AAA launches program to help California residents obtain Real ID

Obtaining a Real ID is now a bit simpler for California travelers, as AAA kicks off a pilot program this month that allows members to bypass the lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles, according to a release announcing the partnership.

Later this month, AAA members can select from 19 regional auto club locations across Southern California to ensure their driver's license meets Real ID standards by May 3, 2023, ABC7 reported.

The AAA-DMV pilot program is the first of its kind and is tailored specifically for the Automobile Club of Southern California.

AAA, a coalition of independent motor clubs, may introduce similar initiatives in the future.

"This pilot initiative is a collaboration between the CA DMV and the Auto Club, specifically designed for Southern California," said Jeffrey Spring, a spokesperson for AAA California, in an email. "Should similar programs launch in other states, they will be coordinated between the local AAA club and that state's DMV."

In April, the Department of Homeland Security pushed back the Real ID deadline from Oct. 1, 2021, to help manage a DMV backlog caused by pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions. The Real ID Act was enacted to enhance security measures following 9/11.

"Starting May 3, 2023, all air travelers aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-accepted form of ID at airport security for domestic flights," the DHS stated in a release.

As previously noted by TPG, a Real ID is necessary for flying unless you intend to travel domestically with your passport. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., are issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, but that doesn’t guarantee you'll receive one automatically. We recommend taking a DHS quiz to verify your compliance.

AAA aims for the program to "streamline" the Real ID application process, ultimately simplifying it for applicants.

"The DMV is continually improving its operations and integrating technology to enhance mobility and provide better service options for customers," stated DMV Director Steve Gordon in a press release. "We hope that our collaboration with the Automobile Club of Southern California encourages members to obtain their REAL ID promptly rather than waiting until the deadline approaches."

"They recommended that we offer this service to help facilitate the process, which is why we established this partnership to extend our DMV services to REAL ID, and we're thrilled to provide it," said Mike Johnson, senior vice president of member services for AAA of Southern California, in an interview with ABC7.

AAA's program does not eliminate the need for the DMV, as members must still schedule an appointment on the California DMV website. The fees vary by state, typically ranging from about $10 to $85 for a compliant ID. In California, the fee is $38 for either a Real ID or a standard license.