The affected cardholders are legal immigrants whose Real ID credentials were issued with incorrect expiration dates.
SAN DIEGO — California’s Department of Motor Vehicles is recalling approximately 325,000 Real IDs after discovering that expiration dates on the cards do not match the expiration dates on holders’ immigration authorization documents, a mistake the agency attributes to a software glitch that has persisted since 2006.
The affected residents are legal immigrants whose Real ID credentials were issued with incorrect expiration dates. Over the coming weeks and months, the DMV will mail notifications to impacted cardholders informing them they need to obtain replacement cards.
“It is going to be a hassle for them for sure,” said San Diegan Liz Angeles.
The DMV emphasized that Real IDs were not issued to Californians without documented status. However, the discovery has raised concerns among immigrant rights advocates about the potential consequences for legal immigrants who must visit a government facility to replace their cards.
“They’re already being picked up when they’re coming to their court dates, so I think any extra government facility they have to go to… it’s not just a hassle, it’s a danger to them,” said San Diego resident Spencer Levine.
To help address the situation, the DMV is offering expedited processing and waiving all fees for replacement cards. In a statement, the DMV’s director said, “We proactively reviewed our records, identified a legacy system issue from 2006, and are notifying impacted customers with clear guidance on how to maintain a valid California-issued credential. For nearly 99 percent of Real ID holders, no action is required.”
Some state lawmakers have criticized the recall as evidence of government mismanagement.
“Years of poor oversight allowed outdated systems to create a massive disruption for hardworking residents. Even if fees are waived, Californians still pay the price in lost time and frustration,” said Republican Senator Tony Strickland, who serves as vice-chair on the State Senate Transportation Committee.
The DMV has not yet provided a firm deadline for when cards must be replaced or specified consequences for those who do not obtain replacements. The agency advises residents to watch for mailed notifications rather than responding to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, warning that such contacts could be scams.