Name Change may be required to obtain TSA Compliant Driver’s License (Real ID)

Real ID Driver’s License Requirements

Beginning in 2025 Californians will not be able to use their normal driver’s licenses to pass through TSA check points unless the license meets the REAL ID requirements.  (This has already begun for holders of Class “A” licenses).  This process has been delayed quite a few time due to Covid and other constraints – but it is going to happen!  To pass through a TSA check point ,  you will need a federal compliant card such as a passport, military ID, or a REAL ID California Driver’s license, to board a domestic flight or access some federal facilities when this is implemented. The DMV will start offering REAL ID driver’s licenses and ID cards on January 22, 2018. A DMV office visit is required to apply for a REAL ID.  Documents that you may need include to obtain the Real ID driver’s license:

• An unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
• A certified copy of  a U.S birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office).
• A valid certificate of birth abroad or Consular report of birth abroad of U.S. citizen.
• A foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form.
• A Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory.
•  A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
•  An, unexpired Permanent Resident Card. Valid/unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C).

If you wish to continue using a name that is different than what is on your birth certificate (or last legal name change) – you need to legally change your name from your current legal name to the name you are using.

Don’t wait until the last minute.  Today the process can take 7 to 26 weeks depending on the court.  When there is a backlog, I expect this wait time to increase substantially.  For more information on the name change process,follow the link to my name change web page