KRON) — The deadline to obtain a Real ID is just one week away, prompting a surge of last-minute applicants at Department of Motor Vehicles offices across the Bay Area. Starting next Wednesday, a Real ID will be required for domestic flights in the United States, as a result of a 2005 law aimed at enhancing security post-9/11.

The DMV is encouraging applicants to begin the process online to avoid long wait times.

“I have a job where I coach and stuff so I have to fly so I travel nationally and stuff like that, so I need to get it soon,” said Anthony Carlos, who was seen camping out at the Fremont DMV to secure his Real ID.

The Real ID requirement has been delayed several times, but the upcoming deadline is expected to be enforced. DMV offices in the Bay Area are opening an hour earlier to accommodate the increased demand.

In addition to extended hours, DMV offices in San Jose, Oakland, and Concord are offering Saturday appointments from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, there are reports that appointments are already booked beyond the deadline.

Applicants are advised to start their Real ID application online by uploading necessary documents and scheduling an appointment to complete the process in person. This approach is intended to minimize wait times at DMV locations.

While the Real ID will be necessary for domestic flights, the DMV advises those not planning to fly soon to wait until their driver’s license renewal to obtain the new ID.

All facts from this article were gathered by KRON4 journalists. The article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KRON4 staff.