The California DMV has issued an alert for over 300,000 drivers regarding their Real IDs. The Real ID system came into effect last year and has been widely accepted by the vast majority of US states. The reality is that any glitches or significant issues regarding Real IDs in California can affect thousands of legal residents. California is one of the more progressive states in the US, and regularly adjusts laws and amends them to suit the needs of the populace and the state at the same time.
California DMV has urged over 300,000 drivers to check their expiration dates
For the vast majority of drivers in the Golden State, the new glitch in the DMV system will not affect them; however, for the over 300,000 legal residents in California, there might be a slight problem that will have extremely big consequences for traveling around the United States. So what exactly is all the fuss about, you might be asking? Allow us to explain.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has recently announced that a major mistake has gone unnoticed by the DMV for nearly 20 years. Under the Schwarzenegger administration, the California DMV miscalculated the expiration date for over 300,000 legal residents on their Real IDs. Which is a serious problem, as the Real IDs are necessary to board flights or enter federal facilities.
The software glitch automatically applied standard expiration dates to legal Californian residents, instead of applying the expiration date on the Real ID in regard to the period of residency allowed. The California DMV has stated that it will notify those affected in the near future and has been working diligently to address the root of the software issue.
“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,” – DMV Director Steve Gordon
What to do if you are one of the 300,000 affected by the software glitch
Be on the lookout for a letter from the California DMV: The first thing to be aware of is that the DMV will send letters to all the affected Real ID holders, so be sure to keep a lookout for a letter from the DMV in your mailbox to avoid any more headaches when trying to travel this year.
Follow the instructions from the DMV: Drivers and Real ID holders who have been affected need to follow the exact instructions issued to get a new Real ID with the correct expiration date. The DMV has noted that all fees associated with issuing the replacement Real IDs will be waived.
With some states in the US making some slight changes to driver’s licenses this year, the California DMV has noted that if you have any questions, reach out to the local DMV, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. One last thing that should be noted is that the DMV will not be reaching out via email or text; the only communication method it will use is mail.
California is working hard to deal with the Real ID issues
The software issue has definitely put a damper on the New Year’s celebrations for the over 300,000 affected. Without the correct expiry date, the Real ID is no longer valid and effectively prevents the holders from boarding flights and other forms of transport in the United States. Caltrans has also raised concerns over the winter driving problems in the Golden State and has offered a few suggestions for drivers. California is now going to have to deal with the embarrassment of the software issue going unnoticed for nearly 20 years, but it has offered those affected the means to correct the mistake with no fees attached.