Starting May 7, 2025, Californians will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights. Not having a compliant ID may lead to delays or other complications.
What’s a REAL ID and why do I need it
The Act was first enacted on May 11, 2005. This followed the 9/11 Commission recommendation that the Federal Government establish minimum security standards for ID issuance.
A REAL ID is a newer version of your driver’s license or ID card that meets the latest federal security standards. This new version will have a star symbol in the top right corner. For Californians, this will appear inside the shape of a golden bear.
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need this to board a domestic flight. It is unclear if not having one will deny you boarding, but officials warn that it could definitely cause delays and other issues. Basically, if you don’t have one by the deadline, be prepared to bring another form of official ID, like a passport.
How do I get a REAL ID
You can get one from your local DMV office. But, before that:
- Head to the DMV website
- Check this document list (one that proves your identity, and 2 that prove that you live in California)
- Apply online and upload all the requested documents
- Bring the requested documents and the application confirmation code to a DMV office
Deadline and past delays
Since 2005, the concept and implementation of a REAL ID has seen many, many delays…
Due to a mix of challenges, it wasn’t launched in 2008, when it was first supposed to be implemented. After fixing technical challenges and operational issues, the READL ID was supposed to launch in 2020. As you can imagine, the COVID pandemic interfered with that plan.
Which brings us here, 20 years later, and it looks like it’s actually happening!
Well, kind of…while the official deadline is on May 7, 2025, the official full enforcement deadline is May 5, 2027. We do recommend getting it done as soon as possible, either way – no one likes delayed flights, right?