California

Have a flight soon but no REAL ID? Here’s how to get one in California, turnaround time

Published

8 months ago

April 29, 2025

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Have a flight soon but no REAL ID? Here’s how to get one in California, turnaround time

Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required for domestic flights and entering federal facilities.
California residents can begin the REAL ID application process online.
Physical REAL IDs are mailed within approximately two weeks of application completion in California.
Temporary paper REAL IDs are not accepted by the TSA for air travel.

Twenty years in the making, the 2005 REAL ID Act is finally going into effect on May 7.

The act, passed amid other increasingly tight security measures following 9/11, established that Americans would need identification that met “minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.”

It also prohibited federal agencies from accepting identification from states that did not meet those standards, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Actual implementation of the regulations ultimately took two decades, hitting several road bumps. Now that enforcement is soon to begin, however, those who do not secure a compliant ID in time will soon be unable to enter federal facilities or board domestic flights.

Have a flight coming up and no REAL ID on hand? Here’s what to know about trying to get one. But spoiler: It will take you at least two weeks, at that’s the best-case scenario.

Is there a deadline for REAL ID?

Yes. Travelers must have a REAL ID to fly domestically on or after May 7, 2025.

After the deadline passes, travelers can use acceptable alternative forms of ID, including passports, military IDs, tribal nation and Indian tribe IDs, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (only available in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont) for domestic travel.

What’s the fastest way to get a REAL ID before the deadline?

To aid in the last-minute crush of those seeking REAL IDs, select California DMV officers across the state will be opening an hour early to assist applicants by appointment only. Participating offices will be taking appointments beginning at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays through June 27, according to the agency.

The DMV offices that will be offering the early-bird appointment are:

Pleasanton (6300 W. Las Positas Blvd.)
Fremont (4287 Central Ave.)
Folsom (323 E. Bidwell St., Suite A)
Carmichael (5209 North Ave.)
Thousand Oaks (1810 E. Avenida De Los Arboles)
Van Nuys (14920 Vanowen St.)
Arleta (14400 Van Nuys Blvd.)
Glendale (1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd.)
Pasadena (49 S. Rosemead Blvd.)
Culver City (11400 W. Washington Blvd.)
Westminster (13700 Hoover St.)
Costa Mesa (650 W. 19th St.)
San Clemente (2727 Via Cascadita)
Rancho Cucamonga (8629 Hellman Ave.)
San Diego Clairemont (4375 Derrick Drive)
San Marcos (590 Rancheros Drive)
El Cajon (1450 Graves Ave.)
Poway (13461 Community Road)

What documents are needed for a REAL ID in California?

You’ll need to present several documents to apply for a REAL ID, according to the California DMV.

One document includes proof of identity, which could be your passport, your birth certificate or your permanent resident card, among other options.

You’ll also need to prove you live in California.

For that, you’ll have to provide two documents showing your California mailing address, such as a home utility bill or cell phone bill, a bank statement, a tax return, or employment documents, among other options. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number, although exceptions may exist.

You can visit the California DMV’s website to see a full list of all valid documents.

Can you get a REAL ID online in California?

Yes, you can start the process to get a REAL ID in California online, then complete the process in person.

How long will it take to get my REAL ID in California?

In California, it takes about two weeks to receive your physical Real ID in the mail after completing the application process, according to the DMV. The turnaround time can vary depending on the DMV office’s number of applications.

While you wait for the physical card to come in the mail, you’ll receive a temporary paper version of the Real ID, but the TSA will not accept temporary paper IDs issued by the DMV or other temporary documents to fly.

What does a REAL ID look like in California?

A California-issued REAL ID will have a bear with a star in the top right corner of the license or identification card, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Homeland Security.

Other markings used in the United States for REAL-ID compliant cards include a gold or black star, according to DHS.

If you’re unsure if your ID is REAL-ID compliant, check with the California DMV, the Transportation Security Administration said.

So, what does that mean for you if you’re missing that bear and star on your card? Here’s what a REAL-ID does and what your alternative options are.

