The Real ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, requires that all state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards meet certain federal security standards in order to be accepted for boarding a domestic flight or entering certain federal facilities. California has been working to comply with the Real ID Act, and as of October 1, 2020, all Californians will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board a domestic flight.
For travelers wondering if they can still fly with a California driver’s license, the good news is that yes, you can still fly with a regular California driver’s license until October 1, 2020. After that date, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board a domestic flight.
So, what exactly is a Real ID-compliant driver’s license? A Real ID-compliant driver’s license will have a star in the upper right-hand corner to signify that it meets federal security standards. To obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, you will need to provide additional documentation to prove your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, as well as proof of your Social Security number and two forms of proof of California residency.
For those who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card by October 1, 2020, there are still other forms of acceptable identification that can be used to board a domestic flight, such as a valid U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, U.S. military ID, or a DHS Trusted Traveler card (e.g. Global Entry).
It’s important to note that the Real ID Act only applies to air travel within the United States. If you are traveling internationally, you will still need a valid passport.
For Californians who are unsure if their driver’s license is Real ID-compliant, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has created a helpful online tool where you can enter your driver’s license or identification card number to check its status. Additionally, the DMV has been encouraging Californians to apply for a Real ID-compliant driver’s license well in advance of the October 1, 2020 deadline to avoid any potential issues.
While obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license may require some additional documentation and a visit to the DMV, it is an important step to ensure that you can continue to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities after October 1, 2020. So, if you are a California resident planning to fly within the United States, make sure to check your driver’s license status and start the process of obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license if needed. Safe travels!
