To know if you have a REAL ID in California, check the top right corner of your California driver's license or identification card. A REAL ID-compliant card will have a special marking of a California grizzly bear with a star next to it. This bear and star symbol indicates that your ID meets federal REAL ID standards
. If your card does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities starting May 7, 2025
. If you want to get a REAL ID, you must apply in person at a California DMV office with documents proving your identity, California residency, and Social Security number. You can prepare by using the DMV's online application and document checklist, but the final step requires a DMV visit
. In summary:
- Look for the bear + star symbol in the top right corner of your California ID.
- If present, you have a REAL ID.
- If absent, your ID is not REAL ID-compliant.
- REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities starting May 7, 2025.
This marking is the official and easiest way to identify a REAL ID in California
