I had an appointment to renew my ID at the DMV, but something happened and that appointment for 3 months into the future was lost to the ether. It meant I had to wait in line, or accept my current DMV photo, which has me looking like a deranged lunatic. The pic was so funny, I opted to keep it, and renewed by mail vs dealing with the modern chaos of a California DMV, which always seems a hairsbreadth from anarchy.
So I renewed online, and I just got it. SURPRISE!
Because it’s based on prior documentation, it has a thing in the top right corner that says “Federal Limits Apply”. There was ABSOLUTELY no indication of what that was, on anything, when I renewed, so begins my noble researching: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid/realidfaq
Long story short (too late), that renewal was a bit of a waste of money, because the Driver’s License I just got that expires in 2024 is actually “no good” by October of 2020…. because it won’t be allowed by the TSA for boarding *domestic* flights.
Turns out, I need a “REAL ID” w/ multiple forms of backup. Then my ID will have a CA Bear logo with a checkmark or star on it, in place of “Federal Limits Apply” message. So I basically paid $30 for an ID that will only be good for 14 months. Huzzah.
So, I figure this will effect a lot of people… if you have an older DL that expires late 2020 or 2021, you may not even know about the “Federal Limits Apply” or the CA Bear logo. The below is just being helpful in case you want to get in front of this, if your DL is outdated.
From the above link:
You will need a REAL ID driver license or identification card if you want to continue using your driver license or identification card to do any of the following:
Board a flight within the United States starting October 1, 2020.
Enter secure federal facilities or military bases starting October 1, 2020. (Note: Check with the federal facility/military base before your visit to verify their identification requirements.)
Purchase firearms or ammunition. (Note: Check with the firearms dealer you plan to visit to verify their identification requirements)
The docs you need for the REAL ID version:
To apply for a REAL ID driver license or identification card, you must visit a DMV field office and provide:
Proof of identity (one document)
Example: an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization, permanent resident card or unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form. No photocopies will be accepted.Proof of Social Security number (one document)
Example: a Social Security card, W-2 or paystub with full SSN. Original or certified copies are required. No photocopies will be accepted.Proof of California residency – street address. (Two different documents)
Example: Utility or cell phone bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement or medical document. Photocopies accepted.
I really hope this helps some people get out in front of an annoyance.
I just booked my local DMV appointment here in Northern California, and on 21st of June 2019, the first available appointment is 3.20p on the 17th of September, 3 months out. Don’t waste time!