CA DMV gets last-minute extension for REAL ID

Expect to have long waits for appointments if you’re looking to get a new “REAL ID” driver’s license or ID card.

“I brought my passport, I brought my driver’s license, actually not my driver’s license, I brought my birth certificate,”Adam Haedt of Palm Springs, said.

A lot of documents to apply for a “real i-d compliant driver’s license at the d-m-v.

“I need it to fly, so eventually when you need it for travel,” he said.

It’s something travelers at airport will need if they pass through security to catch domestic flights. There were fear’s the partial government shutdown would cause millions of Californians to have non-compliant cards with a deadline next Thursday looming, but the Department of Homeland Security approved an extension until October 1st of 2020 for Californians to comply. While homeland security continues to review the state’s “REAL ID” guidelines, the Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed anyone already having the cards that they are valid and can be used for federal purposes like checking into airport security when enforcement begins in 2020. A relief for applicants unsure about getting one.

“I was thinking about it. It was one my mind today when I walked in, but it seems to be issueless when you walk in,” Headt said.

Long waits are required at various offices though. On the DMV website, when trying to make an appointment Thursday, the Palm Springs office had about a month wait with February 21 first available. Palm Desert had a march 5 first availability. The best bet? Indio had a February 14th date open.

Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to improve the DMV by establishing a “strike-team” of management experts to help minimize long wait times. However, the best bet at the DMV remains making an appointment.

“I would definitely schedule an appointment. I would make sure you have everything,” Headt said.

You can find the requirements to apply for a “REAL ID” complaint card here.