CA REAL ID Upgrade Offered: What To Know

Californians who renewed their driver's license or identification card during the pandemic just became eligible to get a REAL ID upgrade for free, officials said Monday.

The fee normally associated with the REAL ID will be waived for those who qualify, the Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement Monday.

"We don't want Californians to pay the price for not getting a REAL ID during the pandemic," said Steve Gordon, DMV director. "While the federal government has extended the enforcement date for a REAL ID, there is no need to procrastinate. If you act now, you can take advantage of this offer and upgrade to a REAL ID for free."

Eligible Golden Staters can upgrade online here.

Although residents seemingly have plenty of time — until May 3, 2023 — to get their REAL ID, officials are urging residents to complete the process as soon as possible.

You have until December 31, 2021 to get a free REAL ID.