The Real ID Deadline Is May 7. Here’s What Californians Need to Know

On May 7, the federal government will start enforcing Real ID requirements at U.S. airports and some federal facilities.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On May 7, the federal government will start enforcing Real ID requirements at U.S. airports and some federal facilities.

From this date forward, travelers will need a Real ID compliant license or other accepted form of identification like a passport to pass security checks before boarding a domestic flight.

However, just over 55% of Californians (18 million people) have updated their driver’s licenses or ID cards to be Real ID compliant, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you are among those who have not, here is what you need to do to complete the process. Schedule your appointment through a California DMV office and obtain your Real ID application code (issued when you schedule your appointment online). Be prepared to pay a $35 fee.

“Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks,” said former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske in a release.

“Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant,” Pekoske added. “We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports.”

The national Real ID policy was originally supposed to go into effect in 2008, but has been repeatedly postponed, including during the pandemic.

Updated California licenses will be marked by a golden bear in the upper right-hand corner of the card.

Travelers 18 or over need the ID for U.S domestic flights. The ID cannot be used to travel internationally, with an exception for land or water border crossings into Mexico and Canada.

To apply for a REAL ID, you must present several documents, including ONE proof of identity document. This document must include your date of birth and your full name. Examples of acceptable documentation include:

· Valid U.S. passport or passport card

· Original or certified copy of U.S birth certificate issued by a city, county or state office. (Abbreviated or abstract certificates are not accepted.

· Valid Permanent Resident Card

· Foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form

· Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

· Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory

· Valid Employment Authorization Document Card or valid/expired EAD card with Notice of Action

· Valid U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen

· Valid foreign passport stamped ‘Processed for I-551

· Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility

Additionally, applicants will need to provide TWO different proofs of California residency. Both documents must show your first and last name with the same mailing address that is listed on your application.

Utility or cell phone bills are preferred document types. Medical, employment or insurance documents are also acceptable.

If you use a P.O. Box, one document must show both your P.O. Box address and physical address. The second document must only bear the P.O. Box address.

The TSA says the May 7 deadline will be enforced, and that travelers without a Real ID or other accepted document could experience delays when going through security because it will take longer to verify their identity.

They could face “additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” the TSA said in a news release.

The agency recommends travelers arrive at least three hours before domestic flights if they don’t have Real ID or an alternative.