If you haven’t heard it yet, maybe you are living under the sea, but, starting next May 7, 2025, you won’t be able to board a plane within the United States or enter federal buildings without a Real ID.
Just like that. It’s not like we haven’t been warning for months, but now this regulation finally takes effect. This ID card will be mandatory across the whole country.
But there’s an exception many still don’t know about: in California you can get it for free if you meet certain requirements. Want to know which ones?
This new documentation is issued at the Department of Motor Vehicles offices in each state, and it has a set price in each place, but California has launched a program that will allow many residents to get this document without paying anything. The goal is to make Real ID more accessible to those who need it the most: people without housing, citizens with low income, or people who receive social benefits. And yes, there are conditions, but if you meet them, you can get it with no cost and no complications.
What exactly is the Real ID and why is it mandatory now?
The Real ID is not just a driver’s license with a new star logo, it’s an identification that works at the federal level. It’s much more secure than the documents we currently have and includes much stricter security elements than traditional ones. Starting on May 7, 2025, it will be mandatory to take domestic flights, access federal facilities, or visit military bases. If you don’t have it, you’ll need a passport or some other valid ID to access any of those, but without a doubt, our recommendation is to apply now to avoid lines in the days leading up to the deadline.
A response to 9/11
This law isn’t new: it was passed in 2005 after the September 11 attacks, but its enforcement has been delayed over time. Now, it’s finally serious. And if you don’t do the process in time, you might miss your next trip.
Who can get the Real ID for free in California?
If you have low income or are vulnerable, you’re in. California allows you to apply for the Real ID for free if you meet the requirements on form DL 937. This form is issued by an authorized organization, like a social program or nonprofit, and it certifies that the applicant has the right to get their Real ID at zero cost.
On the other hand, the McKinney-Vento Act includes people without a residence, including minors, domestic violence victims, or families living temporarily with others. If you’re in that situation, you can apply for your Real ID for free without having to show a traditional address.
What do you need to bring to the DMV?
Besides the DL 937 (which must be signed by an authorized entity), you’ll need the usual documents: proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), Social Security number, and some proof of residence (even a letter from a shelter or assistance center can work in these cases).
Even if the ID is free, you still have to make an appointment like any other citizen. The process is in person and can take time, so it’s best to get ahead of it and not wait until the last minute. What happens if you don’t have it before May?
It’s not that they’re going to fine you, but it will complicate your life. Without a Real ID, you won’t be able to fly within the country or enter many official buildings, unless you bring a valid passport or another federally accepted alternative document. So, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal now, it will soon become as necessary as a credit card or your ID.
What might seem like a simple bureaucratic change could actually affect your freedom of movement. And if you’re in California and meet the requirements, you can get the Real ID for free. There’s no trick, you just have to bring the right papers.
For many people living on the edge or going through a tough situation, this could be the difference between being left out or being inside the system. So if you know someone who could benefit or if you’re in that group yourself, don’t think twice: make the appointment, bring the documents, and get your Real ID!
