Lines form at local DMVs as Real ID requirements go into effect
Many arrived early on Wednesday morning, such as in San Diego's Clairemont neighborhood, to secure their place in the DMV line. That included local Anthony Garcia, who told FOX 5/KUSI that he was prepared to wait it out with his coffee and breakfast in hand.
Now that Real IDs are essential for travelers and those needing entry into federal facilities, many are rushing to start the process of obtaining them before their upcoming trips.
REAL ID in California: What to know if you will miss the deadline
For example, Garcia plans to travel to Wisconsin in August to visit his daughter, which is why he is trying to secure the new ID ahead of time.
DMV officials are reminding applicants to bring all necessary documents, even if they have started the process online. This includes provide proof of identity, Social Security number and proof of California residency.
One local applicant said, 'So I uploaded my document, but I didn't bring the entire file so they made me come back again.'
Flying without a REAL ID? Here's what to expect
Another San Diegan ensured he had all required paperwork for his renewal and Real ID application, stating, 'It's a renewal, drivers license and real ID.'
For those without a Real ID, domestic travel is still possible, but additional identity checks at airports will be necessary.
As the deadline for Real ID requirements passes, DMV locations are expected to remain busy.
FOX 5's Elizabeth Alvarez contributed to this report.
All facts from this article were gathered by FOX 5/KUSI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by FOX 5/KUSI staff.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Texas Unveils New Driver's License
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas state officials rolled out a redesigned driver's license and identification card on August 18, 2025, saying the updated cards used new tamper-resistant material and added security features to make counterfeiting and identity theft more difficult. The Texas Department of Public Safety said previously issued cards will remain valid until their printed expiration dates. The new design changes the card material and some visible markers used to indicate REAL ID compliance, decisions state officials said would strengthen identity verification and public safety across federal and state settings. Texas DPS unveils the new design for the state's driver's license. Texas DPS unveils the new design for the state's driver's license. Texas DPS Why it Matters The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the redesigned cards were made of polycarbonate material that is difficult to reproduce and which complies with American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standards. The agency said this would reduce the production of counterfeit cards and curb identity theft risks. In 2024, Alaska was announced as the first state to adopt translucent polycarbonate driver's licenses, while other states including New York, Maryland and Colorado have also utilized the technology in their ID cards. Other security features employed in various states for licenses include UV ink features, holograms and laser engravings. What To Know All newly issued Texas driver's licenses and ID cards will be of the new design, beginning from Monday, August 18. Older designs will remain valid until their expiration. The most visible change is the replacement of the gold star used to indicate REAL ID compliance with a new black, laser-engraved star in the upper right corner. Texans who need a REAL ID for boarding commercial flights or entering certain federal facilities will still be able to use the new license for this purpose. The card also reorganizes personal information for clearer verification. The state previously redesigned its cards in 2020, when DPS introduced polycarbonate features and a gold star to indicate REAL ID compliance. Stock image/file photo: A Texas metal license plate. Stock image/file photo: A Texas metal license plate. GETTY What People Are Saying "The way driver's licenses are made can make a big difference in terms of public safety," DPS driver's license Division Chief Sheri Gipson said in the department's news release announcing the new card design. "This new card design will make it even more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit cards, and it enhances ways we can protect Texans' identities from being stolen." Texas Clamps Down on Impaired Driving Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is teaming up with local law enforcement across East Texas for a Labor Day impaired-driving enforcement campaign called STEP IDM. Running between now and September 1, officers will increase patrols and enforcement. Last year, there were 327 alcohol-related DUI crashes over the Labor Day weekend, including 10 fatalities, according to KLTV News.
Motor 1
2 hours ago
- Motor 1
'The Oldest of American Traditions:' Car Experts Say the DMV Knows People Lie About How Much Cars Cost. What If You Get Caught?
