Friday, August 17, 2018

Start Planning To Get Your California Real ID


Start Planning To Get Your California Real ID

It may seem like an odd choice of topic for a disability blog, but I wanted to tell you abut California’s REAL ID card that you will need to take a domestic flight or enter a Federal building after October 1, 2020. While this change is still a couple years off, the process is more time consuming than a normal driver’s license renewal, so I thought it was worth talking about. Additionally, if you do not replace your current driver’s license with a real ID by October 1, 2020, you will be barred from all domestic flights or from entering a Federal building or Social Security office unless you have an alternative form of identification, like a valid passport. Thus, when it comes time to renew your driver’s license, OR if your current driver’s license expires before the October 1, 2020 deadline, you will want to make plans to obtain a Real ID.

Important Facts to Know About the Real ID

·         The Department of Motor (“DMV”) vehicles has started issuing Real IDs as of January 22, 2018.
·         You cannot renew your driver’s license by mail or online to get a Real ID. The DMV is still allowing online and main-in renewals, but only for non-Federally compliant identification cards which will come with prohibitive restrictions on travel and entering Federal buildings.
·         The DMV is extremely backlogged (though not as bad as what we are seeing with SSA 😊). When I scheduled my license renewal to secure a Real ID, the first available appointment was 7 weeks in the future.
·         In order to obtain a real ID, you must bring in an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, US passport, permanent resident card, or other original proof of identity.
·         You also must bring in proof of your Social Security Number with certified proof such as a SSN card, W-2, or paystub with full SSN. Original or certified copies are required.
·         You need a California residency document such as a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage bill, or medical document that has your name and address on it. Make sure your name is spelled correctly on it.
·         If your identity document is in a different name, you will need to provide a certified name change document such as a marriage license, divorce decree or court document. No photocopies will be accepted.
The Read ID is meant to provide more security for our citizens, but obtaining said ID takes some planning and patience. Make sure you make an appointment to get a Real ID, rather than do a walk-in appointment. The local DMV offices are so backlogged right now, that walk-ins can end of wasting most of the day sitting in long DMV lines. For more information on the real ID process, please visit, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid/realidfaq

Got a question about SSDI or SSI that you need us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to successfully navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to email me your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800) 459-3017 x 103.