CA's Deadline For REAL ID Is Almost Here And It May Ruin Your Travel Plans

CALIFORNIA — Do you have your REAL ID yet? There's just one month left for Californians to complete an application for the new travel identification.

Enforcement for the REAL ID while traveling begins on May 7.

As reports surfaced of long lines winding out of DMV offices across the state, many locations don’t have appointments available until weeks after the deadline, according to the DMV website.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 says travelers in the Golden State and nationwide will need an updated driver's license, ID card, or provide other documentation before they can board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain federal buildings.

The federal government extended the implementation of the date several times before (the original deadline was 2008). But it appears that it will firmly take effect next month.

“If you have plans to travel after May 7, upgrade to a REAL ID before the enforcement deadline,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon.

However, Gordon says those who possess a valid passport may use that place of the REAL ID until it is time to renew their driver's license.

This month, the Transportation Security Administration told CBS News that they are seeing around 81 percent compliance at checkpoints — but this only means that people are either showing up with a REAL ID or a passport.

As of January, a little over half of Americans had REAL ID-compliant cards, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

A spokesperson told CBS that there will be a "phased approach" to enforcement but "people may experience travel delays."

READ MORE: New REAL ID Options: What It Means In CA

Why Do Californians Need A REAL ID?

Getting a REAL ID isn't necessarily required, but the state is recommending it for travelers. U.S. passports will still be an acceptable form of federal identification to board any flight or visit a federal property.

View the DMV's fact sheet about the REAL ID here.

The new federally compliant ID card looks slightly different from a traditional California driver's license. The REAL ID will have a little gold bear in the top right corner, while a traditional driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply."

The REAL ID act was born out of 9/11 to help streamline the identification process at airports.

How to apply for the REAL ID in California

To apply for the new travel card, you'll need to gather some of the documents listed below and visit a local DMV office. Although Californians may not be able to get in until after the deadline due to the rush the deadline is causing, residents can still walk up and wait to be seen.

First, gather any of the following identity documents:

• Valid U.S. passport.
• Birth certificate.
• U.S. certificate or consular report of birth abroad.
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C).
• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797).
• Unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551."
• Documents reflecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefit eligibility.

2. Then find proof of your Social Security number (full number required)

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Pay stub

3. Gather two of these documents to prove California residency

• Home utility bills (including cellular phone).
• Medical documents.
• Car or boat registration.
• Employment documents.
• Insurance documents.
• Bank and financial institution records.
• Change of address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service.
• Mortgage bill.
• Rental or lease agreement (signed by owner and tenant).
• IRS or California FTB tax return.

4. Fill out the application.
Complete the application process online and upload your documents here.

5. Go to a DMV office

Find one close to you and check wait times before you go.

Pro-Tip: For some areas of California, the DMV isn't the only place residents can get a new identification card. Many can bypass long lines by visiting a participating Automobile Club location. Visit their website for more information. However, AAA does not offer REAL ID services in Northern California.