The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced a database error that requires thousands of people to renew their REAL IDs. The error lies in the expiration dates of these driver’s licenses. The agency emphasized that only those who receive the notification will need to take action in the coming weeks and months. It also clarified that this is an isolated incident and that the process will not incur any additional costs for citizens.
The error is not exactly minor. It is particularly affecting immigrants. The agency stated that they are contacting approximately 325,000 people whose driver’s licenses have expiration dates that do not match their authorized immigration status. The problem arose when, after a review of the data system, the DMV identified a software setting, dating back to 2006, that affected how expiration dates were applied to IDs. As a result, thousands of California residents may be carrying driver’s licenses that do not meet federal standards.
The California DMV is proactively taking steps to keep all Californians’ REAL IDs compliant
One of the reasons this procedure will be free is that the DMV is streamlining the process. The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced the following on its official website: “The California DMV is proactively taking steps to keep all Californians’ REAL IDs compliant and is notifying some individuals that they must take action to keep their REAL ID valid. This will affect a limited number of customers, approximately 1.5% of California REAL ID holders.” The department also emphasized that no REAL ID licenses were issued to undocumented individuals.
“We proactively reviewed our records, identified a legacy system issue from 2006”
“The DMV will not call, text, or email you to ask for your personal information or payment to address this issue. If you need to verify DMV action, please call 1-800-777-0133W,” the agency announces with the aim of preventing fraud from taking advantage of this bump in the road. The DMV stressed that it will not contact anyone to request personal information or payments by text message or email. “We proactively reviewed our records, identified a legacy system issue from 2006, and are notifying impacted customers with clear guidance on how to maintain a valid California-issued credential,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “For nearly 99% of REAL ID holders, no action is required. The DMV remains committed to serving all Californians and ensuring REAL ID credentials meet federal standards,” reads the official statement.
The issue was limited solely to how expiration dates were calculated for some of California’s non-citizen residents with legal presence
Regarding the error, the DMV clarified that the majority of those eligible for free renewal are permanent resident card holders and visa holders. They specified explicit cases: “At no point were REAL IDs ever issued to undocumented individuals (those without legal presence); all individuals received REAL IDs only after the federal system verified their lawful presence; the issue was limited solely to how expiration dates were calculated for some of California’s non-citizen residents with legal presence; separate and independent federally required safeguards against ineligible individuals registering to vote remained in place, consistent with the federal Motor Voter Act.”
On the other hand, it’s important to note that to apply for a REAL ID for the first time, you need proof of identity, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card; a Social Security number (physical card or official document); and proof of California residency. All of this information is stored in a database that has been modernized. As a result, the DMV now offers more than 90% of its transactions online, with customers able to complete services on a phone, tablet, or computer—dramatically reducing in-office visits, improving resilience, and delivering faster, more convenient service to Californians.