What's happening with California DMV license delays
California DMV is experiencing significant delays in reissuing Real ID compliant licenses to immigrant drivers who obtained their original licenses under AB 60, a state law that allows people without Social Security numbers to get a driver's license. The backlog means some drivers are waiting months longer than the standard 10 to 15 business days for their renewed licenses to arrive. This is not a rejection of your process — it is a processing delay specific to how the DMV handles Real ID conversions for AB 60 license holders.
The delays stem from increased demand for Real ID licenses combined with staffing and system capacity issues at DMV offices. Real ID is the federal standard required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025. Many AB 60 drivers are now converting their licenses to Real ID status before the important date, which has overwhelmed the DMV's processing timeline for this specific group.
Key Takeaways
- AB 60 license holders converting to Real ID are experiencing delays of several months, not the standard two to three week turnaround.
- The delay is a processing backlog, not a problem with your documents or a reason to reapply — submitting another process will make the wait longer.
- You can check your license status through the DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
- If you need to travel by air or enter a federal building before your Real ID arrives, you can use a passport or passport card instead.
- Calling the DMV to ask about your specific case rarely speeds up processing and may add to the queue.
Why AB 60 drivers face longer waits than other applicants
AB 60 licenses are processed through a different system than standard California licenses because they do not require a Social Security number. When you convert an AB 60 license to Real ID status, the DMV must verify your identity and immigration status through additional federal databases and cross-checks that standard renewals do not need. This extra verification step is mandatory under federal Real ID rules and cannot be skipped.
The volume of AB 60 drivers converting to Real ID all at once has created a bottleneck. Many drivers are rushing to convert before the May 2025 important date when Real ID becomes required for domestic air travel. The DMV does not have separate staffing or processing lines for AB 60 conversions, so these applications compete with all other license work for limited resources.
How to check if your license is still being processed
You can track your license status through the California DMV website without calling or visiting an office. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Check process Status," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your process is still in process, approved, or ready for pickup.
The status page updates periodically but not in real time. If your status has not changed in more than four months, you can contact the DMV through their online messaging system (also on dmv.ca.gov) with your process number and a brief description of your situation. Online messaging typically receives a response within five to seven business days, which is faster than phone lines.
What to do while you wait for your Real ID license
If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building before your Real ID license arrives, you have other options that are accepted right now. A valid passport, passport card, or trusted traveler card (like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) all meet federal Real ID requirements. If you do not have a passport, you can obtain one through the U.S. State Department — processing times vary from several weeks to several months depending on demand.
For state identification purposes, your old AB 60 license remains valid for driving and most other uses while you wait for the Real ID version. You do not need to stop driving or obtain a temporary license. The delay only affects the new Real ID license itself, not your ability to use your current license.
Scams and false promises targeting delayed drivers
Be cautious of websites, social media ads, or people offering to "speed up" your DMV license processing for a fee. The DMV does not have expedited processing for AB 60 Real ID conversions, and no private company can move your process ahead in the queue. Paying someone to "help" with your process will not reduce your wait time and may result in lost money or compromised personal information.
Do not share your Social Security number, immigration documents, or financial information with anyone claiming to represent the DMV outside of official DMV channels. The real DMV will never ask for payment to process a license renewal, and they will not contact you by email or text asking you to verify personal details. If you receive such a message, it is a scam.
When to visit a DMV office in person
You do not need to visit an office to check on a delayed license or to reapply — doing so will not speed up processing and may create duplicate applications that extend your wait. Visit a DMV office only if you have received a notice asking you to provide additional documents, or if your online status check indicates your process was rejected and needs correction.
If you must visit an office, make an appointment through dmv.ca.gov rather than showing up without one. Walk-in service is available but wait times are often two to four hours. Bring your current AB 60 license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and any documents the DMV specifically requested in writing.
Timeline for Real ID important date and what happens after May 2025
The federal Real ID important date for domestic air travel is May 7, 2025. After that date, you will need a Real ID compliant license, passport, or other approved document to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. A standard California driver's license without Real ID will not be accepted for these purposes, even if it is not expired.
If your Real ID license has not arrived by May 2025, you can still travel using a passport or passport card. The delay in receiving your Real ID license does not invalidate your process or create a legal problem — it straightforward means you will need an alternative form of identification for federal purposes until it arrives. After May 2025, the DMV will continue processing delayed Real ID applications, but the urgency for many drivers will have passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I submit a new process if my license is taking too long?
No. Submitting another process creates a duplicate in the system and will likely extend your wait time, not reduce it. The DMV will process your original process. If you have not received a rejection notice, your process is still in the queue. Check your status online instead of reapplying.
Can I get a temporary Real ID license while I wait?
California does not issue temporary Real ID licenses. You can use your current AB 60 license for driving and state purposes. For federal purposes (air travel, federal building entry), use a passport, passport card, or other approved document until your Real ID license arrives.
What if I never received a confirmation that my process was received?
Check your online status using your driver's license number and date of birth on dmv.ca.gov. If the status page shows no record of your process, contact the DMV through their online messaging system with details about when and where you submitted it. Bring your receipt if you have one.
Do I have to convert my AB 60 license to Real ID, or can I keep the old one?
You do not have to convert if you do not need Real ID for air travel or federal building access. Your AB 60 license will remain valid for driving and most other purposes indefinitely. However, if you want to fly domestically after May 2025, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.
Will the DMV process my process faster if I call or visit in person?
No. Calling or visiting will not move your process ahead in the processing queue. The DMV handles all applications in the order they were received. Contacting them repeatedly may actually delay your process by adding notes to your file. Use online status checks and messaging for updates.