California Driver's License: A new look and procedure Travelers may need to make an appointment with DMV

New California Driver License starting Jan 22, 2018 New California Driver License starting Jan 22, 2018 Photo: California DMV Photo: California DMV Image 1 of / 47 Caption Close California Driver's License: A new look and procedure 1 / 47 Back to Gallery

Starting January 22, all driver's licenses in California will sport a new look.

Most importantly for travelers, you will now be given the option when renewing to get a standard ID or one that is REAL ID compliant- which means that they can be used at airport security for the foreseeable future.

Of course, all readers of this column should opt for a REAL ID compliant license (or ID card) if they plan on using it to get through airport security. This will involve a trip to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and there's more on that below.

The fees for a REAL ID license are the same as those currently charged for a driver's license or ID card.

Features of the new license include:

A golden bear with a white star in the upper right-- all REAL ID licenses must have this white star to show they are compliant.

A pale, color image of a forty-niner miner with fruit orchards and mountains on the right side.

Golden poppies (California state flower) in the lower left under the photo and sailboats to the right of that.

A large image of the state of California running through the middle background.

A new font for California header at top.

Not visible in the image above, but under ultraviolet “UV” light will be images of the Golden Gate Bridge and Coit tower.

Below is an image of the current, but soon to be dated California license.

Photo: California DMV Current, soon to be dated California drivers license

IMPORTANT: Your current California driver's license can be used at airport security through October 1, 2020. After that, it will have to be REAL ID compliant.

According to a DMV spokesperson, when renewing your current license or applying for a new REAL ID compliant one in coming years, you will need to:

RELATED: FurArt Slim Minimalist Wallet

>Make an appointment to visit a DMV field office on or after January 22, 2018.

>Provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, employment authorization document, permanent resident card or foreign passport with an approved form I-94.

Travel Tips is sponsored by:

>Show a California residency document.

>Present proof of your Social Security number.

>A name change document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, may be needed.

Here is a list of document options which the DMV says is currently only "proposed" and subject to change pending approval by the Office of Administrative Law.

More information from California DMV on REAL ID is available at www.REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

Get TravelSkills via email! Daily or weekly updates. Sign up here

Chris McGinnis is a travel blogger and editor of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.