California DMV error forces 325K people to get new Real IDs

An estimated 325,000 Californians will have to replace their Real ID licenses, the DMV admitted this week.

Officials from the Department of Motor Vehicles said a software error has impacted thousands of Californians, who will now be forced to have their state-issued driver’s license re-issued to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

“The DMV is informing affected individuals of the steps they need to take,” Department of Motor Vehicles officials said in a news release Wednesday.

Officials explained that a review of their records identified a “legacy system issue from 2006” and that some legal immigrants had been issued Real IDs that didn’t expire at the same time as their authorization to remain in the country.

The issue reportedly impacts approximately 1.5% of California REAL ID holders.

Officials emphasized that no one who was undocumented got one.

The DMV will be waiving fees for those Californians affected.

“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,” he added.

The federal Real ID Act was signed into law in 2005 and placed new rules on which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States. It finally came into effect in May of 2025.

Real ID driver licenses have a distinctive gold bear in the top right corner.