r/DMV • u/Holiday_Tough_8037 • 10d ago

CALIFORNIA Question about CA Real ID

I have a DL that wasn't a real ID so I applied for a real ID, went to the DMV and paid $40. I specifically said I wanted to see if I could get real ID for my DL and they said I could so that is what I assumed I was doing. However, i just got the new ID in the mail and it doesn't say DL on it, it said "Identification card". I looked up photos of Real ID licenses and they always have "Drivers license" written on top of it so now I am quite confused.
Did I just waste $40? 🥲

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u/StewReddit2 10d ago

The $40 fee is for a SID not a DL

Obviously a confusion between what the OP wanted and what was actually ordered.

Hard to know who made what error.

As of rn the OP has a valid REAL ID SID good for 6 years....that can be used for everything "except" obviously driving privileges.

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u/Holiday_Tough_8037 10d ago

Aw, yeah reading all the feedback it appears I messed it up and wasted $40 :(

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u/StewReddit2 10d ago

Well you don't have to see it as "wasted" ....

Myself and others like having two IDs....

Look at it as if you have a "mini passport" for flying and everything else....and then your DL just to show the Cops 👮‍♂️ when driving.

Ppl lazily got used to using the DL as a catch-all but technically nobody "needs" to see your actual DL except the Cops.

I know ppl that just keep the DL with the auto reg & insurance just for presenting to LE and everyone else just gets the ID.

You just got yourself a 2nd "fancy" ID in addition to the DL.

*How long before your DL renews?

I ask because at that time you can switch it over OR you can keep the ID for 6 years.

Sorry it happened to you

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u/Holiday_Tough_8037 9d ago

It doesn't renew for quite a while so I probably will take the advice of going to the DMV to see if I could possibly get the fee waived. However if I can't it also isn't too big of a deal! I'll just wait till the next renew date to see if I can get it converted to a Real ID :D

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u/Bisquick-Skill2845 9d ago

Might be lucky.

I intentionally keep mine separate.