A skit about people lying about how much the car they just bought cost is making people on the internet nostalgic. Instagram user Driveway Finds (@driveway_finds) is a page dedicated to car comedy from Dustin Hallinan and John Birto. In a since-deleted video posted on Aug. 1, the duo portrays a personal vehicle sale between friends. Cash in excess of $500 and a car title exchange hands. Meanwhile, a shadowy figure monitors the situation from afar. 'The DMV knowing you aren't buying cars for '$500' but they can't prove it,' reads the on-screen text. Paying Taxes on Used Vehicles Let's take Texas , for example. In the Lone Star state, buyers who buy from private sellers are obligated to pay a 6.25 percent sales tax on either the purchase price or standard presumptive value (SPV). How do you know which one? You guessed it—whichever is higher. How does the state prevent people from doing what's portrayed in the skit? Well, if you tell the DMV that you paid way less than the vehicle is actually worth, you'll have to get the car appraised and pay sales tax on that amount. However, it's important to note that the law exempts certain vehicles from this requirement. Those include New vehicles Vehicles purchased from licensed dealers Vehicles bought at a foreclosure auction Vehicles that are 25 years old Dirt bikes and ATVs Salvaged vehicles Vehicles sold through storage lien Gifts Even-trade vehicles Viewers React to the Skit In the comments section, many viewers vented their frustration with the tax system in the United States. 'There should be no tax the second time something's sold,' wrote one person. 'Stop taxing the same thing over and over.' 'Remember kids: Not paying taxes is the oldest of American traditions,' wrote another user. Others offered strategies for getting around this rule. 'Mine are all $100,' joked one person. A second person simply said, 'Writing 'gift.'' ''Engine blew' is my favorite line,' wrote a third person. Is It a Good Idea to Fib on the Purchase Price? A Reddit user posed this question to r/AskReddit about 15 years ago after agreeing with a private seller to list a lower purchase price of a used vehicle he'd just acquired. 'Has anyone gone through this? What does the DMV catch things like this? What would the consequences be if caught?' the person asked. One person in the comments replied, 'I don't think I have ever heard of a person NOT doing this.' A second person agreed. 'Unless you make it SO obvious that the price you gave is phony, they aren't going to care,' they wrote. But what are the consequences if you do get caught? Well, it depends on where you live and where you purchased the car. In Utah , for instance, car buyers who underreport the purchase price of their used car can be subject to a 100% fraud penalty. That means you'll be required to pay double the amount you underreported. Motor1 reached out to Driveway Finds via Instagram direct message and email for comment. Now Trending 'Learned Something New:' Hyundai Sonata Driver Shows What the Red, Yellow Lines Really Mean In the Backup Camera 'This Motor Might Say Land Rover…:' Mechanic Lifts the Hood of a Luxury SUV. Then He Reveals Who Actually Makes the Engine Stay informed with our newsletter every weekday back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
USA Today
11 hours ago
- USA Today
New Texas driver's license unveiled. Why is the design, material different?
Texans with a new driver's license will notice some changes beyond their photo and expiration date. The Texas Department of Public Safety unveiled its new design for the state driver's license and identification card on Monday, Aug. 18. The updated design arranges the personal information section into a clear format, making identification and verification easier to confirm, according to the department. The new cards also replaced the previous gold star in the upper right corner with a black, laser-engraved star. This emblem indicates that the cardholder has a REAL ID, which has been required since May 7 for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities. More: REAL ID questions answered: What is it, and why did it take so long? | Cruising Altitude Why is the material different? On top of a new aesthetic, the cards also feature enhanced security features, including a new material that makes it more difficult for criminals to replicate, the department stated. The tamper-resistant polycarbonate material complies with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standards and will be used for all newly issued licenses and ID cards. 'The way driver licenses are made can make a big difference in terms of public safety,' DPS Driver License Division Chief Sheri Gipson said in a news release. 'This new card design will make it even more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit cards, and it enhances ways we can protect Texans' identities from being stolen.' What about the old Texas driver's license design? All Texas driver's licenses and identification cards issued before Aug. 18 are still valid until their expiration date, as listed on each card, the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed. What is the Texas driver's license renewal process? Texans can renew their driver's license, motorcycle license or ID card up to two years before or after it expires, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Methods include through its website, by mail, by telephone or by visiting a local DMV office in person.
