The deadline to get a California REAL ID is Wednesday, May 7.
After the deadline, the new identification will be required to enter federal facilities such as military bases, courthouses, and other secured sites – and to board domestic flights.
Still, for those who haven’t gotten their REAL ID yet or are in the process of getting one, it will be possible to board a domestic flight, but it will take more time to get through security.
Here’s what Californians need to know if they miss the REAL ID deadline.
Will I still be able to board my flight if I don’t have a REAL ID?
Yes. In addition to REAL IDs, other valid identification materials, like a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or a border crossing card, are all acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID.
Still, you can board a domestic flight if you don’t have a REAL ID or another form of acceptable identification. You will likely be required to undergo additional screening to confirm your identity.
According to TSA, “passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area, and may receive additional screening.”
These new guidelines also apply to TSA PreCheck passengers.
What else can I use to board a flight besides a REAL ID?
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Do children need a REAL ID card?
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Passengers are urged to contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
Do I legally have to get a REAL ID in California?
No. The DMV states, “A REAL ID driver’s license or identification card is optional.”
Residents would only need a REAL ID if:
- They wish to use their driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights
- Enter secure federal facilities
What does a California REAL ID look like?
According to the TSA, a California driver’s license or identification card that is REAL ID-compliant will include a bear and star in the top right corner.
How do I sign up for REAL ID?
To obtain a REAL ID, Californians can start their application online.
Before beginning the application, you should be prepared to:
- Create a login for a DMV online account if one wasn’t made previously
- Have a Social Security number handy in addition to basic information such as name, address, and date of birth
- Visit a field officer to finish the rest of the driver’s license/ID card application process
The average time to complete the application is nine minutes. The application could be finished later if logged off.
The required documents can be uploaded online, but must be brought to a local DMV office to complete the application process. Files could be uploaded as a file from a computer or as a photo from a phone.
More information about applying for a REAL ID in California can be found here.
