Identification Cards in California

How to Get a California State ID:

For more details on how to get a California ID card, please see below.

CA REAL ID License Update

The California DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards in addition to standard non-compliant credentials. The REAL ID allows you to use your CA ID card for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings after October 1, 2021. You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or a standard identification card—details are outlined below.

Apply for an ID Card in California

You can apply for a California identification card at any age.

The California DMV issues the following identification cards:

  • A regular ID card.
  • A senior citizen ID card for residents over 62 years old.

To apply for an ID card you must visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) office in person to:

You will also need to meet all document requirements, which includes presenting:

  • Your Social Security number. If you are ineligible for a SSN but are legally present in the U.S., you can still apply for a CA ID card.
  • Proof of your date of birth or legal presence; acceptable documents are based on whether you want a REAL ID or non-compliant card.
  • An original or certified copy of a document proving a name change, if applicable, such as your:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Name change document showing both your original and new name.
    • Adoption papers.
  • Proof of California residency; this varies by whether or not you're applying for a REAL ID. You'll need:

What if the survival of your loved one depended on an organ transplant?

It's an uncomfortable thought, but as an organ donor, you could save up to 8 lives and touch hundreds more. Signing up is simple and FREE.

CLICK HERE and become an organ donor today.

California ID Card Fees

It will cost you $39 for a:

  • Original California ID.
  • CA ID card renewal.
  • Replacement CA ID card (for a lost or stolen card or a name change).

This ID Card valid for 6 years.

There is no cost:

  • For a senior citizen card if you're 62 years old or older. This card is valid for 8 years.
  • To change your address.
  • To exchange your driver's license for a CA ID card if you're no longer able to drive due to a physical or mental condition. Contact your local CA DMV office for more information.

Reduced Fee CA ID Card

If you meet income requirements from a government or public assistance program, you may be eligible to receive a CA ID for a reduced fee of $11.

You will need to obtain a Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card form (Form DL 937) from the government or from a non-profit agency giving you assistance, and bring the completed form with you to the CA DMV when you apply for your CA ID card.

Renew Your California ID Card

Your California ID card is valid for:

  • 6 years for a regular ID card.
  • 8 years for a senior citizen ID card.

You can renew your CA identification card online, by mail, or in person at a CA DMV office.

If you are upgrading from a non-compliant card to a REAL ID, you MUST visit in person and follow the application steps outlined above.

Renew Online

To renew your CA ID card online, you must have:

  • A Renewal By Mail Notice from the California DMV.
  • A verified SSN on DMV record.
  • A valid credit card or bank account for payment.
  • The same address and name; you must not be changing any details on your CA ID card.

Visit the California DMV website to renew you CA ID card online.

NOTE: When you renew online, the CA DMV will mail you a Federal Non-Compliant card. To keep your REAL ID status, it’s best to renew in person.

Renew by Mail

You may be eligible to renew your CA ID card by mail if:

  • Your CA ID card has not been expired for more than 1 year
  • You are not changing or correcting the name on your CA ID card.
  • You renewed your last ID cards or your senior ID card in person.

To renew your California ID card by mail, send a completed California Identification Card Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information form (Form DL 410 FO) and check or money order payable to “DMV" to the CA Department of Motor Vehicles address as specified on the form.

Renew in Person

To renew your California ID card in person, you will need to visit a CA DMV office and:

You will receive your new CA identification card in the mail within 60 days. If your ID card hasn't arrived after 60 days, call the CA DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check the status of your application. You will need to have your receipt number or old CA ID card.

Replace Your CA ID Card

If your CA ID card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement at a California DMV office. You cannot order a replacement online, by mail or by phone.

You will need to:

You will not need to bring in a birth date or legal presence document.

Click here for more details on duplicate or replacement ID cards in California.

Changing Your CA ID Card Information

Change Your Name

Before you change your name on your California ID card you will need to change your name with the Social Security Administration. If the SSA's records do not match your requested name change with the CA DMV, the CA DMV will send you a Request for Verification of Information letter.

To change your name on your CA ID card you will need to go to a California DMV office in person to:

You will also need to prove your name change to the CA DMV by providing an original or certified copy of either a:

  • Birth date or legal presence document (e.g. U.S. birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate).
  • True full name document (e.g. adoption papers, name change document showing both your new and old name, or marriage certificate).

The DMV provides full lists of birth date or legal presence documents and true full name documents.

Change Your Address

If you change your address, you must notify the CA DMV within 10 days of the change. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a CA DMV office.

Online

To change the address on your CA identification card online, you must:

  • Have a valid California ID card.
  • Have a Social Security number.
  • Not have an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office address.
  • Not have an address outside of the U.S.

Visit the CA Department of Motor Vehicles website to change your address online, and follow all listed instructions on the portal.

By Mail

To change your address on your CA ID card by mail, download and complete the Notice of Change of Address (Form DMV 14), and send it to the address specified on the form. You can also have the form sent to you by calling the CA DMV at (800) 777-0133. The form will be mailed to you.

Once you've sent in your form, make sure you carry a small piece of paper showing your new address with your license at all times. Do not tape or staple the piece of paper to your driver's license.

In Person

To change your address on your CA identification card in person, complete the Notice of Change of Address (Form DMV 14) and take it to a California DMV office. 

Forms for California ID Card

Forms

DL 410 FO
California Driver License Renewal by Mail Eligibility Information
Use this form to determine your eligibility for mail-in renewal AND renew your California driver's license by mail (if eligible).
DMV 14
Notice of Change of Address
Notifies the California DMV of your new address AND can be used to update your driver's license, registration and tags, and disability parking placards.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review