More than 300,000 Californians need new Real IDs because of software error

"The California Department of Motor Vehicles said this week that approximately 325,000 Californians will be required to replace their Real ID licenses because of a software error. In the coming weeks, DMV officials said, about 1.5% of those holding Real IDs will be notified that they "need to take action" to "ensure continued compliance with federal REAL ID regulations.""

"DMV officials said the problem was discovered after a review of technology systems revealed that some legal immigrants had been issued Real IDs that did not expire at the same time as their authorization to remain in the country. The Real ID Act was signed into law in 2005 and established security standards for state-issued IDs for things like boarding planes. But implementation was repeatedly delayed, and the requirement finally went into effect in May of 2025."

"DMV officials said they discovered that a "small subset" of Real IDs issued to lawful permanent residents "applied the standard credential renewal interval in some cases, instead of the expiration of a REAL ID holder's authorized stay." "We proactively reviewed our records, identified a legacy system issue from 2006, and are notifying impacted customers with clear guidance on how to maintain a valid California-issued credential," DMV Director Steve Gordon said. "For nearly 99% of REAL ID holders, no action is required. The DMV remains committed to serving all Californians and ensuring REAL ID credentials meet federal standards.""

Approximately 325,000 Californians must replace Real ID licenses due to a DMV software error tied to legacy coding from 2006. About 1.5% of Real ID holders will be notified to take action to maintain compliance with federal REAL ID regulations. A review found some lawful immigrants received credentials whose expiration did not match their authorized stay because the standard credential renewal interval was sometimes applied. The DMV will waive reissue fees for affected individuals and says nearly 99% of REAL ID holders do not need to take action. The federal Real ID requirement went into effect in May 2025.

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