BURBANK, Calif., April 25th – Beginning May 7th, 2025, anyone 18 years or older that plans to fly domestically or visit certain Federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board a U.S. commercial aircraft. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also reminding the public to learn about other forms of identification that will also allow them to fly domestically.
Once enforcement begins, the TSA says passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint, if their identity cannot be verified.
To determine if a California driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for a bear + star in the top right corner. The presence of this image will indicate that the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
“We know that historically, the vast majority of travelers use their driver license to verify their identity at the TSA security checkpoint. Starting May 7, 2025, when REAL ID is enforced, travelers will need to show a REAL ID-compliant version of the state-issued photo ID to the TSA officer,” said TSA Federal Security Director at Hollywood Burbank Airport Anita Minaei. “Fortunately, TSA accepts multiple forms of photo ID beyond the driver license. Now is the time to plan what type of photo ID you will use when you travel by air.”
The TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card and any government-issued passport.
REAL ID background
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
California DMV and REAL ID
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing REAL ID-complaint licenses and identification cards in January 2018. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of identity, proof of California residency and a trip to the DMV. Applicants will be asked to provide their Social Security number on the REAL ID application. More information on applying for a REAL ID in California is available at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/
More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found on the TSA’s website at www.tsa.gov/real-id.