Why Californians will have to pay for new ID cards soon

If you rely on using your driver's license or state issued ID at TSA checkpoints -- YOU NEED TO READ THIS:

Your current California driver's license or ID card soon won't be accepted by the TSA so you can board a flight or by federal agents so you can enter certain government facilities.

Instead, you'll need a new identification card, called a Real ID -- and you'll have to pay for it.

The Federal Real ID Act of 2005 was passed by Congress in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"It's a set of federal requirements that all DMVs across the country have to follow to increase security in your driver's license," DMV spokesperson Jessica Gonzalez said.

To get access to many federal facilities and to board all domestic flights, California residents must have a new federally compliant driver's license or ID card by Oct. 1, 2020.

An example of a California driver's license. An example of a California driver's license. Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Why Californians will have to pay for new ID cards soon 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

Before you rush out to get one, Gonzalez said, "It's not mandatory. So if you don't fly, or enter federal facilities that require Id, or military bases, you do not need a Real ID."

The California DMV said it would make Real IDs available for purchase for $34 beginning Jan. 22, 2018. If you just renewed your driver's license, you may need to go back and get another one.

The old versions of driver's licenses can still be used to board flights and access federal buildings, as long as they are used in conjunction with a federal government-issued ID, such as:

1. A valid passport

2. Passport ID card

3. Military ID

4. Department of Homeland Security trusted Traveler Card (such as Global Entry,

You do not need a federal compliant Real ID driver's license or ID card to:

1. Drive

2. Vote

3. Apply for or receive federal benefits (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)

4. Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (such as a post office)

5. Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services

Unlike a current driver's license renewal which you can do online, you have to apply for the Real ID at the DMV in person. To get one, you must also provide:

1. 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.

2. Show a California residency document.

3. Social Security card, or a document providing your social security number such as W-2 or employment pay stub with your social security number on it.

This story originally appeared on KCRA.