Story perspectives

California DMV Errors Affect 325,000 Real ID Expirations

1/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles notified approximately 325,000 Real ID holders that a software error miscalculated expiration dates for lawful noncitizen residents.
Steve Gordon, director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, confirmed the error originated in a 2006 legacy system.
The legacy system applied standard expiration dates instead of aligning with individuals' authorized stays.
The DMV has not set a compliance deadline.
No undocumented individuals received Real IDs.

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Story summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles notified approximately 325,000 Real ID holders that a software error miscalculated expiration dates for lawful noncitizen residents.
Steve Gordon, director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, confirmed the error originated in a 2006 legacy system.
The legacy system applied standard expiration dates instead of aligning with individuals' authorized stays.
The DMV has not set a compliance deadline.
No undocumented individuals received Real IDs.