California REAL ID “update required” notice: what it means and what to do (2026)
The problem (and who it affects)
If you live in California and recently got a letter from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) saying you must update your REAL ID to keep it valid, you’re not alone. California DMV says it is notifying about 325,000 people—roughly 1.5% of California REAL ID holders—that their REAL ID record needs an update to remain compliant with federal REAL ID rules. [1]This issue primarily affects some lawful noncitizen residents (for example, certain visa holders and other lawful presence categories) whose REAL ID expiration date may have been set incorrectly. Importantly, the DMV says this is not about ineligibility; it’s about how the expiration date was calculated in a subset of records. [1]
Why it’s happening
California DMV says it found the issue during a self-initiated review of its data systems. The DMV describes it as a legacy software configuration dating to 2006 that sometimes applied the standard renewal interval instead of using the expiration of the person’s authorized stay (where that rule should apply). [1]This matters because REAL ID is used for “federal purposes,” including boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities. TSA’s guidance is clear: starting May 2025, travelers generally need a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable ID (like a passport) to fly domestically. [2]
Step-by-step: what to do if you got the notice
1) Confirm it’s real (and don’t click random links)
California DMV explicitly warns that it will not call, text, or email you to ask for personal information or payment to fix this issue. If you’re unsure the notice is legitimate, use the DMV’s published phone number to verify. [1]Do this:
- Treat unsolicited “DMV” texts/emails about REAL ID as suspicious.
- If the letter tells you to do something unusual (buy gift cards, pay via crypto, or “verify” on a non-DMV site), stop.
2) Read the letter carefully: you may have options
DMV’s announcement says impacted customers will be guided on what to do and may be reissued a REAL ID or a non‑REAL ID driver’s license (as eligible). DMV also states it will expedite the process and waive associated fees for the correction. [1]Do this:
- Follow the exact instructions in the DMV notice (keep the letter; bring it if you go in-person).
- If the letter offers an online or mail pathway, start there.
3) If you’re traveling soon, plan a “backup ID” now
Even if you’re in the middle of fixing your credential, you may still need to travel.TSA states a U.S. passport is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for domestic flights. [2]
Do this (practical travel fallback):
- If you have a valid passport, plan to use it at the airport until the DMV reissue is complete.
- Keep your travel ID separate from your wallet when possible to reduce loss risk.
4) Try to complete as much as possible online before going in
DMV’s press release emphasizes that most DMV tasks can be done online, and it points customers to DMV online services and guidance tools for service options. [1]Do this:
- Use DMV online services first (especially if you’re balancing work, childcare, or limited time).
- If the fix requires an office visit, book the earliest appointment you can and bring every required document.
5) If you must go to a DMV office, go prepared (avoid a second trip)
For REAL ID transactions, missing documents are a common reason people get stuck.Do this:
- Bring the DMV notice.
- Bring the original identity and lawful presence documents the DMV requests.
- Bring proof of California address if required for your transaction.
(Exact document requirements can vary by status and situation—follow the DMV notice instructions first.) [1]
Checklist: “REAL ID update required” notice
- [ ] I received a physical DMV notice (or I verified it using DMV’s official contact info).
- [ ] I did not respond to any text/email requesting payment or personal info.
- [ ] I read whether DMV says I’ll be reissued a REAL ID or another eligible credential.
- [ ] I attempted the online steps first (if offered).
- [ ] I gathered all requested original documents.
- [ ] If I have near-term travel, I confirmed I have a TSA-acceptable backup ID (e.g., passport). [2]
- [ ] I kept copies/photos of key documents for my records (not as substitutes, but for reference).
FAQ
1) If I didn’t get a notice, should I do anything?
DMV says only customers who receive a notice need to take action; most REAL ID holders do not. [1]2) Does this mean my REAL ID was issued illegally or to someone not eligible?
DMV says no; it states lawful presence was verified at issuance, and the problem was limited to how expiration dates were calculated for a subset of records. [1]3) Will DMV charge me to fix it?
DMV says it will waive associated fees and expedite the correction process for impacted customers. [1]4) Can I still fly domestically while I’m fixing this?
TSA says you can use another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport) in lieu of a REAL ID. [2]5) How do I avoid scams related to this?
Start with DMV’s warning: it says it will not call, text, or email asking for personal information or payment to address this issue. Use official DMV contact information if you need to confirm anything. [1]Key Takeaways
- California DMV says about 325,000 REAL IDs require an update due to a legacy expiration-date configuration issue. [1]
- If you didn’t receive a DMV notice, DMV says you likely don’t need to do anything. [1]
- If you did receive a notice, follow the instructions; DMV says it will expedite and waive fees. [1]
- For domestic flights, TSA says a passport is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID. [2]
- Watch for scams: DMV says it will not call/text/email to request personal info or payment for this fix. [1]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Facts: California DMV announced (Dec 31, 2025) it identified a legacy system issue affecting expiration-date calculation for a subset of REAL ID records and will notify ~325,000 individuals (~1.5% of CA REAL ID holders). Only those who receive a notice need action; DMV says it will expedite processing and waive fees, and it warns it will not call/text/email asking for personal info or payment. REAL ID is required for U.S. domestic flights starting May 2025, but TSA accepts alternatives such as a U.S. passport.Keywords: California DMV REAL ID update required notice, 325000 REAL IDs reissue, wrong expiration date REAL ID, legacy 2006 DMV software configuration, lawful presence expiration date mismatch, REAL ID compliance California 2026, DMV scam warning REAL ID letter, TSA REAL ID domestic flights passport alternative