Reviewed and updated October 12, 2026 by the SearchSystems.net editorial team. Every fact on this page was read from the California DMV's own pages that day, and the DMV page each fact came from is linked where it appears.
A California ID card from the DMV, for anyone of any age who needs to prove identity or age without a driver's license: the three kinds of card, how to apply, the documents, the fees, and the cards that cost less or nothing. A driver's license is on the driver's license guide, renewing either card on the renewal guide, and every DMV fee on the fees page.
In this guide: The three kinds of ID card, How to apply, ID card fees, Reduced fee and no-fee cards, If the name on your document is not your current name, Questions about California ID cards
The three kinds of ID card
An ID card proves identity or age the way a driver's license does, but it does not allow you to drive. The DMV issues three kinds, as described on its ID cards page:
REAL ID card. Since May 7, 2025, a federal compliant ID such as a passport, a military ID or a REAL ID has been required to board a domestic flight or to enter certain secure federal facilities, among them military bases, federal courthouses and other federal buildings. The document checklist is on the DMV's REAL ID page.
Standard ID card. Since May 7, 2025 the standard card is not accepted for domestic flights or federal facilities, but it continues to prove identity and age. It is valid for six birthdates after the application date.
Senior citizen ID card. For people 62 or older, with no fee, valid for eight birthdates after the application date.
How to apply
Complete the DMV's driver's license and ID card application (it can be started online; the application guide explains the form), then visit a DMV office, where you will provide your Social Security number, verify your identity with an acceptable identity document (your current name must match the name on it), present residency documents if you have never had a California license or ID card, pay the nonrefundable application fee, have your thumbprint scanned, and have your photo taken.
For a REAL ID card you must also provide proof of identity, your Social Security number and two proofs of residency from the DMV's list of acceptable REAL ID documents.
The DMV mails the new card within three to four weeks. If it has not arrived after 60 days, the DMV says to check its license and ID card status page.
ID card fees
| Card | Application | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular ID card | Original, renewal, replacement, information change, or emancipated minor | $40 |
| Senior citizen ID card (age 62 or older) | Original, renewal, replacement, or information change | No fee |
| Reduced fee ID card | Original, renewal, replacement, or information change | $11 |
Source: the DMV's licensing fees page. The DMV calls the fee nonrefundable and says it applies to a new card, a renewal, and a name change on the card. The office card service fees are on the California DMV fees page.
Reduced fee and no-fee cards
Reduced fee ID card. You may pay the reduced fee for an original or a renewal if you meet the income requirements of selected governmental or non-profit assistance programs. The program gives you a completed Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card (DL 937) form to take to the DMV office; the DMV says to ask your local public assistance program agency about eligibility and the DL 937. The DMV's program page for organizations describes the program side.
No-fee ID card. You may be eligible if you are a homeless person as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, which the DMV says includes, among others, a homeless child or youth, a homeless person, or an individual or family fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or another dangerous, life-threatening condition.
Senior citizen ID card. No fee at 62 or older.
If the name on your document is not your current name
The DMV requires your current true full name, first, middle and last, to appear on the identity document. If you have changed your name, the change goes through the steps on the name and address change guide before or with the ID card application.
Questions about California ID cards
Can a child get a California ID card?
Yes. The DMV says it may issue an ID card to a person of any age, and its online application lets a parent use their own email address for a minor who has none.
Does a standard ID card still work?
For proving identity and age, yes. Since May 7, 2025 a standard card is not accepted for boarding a domestic flight or entering secure federal facilities; that takes a REAL ID card, a passport or a military ID.
How long is an ID card valid?
A standard ID card is valid for six birthdates after the application date; a senior citizen ID card for eight birthdates.
How long does the card take to arrive?
The DMV says three to four weeks by mail. If it has not arrived after 60 days, check the DMV's license and ID card status page.
What does it cost to renew an ID card?
The same as a new one on the DMV's fee schedule: $40 for a regular card, $11 for a reduced fee card, and no fee at 62 or older.
Written by SearchSystems.net from the California DMV's ID cards page and licensing fees page, read on October 12, 2026.