How to Obtain Real ID in California

Residents should now upgrade to REAL ID cards – mandated by the federal government as part of its response to 9/11 – which come equipped with additional security features and feature a gold bear and star symbol in the upper right-hand corner.

Acquiring new forms of ID can be a complex and frustrating experience for some foreigners, especially if their resources are limited. Reasons may range from difficulties collecting documents to costs associated with application procedures – these factors often necessitate travel between cities or states in order to collect all needed materials before returning back home and finishing the application process; for those without adequate funds this task may seem insurmountable.

California residents looking for a REAL ID card must present two documents that verify their local residency; commonly these may include utility or cell phone bills, bank statements, medical documents and employment records. Furthermore, applicants must possess a valid social security number that can be verified with the Social Security Administration before being eligible to use their REAL ID cards.

Although the law allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driving privileges has been in effect for some time now, receiving ID cards has proven challenging. According to this chart from The Bee, most applicants who fulfilled all requirements and applied have not yet received their ID.