BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — October 1st marks exactly a year until the Real ID will go into the final phase of enforcement, requiring Americans to present the ID to go through airport security.
Aya Walton and Tevin Thompson said that this is their fourth trip to the DMV to get the Real ID and they say there is a lot of confusion on what they need.
"I have been turned away a couple of times that’s why I still have my Ohio ID, and being turned away so much frustrates me," Walton said.
The card will be required to fly domestically, enter military bases and other federal facilities.
"I think it's a little unfair to go through a lot just to get an Identification card," Walton said.
The following items to bring to receive the Real ID are the following.
"You need one proof of identity, which can be a certified birth certificate or a passport," said Anita Gore, deputy director of public affairs for the California DMV.
"One proof of a social security number so your social security card or W2 form that shows your social security number and two different proof of California residency."
The DMV of California says that they are processing 100,000 Real IDs a week and say that are still many that need them.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, 99 million Americans currently do not have an ID that would be accepted on October 1, 2020.
"There are currently, as of last week 5.8 million Real IDs that Californians have applied for and received," Gore said. "There are many more drivers than that in California, however, not everyone needs a Real ID if you have a passport or military ID you may not need one."
The U.S. Travel Association estimates 182 million Americans either still have a standard driver’s license or are unsure if their current license is Real ID compliant.
To know if you have a Real ID look for a star or U.S. flag on your current driver’s license.
The DMV is recommending individuals to be sure to look at their website checklist, for more information.
