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California DMV Flags REAL ID Error, Tells 325,000 to Update Credentials

The agency traced the problem to a 2006 legacy configuration that miscalculated expiration dates for some lawfully present noncitizens.

Overview

  • About 1.5% of California REAL ID holders are affected, totaling roughly 325,000 people.
  • Notifications will roll out in the coming weeks or months with instructions, and the DMV will waive fees and expedite processing.
  • The issue stems from legacy 2006 coding that applied standard renewal intervals instead of aligning IDs with a holder’s authorized stay.
  • Officials say all IDs were issued only after federal lawful‑presence verification and none were issued to undocumented individuals.
  • Potentially affected groups include permanent residents and certain visa holders, and the DMV warns not to respond to unsolicited requests for payment or personal data.