Do you have to take a new picture for real id in california

I’m turning 21 this January so I have my vertical drivers license ID still which will expire on my birthday. I’m going to the DMV to start getting my real ID and I’m wondering if they retake your picture or not. I just want to be photo ready before I go!

It's that time to renew my ID. I have the "old one" and I'm given an option to get the REAL ID or the regular one. The regular one doesn't require that I show up. I can fill in the paperwork, mail it and get a new ID without taking a picture. I think I'm in the age group where there's no much facial change or aging, which is why they don't require an new picture taken.

The REAL ID requires you go in to the DMV. Does anyone know it requires you to take a picture?

Got pretty fat and would prefer not to stare at my new fat face picture for a few years.

• REAL ID
• Driver’s License / ID Card Application
• Driver’s License & ID Card Online Renewal
• Driver’s License or ID Card Renewal
• Licensing Fees
• Driver’s License or ID Card Replacement
• Instruction Permits
• Driver’s Licenses
• ID Cards
• Commercial Driver’s Licenses
• Motorcycle Licenses
• AB 60 Driver’s Licenses
• Knowledge and Drive Tests Preparation

Change is inevitable, we know… which is why we’re committed to making it easy for you to ensure your driver’s license or identification (DL/ID) card accurately reflects who (and where!) you are.

How to Change Your Information

1. Change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

   When you apply for a new DL/ID card using your new name, the first thing DMV will do is verify your information with SSA, so make sure you have informed SSA of your new name.

   If your SSA information does not match your new DL/ID application information, your application will be denied, and you will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV telling you what to do.

2. Complete a new DL/ID application

   Use our online application to apply for a new DL/ID card or commercial driver’s license (CDL) with your new name. 

   If you want your new DL/ID to be a REAL ID, you will be able to apply for one in the application.

3. Gather the required proof documents to show DMV

   If you want a REAL ID as your updated DL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) two proofs of California residency. See acceptable documents list.

   If you want a non-REAL ID DL/ID you need only provide proof of your true full name. See acceptable documents list.

   California Commercial Driver’s License Documents List

   If you are applying for a CDL, you will need to provide 1.) proof of your true full name (see acceptable documents list), 2.) a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL939) (if you have been issued a DL of any kind in another state or jurisdiction in the last 10 years), and 3.) a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate from the medical examiner who performed your current commercial medical examination.

   Not your first name change? If you have ever legally changed your name before, you may need to provide proof of all former name changes (whether DMV was notified of them or not). This may include any combination of the following:

   • Name change document(s) containing your legal name both before and after the name change.
   • Marriage certificate(s).
   • Dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document(s) containing the legal name as a result of the court action.
   • Document(s) verifying the formation of a domestic partnership.
   • Adoption documents that contain the legal name as a result of the adoption.

4. Visit a DMV office to complete the process

   Your name change is not complete until you come into a field office! You may either make an appointment or visit a field office at your convenience without an appointment.

   Bring your current DL/ID and proof documents with you, and be prepared to pay the appropriate licensing fee and scan your thumbprint to protect against identity theft.

   If you applied for a DL, you will be given a temporary license valid for 60 days. If you applied for an ID card, you will be given a receipt as proof of application. You should receive your new DL/ID card in the mail within 3-4 weeks. If you have not received your DL and/or ID card after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

Notifying DMV of an address change is easy and free! Just submit a Change of Address (DMV 14) form using the option below that is most convenient for you:

Online: Complete the DMV 14 online.

By mail: Download the DMV 14 (or call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request to have the form mailed to you; note this may take up to 5 days to receive) and mail the completed form to the address listed on the form.

In person:  Visit any DMV office, complete a DMV 14, and give it to a representative. The representative will submit the form to DMV headquarters for processing.

California law requires that you notify DMV within 10 days of changing your address.

As of January 1, 2019, individuals may self-select a gender identity of male (M), female (F), or nonbinary (X) to appear on their driver’s license or identification (DL/ID).

If you are changing your name on your DL/ID in addition to your gender category, please also follow the instructions within “Changing Your Name” above.

1. Complete a new DL/ID application

   Use our online application to apply for a new DL/ID card with your updated gender category.

   If you want your new DL/ID to be a REAL ID, you will be able to apply for one in the application.

2. Gather the required documents to show DMV

   If you want a REAL ID as your updated DL/ID, you will need to provide 1.) proof of identity, 2.) Social Security Number, and 3.) two proofs of California residency in addition to a completed Gender Category Request form (DMV 329S). See acceptable REAL ID documents list.

   If you want a non-REAL ID DL/ID, you need only submit a completed Gender Category Request form (DMV 329S).

3. Visit a DMV office to complete the process

   Your gender category change isn’t complete until you come into a field office!

   Bring your current DL/ID (and any required proof documents with you, if your updated DL/ID will be a REAL ID), and be prepared to pay the appropriate licensing fee and scan your thumbprint to protect against identity theft.

   If you applied for a DL (REAL ID or not), you will be given a temporary DL valid for 60 days. If you applied for an ID card, you will be given a receipt as proof of application. You should receive your new DL/ID card in the mail within 3-4 weeks. If you have not received your driver’s license and/or ID card after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status.

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