California residents have less than a year to get their Real ID cards. United States travelers must have the new ID card by May 3, 2023 if they’re planning on using a state-issued ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Real ID is a federally accepted form of identification, and in California it’s marked with a gold bear and a star. Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security extended the Real ID enforcement deadline from October 2021 to next year—but officials say it’s best to obtain the ID card sooner rather than later.
“There really is no need to wait. It’s easy to start the application online,” Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Director Steve Gordon said in a recent statement. “As May of next year gets closer, those who procrastinate might have to wait in line to be helped at the DMV. Today, you can get an appointment within a day or two at most offices.”…