California ID Card
Pick the right card, pay the right fee, bring the right papers
A California ID card proves who you are and how old you are, just like a driver’s license, but it doesn’t let you drive. DMV issues one to a person of any age. You choose between a REAL ID card and a standard card, and seniors 62 and older can get theirs at no cost.
By California DMV Appointments Editorial TeamUpdated November 2026Source: California DMV (dmv.ca.gov)
ID card fees at a glance
- $40Regular ID card
- $11Reduced fee, with DMV’s verification form
- $0Senior card, age 62 or older
- $0No-fee card if you’re homeless
Same fee for an original, renewal, replacement or info change. Card payments add a small service fee.
Which ID Card Fits You?
Answer three questions to see your card type and fee.
Accepted for domestic flights and secure federal buildings. Bring proof of identity, your SSN and two proofs of California residency.
Build my checklist ↓What Do You Need to Get a California ID Card?
Choose your options and the checklist adjusts. It covers every item DMV asks for at the office, with a link to the official list behind each one.
- ✓Online DL/ID application—
- ✓Social Security number—
- ✓Proof of identity—
- ✓Proof of California residency—
- ✓Name change documents—
- ✓Application fee—
- ✓At the DMV office—
What Types of California ID Cards Are There?
DMV lists three kinds: REAL ID, standard and the no-fee senior card. Since May 7, 2025, boarding a domestic flight takes a REAL ID or another federally accepted ID, such as a passport.
REAL ID card
- Accepted to board domestic flights
- Gets you into secure federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses
- Needs identity, SSN and two residency documents
Full document rules: our California REAL ID checklist.
Standard ID card
- Proves your identity and age
- Not accepted for domestic flights or federal facilities since May 7, 2025
- Valid for six birthdates after you apply
Senior citizen ID card
- For people 62 or older
- No fee for an original, renewal, replacement or update
- Valid for eight birthdates after you apply
Tap the chart to open it full size.
How Much Is a California ID Card?
A regular ID card costs $40, and the fee is nonrefundable. Three groups pay less or nothing at all.
| Card | Covers | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular ID card | Original, renewal, lost or stolen replacement, info change, emancipated minor | $40 |
| Reduced-fee ID card | Original, renewal, replacement, info change | $11 |
| Senior ID card (62+) | Original, renewal, replacement, info change | No fee |
| No-fee ID card | For people who are homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act | No fee |
Paying by card adds a service fee: 1.95% online, by phone or at a kiosk, and 2.1% at a DMV office. Offices also take cash, checks and money orders.
Who qualifies for fee help?
Reduced fee. If you meet the income rules of selected government or nonprofit assistance programs, the program gives you a completed Verification for Reduced Fee Identification Card (DL 937) to bring to DMV.
No fee. For people who are homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, including anyone fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or another life-threatening situation. A participating agency verifies your status and issues DMV’s no-fee form (DL 933).
Senior. Anyone 62 or older qualifies for the no-fee senior citizen ID card. Your identity document proves your age.
DMV says verification forms must be complete, signed and dated, and reach DMV within 90 days of being issued.
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How Do You Apply for a California ID Card?
It’s two steps: an application online, then one visit to a DMV office. To skip the line, see how to book a California DMV appointment, or find the nearest office with our DMV locations guide.
Step 1Online, before you go
- Complete the Driver’s License or ID Card Application on dmv.ca.gov.
- Choose REAL ID in the application if you want to fly with the card.
- Gather your identity, SSN and residency documents, and any fee form.
Step 2At the DMV office
- Give your Social Security number.
- Show your identity document. Your current name must match it.
- Show residency documents if you’ve never had a California DL or ID card (two for a REAL ID).
- Pay the nonrefundable fee, or hand in your fee form.
- Have your thumbprint scanned and your photo taken.
How Long Does It Take to Get a California ID Card?
You don’t leave with the plastic card. DMV mails it to you.
- 1 visit
Fee, thumbprint and photo are all done at the office.
- 3–4 wks
Your new ID card arrives by mail.
- 60 days
Still nothing? Check Driver’s License & ID Card Status ↗.
- 6 / 8
Birthdates a standard card (6) or senior card (8) stays valid.
Want to drive instead?
An ID card doesn’t let you drive. See our California driver’s license guide for the routes to a license.
Card expiring?
See our California DMV renewal online guide to check whether you can renew from home.
Moved since you applied?
Updating the address is free. Follow our guide to changing your address with DMV.
California ID Card FAQs
How do I get a California ID card?
Complete the Driver’s License or ID Card Application online, then visit a DMV office to give your SSN, show your identity and residency documents, pay the fee, and have your thumbprint and photo taken.
How much is a California ID card?
A regular ID card costs $40. A reduced-fee card costs $11 for eligible applicants, and the senior card for people 62 or older and the no-fee card for people who are homeless cost nothing.
Can I get a free California ID card?
Yes, if you’re 62 or older, or if you’re homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act and bring the verification form from a participating agency.
How long is a California ID card valid?
A standard ID card is valid for six birthdates after the application date. A senior citizen ID card is valid for eight birthdates.
Can I fly with a California ID card?
Yes, if it’s a REAL ID. Since May 7, 2025, a standard ID card isn’t accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities, though a passport or another federally accepted ID also works.
How long does it take to get a California ID card?
Your new ID card arrives by mail within three to four weeks. If you haven’t received it after 60 days, check DMV’s Driver’s License and ID Card Status page.
Is there a minimum age for a California ID card?
No. DMV may issue an ID card to a person of any age.
Can I drive with a California ID card?
No. An ID card proves your identity and age, but it doesn’t allow you to operate a motor vehicle.