The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced that approximately 325,000 residents will need to replace their Real ID licenses due to a software error. This issue stems from a legacy coding problem identified from 2006.
Impact on Californians
About 1.5% of individuals holding Real IDs will be notified in the coming weeks to take action for compliance with federal REAL ID regulations. DMV officials emphasized that they are providing clear guidance to those affected.
Waived Replacement Fees
Replacement fees will be waived for the impacted individuals. The DMV confirmed that the error was discovered during a comprehensive review of their technology systems. This review revealed that some lawful immigrants had received Real IDs that did not align with their authorized stay duration.
Background on Real ID Act
The Real ID Act, signed into law in 2005, established security requirements for state-issued IDs used for federal purposes, including boarding aircraft. While the implementation faced delays, the requirements are set to take effect in May 2025.
Nature of the Error
- DMV officials highlighted that the error affected a “small subset” of Real IDs.
- In some cases, these IDs utilized a standard renewal period instead of aligning with the expiration of the holder’s authorized stay.
- No undocumented individuals received Real IDs; all recipients had their lawful presence verified by federal systems.
Commitment to Compliance
DMV Director Steve Gordon assured that nearly 99% of Real ID holders will not need to take any action. The DMV remains committed to ensuring that all California-issued credentials comply with federal standards.
This proactive measure by the DMV reflects their dedication to serving Californians and maintaining the integrity of the Real ID program.