Contributing: James Powel, Nathan Diller, USA TODAY

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California

California Rep. Doug LaMalfa has died at 65

Published

10 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

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California

One Of California’s Wealthiest Suburbs In 2025 Has Small-Town Charm And A Fun Social Scene Outside LA – Islands

Published

22 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

One Of California’s Wealthiest Suburbs In 2025 Has Small-Town Charm And A Fun Social Scene Outside LA – Islands

Matt Gush/Shutterstock

Coto de Caza in Orange County, California, about an hour south of Los Angeles, may not be a household name. But viewers of “The Real Wives of Orange County” might recognize the wealthy, gated residential community as the former home base of the glitzy Bravo reality series. While stars of the show — currently in its 19th season — now live in other affluent areas, the imagery of Coto de Caza is still appealing for those contemplating a luxurious move. Coto boasts a private setting where high-profile celebrities, executives, and wealthy professionals live amid abundant open space, well-regarded schools, community events, a family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the county’s bounty. Indeed, in this well-to-do development of about 15,363 people, where the mean household income is $232,470 (more than double the state’s average), the most recent median list price of a single-family home was $2 million. There are splashier compounds in Coto, including the late real estate mogul William Lyon’s home selling for $125 million, which includes 20 bathrooms.

These prices are a long way from the area’s humble origins of barley fields and grazing sheep, according to the Los Angeles Times. Once a private hunting lodge, the area’s first homes were built in 1975, eventually transforming into a 5,000-acre master-planned community with about 4,000 homes and condominiums. Nestled against the Cleveland National Forest and just east of the SR 241 toll road, Coto de Caza strives to offer residents not just a home, but a lifestyle. Recreation is never far with area baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, parks, and picnic areas. Outdoor pursuits continue at the adjacent Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park, a 544-acre wildlife sanctuary filled with groves of Western Sycamores and Coast Live Oaks and five miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Golf and mingle

Clubhouse at the Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club in Orange County, California

Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock

A big attraction to the development is the 36-hole Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, a central hub offering youth summer camps for kids and social events like trivia nights, comedy nights, and brunch with Santa. A yearly social membership can cost $2,880 with $180 in monthly dues. A golf upgrade can hike the initiation fee up to $30,000 with $750 monthly dues. Joining the club is optional, but your monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) fees aren’t. Those range from $300 to $475, and cover 24-hour manned guard gates, daily patrols, and landscape maintenance of common areas. A cheaper ticket to fun is connecting with neighbors for poker nights, movie screenings, and monthly mixers.

This is a neighborhood where you can stay put for your child’s entire education. Parents send their kids to top-notch schools, including Wagon Wheel Elementary, Las Flores Middle, and Tesoro High, in the Capistrano Unified School District, all within a short 2.5 to 5.5 mile drive away. Grocery shopping also is fairly close, about 10 minutes to Rancho Santa Margarita stores such as Ralph’s and Trader Joe’s. To really shop, like at Bloomingdale’s and Gucci, the Valhalla of retail — South Coast Plaza — and the vibrant arts city of Costa Mesa are just a 30-minute drive. Plus the glorious Pacific Ocean is about 17 miles away in breath-taking Laguna Beach.

Coto de Caza’s charms are many. A few cons to keep in mind: With a location about 10 miles inland from Interstate 5, Coto de Caza is more remote so commutes may take longer; busy professionals need their shut-eye so nightlife peters out by 9pm; and wildfire risks mean finding insurance can be a challenge. For a buzzier locale, check out the iconic coastal escape of nearby Newport Beach.

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California

Disneyland, California Adventure has new treats, drinks to try in 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

Disneyland, California Adventure has new treats, drinks to try in 2026

A boozy matcha beverage and pork belly bao buns are among the many new treats coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, adding to the dizzying number of things you’ll want to try amid events like the return of Sweetheart’s Nite to the debut of “Bluey.”

Disney Parks Blog unveiled the lineup of dishes, desserts and drinks coming to both barks in Anaheim beginning on different dates throughout January. Among the major news is a menu change at Flo’s V8 Cafe at Cars Land at California Adventure; that includes a cheeseburger topped with caramelized onions and a pepperoncini cheese sauce and chicken and waffles.

The new items across both parks take inspiration from cuisines across the globe. Here’s a look at just some of the new options coming to both parks and where you’ll be able to find them, plus a look at the calendar of events for both parks in 2026.

