Summary
Over 300,000 Californians need to replace their Real IDs due to a software issue at the DMV. This problem affected immigrants with lawful presence, causing IDs to have incorrect expiration dates. The DMV will contact those affected and will offer free replacements.
Key Facts
- The problem impacts over 300,000 residents in California.
- The issue stems from a DMV software configuration dating back to 2006.
- Real IDs were incorrectly given expiration dates, not aligned with legal status.
- The affected individuals are immigrants with lawful presence in the U.S.
- Federal security checks were still applied when these IDs were issued.
- The DMV will notify affected individuals and process replacements without charging fees.
- New safeguards are in place to prevent the issue from happening again.
- Real ID compliance is required for accessing federal facilities and domestic flights starting May 2025.
