Starting January 22, 2018, residents of California were no longer able to use their driver’s licenses to board domestic flights due to the state’s failure to comply with the Real ID Act. However, as the deadline for Real ID enforcement approaches in 2023, many Californians are wondering if they will finally be able to fly with their driver’s licenses once again.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and set strict standards for state-issued identification cards, including driver’s licenses. The goal of the act was to enhance security and prevent identity fraud by ensuring that all state-issued IDs meet certain minimum security standards.
Over the years, the Department of Homeland Security has been slowly implementing the Real ID Act, working with states to bring their driver’s licenses into compliance. California was one of the last states to receive an extension from the DHS, allowing residents to continue using their non-compliant IDs for federal purposes, such as boarding flights.
However, that extension is set to expire on May 3, 2023, meaning that California residents will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights after that date. This has led many Californians to wonder if they will finally be able to fly with their driver’s licenses in 2023.
Fortunately, California has been working diligently to bring its driver’s licenses into compliance with the Real ID Act. The state began issuing Real ID-compliant licenses in 2018, and by 2020, the majority of Californians had already upgraded to the new IDs. As of 2021, the California Department of Motor Vehicles reported that over 28 million Californians had received Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses or identification cards.
For those who have not yet upgraded to a Real ID-compliant license, the process is relatively straightforward. Residents will need to visit their local DMV office with documents proving their identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, as well as documents proving their residency in California, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. The cost of upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license is $36, in addition to the standard renewal fee.
While the process of upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license may seem daunting to some, it is necessary for Californians who wish to continue using their driver’s licenses for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights. Without a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, residents may be turned away at airport security checkpoints starting in 2023.
In addition to upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license, Californians also have the option of using other forms of identification to board domestic flights. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or DHS trusted traveler program card, such as Global Entry or NEXUS. These alternative forms of identification are all considered Real ID-compliant and can be used in place of a driver’s license for federal purposes.
While the deadline for Real ID enforcement is fast approaching in California, state officials are working to ensure that residents have the information and resources they need to comply with the act. The DMV has set up a dedicated website and helpline to assist residents with any questions or concerns about obtaining a Real ID-compliant license. Additionally, the DHS has been working with airports and airlines to ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements in 2023.
Overall, Californians can rest assured that they will be able to fly with their driver’s licenses in 2023, as long as they have upgraded to a Real ID-compliant license or have another acceptable form of identification on hand. By taking the necessary steps to comply with the Real ID Act, residents can continue to travel safely and securely within the United States.