Disneyland food coming in 2026: 8 options to know

Lemon chiffon tea: A sweet tea topped with lemon chiffon foam at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Main Street, U.S.A.
Yuzu lemonade: Lemonade with a “touch” of floral yuzu juice and a rainbow jelly topping at the Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square.
Sweet heat beignet chicken sandwich: A fried chicken sandwich with buffalo sauce and slaw on beignets served with collard greens and house-made pickles at Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square.
Andouille sausage po’boy: Roasted andouille sausage, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and a rémoulade sauce served with collard greens and house-made pickles at Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square.
Duo tacos with carne asada or chicken: Corn tortillas with tomatillo sauce and pickled onion habanero served with tortilla chips and salsa fresca at the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland.
Gaston burger: A beef patty with pastrami, cheese, pickles, sauteed onions and bell peppers with pepperoncini at the Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland.
Tropical slushy: A passion fruit, orange, guava and lychee syrup with a chile-lime rim beverage at Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland.
Peanut butter brownie slice: A brownie slice topped with peanut butter mousse, melted peanut butter and chocolate at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Main Street, U.S.A.

California Adventure food coming in 2026: 7 options to know

Strawberry, hazelnut, chocolate & pistachio Mickey Shake: A strawberry shake with pistachio whipped topping, fried kataifi and chocolate sauce at Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land.
Soju-matcha cocktail: Topped with honey cold foam and honey cereal at Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land.
Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll macaron: A cinnamon roll macaron shell filled with cream cheese buttercream and cinnamon caramel at the Cappuccino Cart at San Fransokyo Square.
Infinity cream puffs: Six mini cream puffs in different flavors, from raspberry, cotton candy and key lime, at Terran Treats in the Avengers Campus.
Pork belly bao bun: A bao bun with pickled onions, crispy chicharron and calamansi citrus aioli at the Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier.
Frozen banana mudslide cocktail: A cocktail of vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, banana liqueur and half and half at Wine Country Trattoria in the Performance Corridor.
Chocolate Japanese-style fluffy cheesecake: Topped with cherry sauce and available at Aunt Cass Café at the San Fransokyo Square.

Lunar New Year, Sweetheart’s Nite and ‘Bluey.’ Disneyland, California Adventure 2026 events

The Disneyland Resort is continuing its 70^th anniversary celebration through Aug. 9. Here’s a look at just some of the new and returning events coming throughout the year:

Sweetheart’s Nite at Disneyland: The Valentine-themed event that brings out specialty treats and drinks and late-night festivities returns on Jan. 22, 25, 27 and Feb. 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17. This is a separately ticketed event.
Lunar New Year at California Adventure: Ring in the Lunar New Year Jan. 23-Feb. 22.
Anaheim Ducks Day at California Adventure: Hockey fans can celebrate the Anaheim Ducks at this themed day, complete with appearances by players from the NHL team on Feb. 22.
70 Years of Favorites at Disneyland: Experience “nostalgic entertainment” and “iconic Disney characters” on March 3 and 5. This is a separately ticketed event.
California Adventure Food & Wine Festival: Enjoy limited-time food offerings, culinary demos and other foodie-themed experiences from March 6-April 27.
“Bluey” at Disneyland: “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” debuts March 22 at the Fantasyland Theatre, where the popular children’s show “Bluey” is brought to life in an interactive show.
Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland: “Pay tribute to iconic childhood shows and characters” on April 12, 14 and 16. This is a separately ticketed event.
“Star Wars” Nite at Disneyland: Celebrate “Star Wars” with this after-hours event on April 28 and 30 and May 4 and 6. This is a separately ticketed event.
Pride Nite at Disneyland: Celebrate Pride Month at Disneyland on June 16 and 18. This is a separately ticketed event.
D23 Day at Disneyland Resort: D:23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event kicks off with D23 Day at the Disneyland Resort on Aug. 13.
Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure: Show up in costume for a Halloween party on select nights throughout August, September and October. This is a separately ticketed event.
Halloween Time at Disneyland: Festive decor and seasonal attractions ahead of Halloween returns Aug. 21-Oct. 31.
Plaza de la Familia at California Adventure: The annual celebration of Día De Los Muertos returns Aug. 21-Nov. 2.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: Festive, seasonal decor and foods return Nov. 18.