Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers in the US aged 18 and above will need to have a REAL ID-compliant identification to board flights. This means that a traditional driver's license will not be accepted at airport security. However, travelers can use a mobile driver's license (mDL) for identity verification at TSA security checkpoints at San Diego International Airport and other California airports. The mDL is available on the DMV Wallet, Apple Wallet, and Google Wallet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use a driver's license in California airport security? | Yes, but it must be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an approved alternative such as a U.S. passport. |
| When will REAL ID be required? | Beginning May 7, 2025 |
| Where can I use a California mobile driver's license (mDL)? | At San Diego International Airport (SAN) and other California airports that use Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2). |
| How does CAT-2 work? | It uses facial matching technology to compare the traveler's photo from the mDL against a real-time photo taken by the CAT-2 camera. |
| How secure is the mDL? | More secure than physical credentials, as it is difficult to counterfeit or fraud. |
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What You'll Learn
- From May 2025, US travellers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights
- California residents can add their mobile driver's license to their digital wallet
- San Diego International Airport now accepts California mobile driver's licenses for identity verification
- California is one of 15 states that offer mobile driver's licenses that work with CAT-2 units
- A REAL ID-compliant card is marked with a star in the upper portion of the card
From May 2025, US travellers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights
As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travellers in the US aged 18 and above will be required to possess REAL ID-compliant identification to board flights. This means that a traditional driver's license will not be sufficient identification to pass through airport security and board a domestic commercial flight.
REAL ID-compliant identification cards are usually marked with a star in the upper portion, although the style of the star may vary depending on the state. It is recommended that you check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to determine if your license is compliant. Each state's driver's licensing agency website outlines the exact documentation required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing:
- Your full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of address of your principal residence
It is important to note that a U.S. passport is an acceptable form of identification and can be used instead of a REAL ID driver's license or ID card. Additionally, California is one of 15 states that offer mobile driver's licenses that can be used at TSA security checkpoints. At San Diego International Airport, travellers with a California photo identification can add their mobile driver's license to their digital wallet and use it at any of the airport's TSA security checkpoints.
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California residents can add their mobile driver's license to their digital wallet
As of May 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and above in the US are required to have REAL ID-compliant identification to board commercial flights. This means that a traditional driver's license or state ID will not be accepted at airport security. However, California residents have the option to add their mobile driver's license (mDL) to their digital wallet, which is accepted at several airports across the state.
The California mDL is a secure, convenient, and free digital ID that can be used at TSA checkpoints at airports like San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego International Airports. It is currently authorized for limited usage and is available to 1.5 million participants. California residents with a valid driver's license or state-issued ID card can download the CA DMV Wallet app on their smartphones and add their mDL to their digital wallet. iPhone users need an iPhone XS or later with iOS 17.5 or later, while Android users need Android 9 or higher with NFC hardware support.
To add the mDL to your digital wallet, open the CA DMV Wallet app and log in to your personal MyDMV account. If you don't have an account, you can create one. Follow the instructions to scan your physical driver's license or state ID card. You may also be asked to provide your DL# and/or SSN#. Once your mDL is set up, you can use it at participating airports by simply showing your phone at TSA checkpoints, without having to hand over your physical card.
It's important to note that the mDL is not yet accepted everywhere, and law enforcement, state government agencies, and businesses do not currently accept it. However, the mDL provides a secure proof of identity, helps protect your personal information, and speeds up the process at TSA checkpoints. Additionally, the DMV does not track your usage or share your data without your consent, ensuring your privacy.
While the mDL is a convenient option for California residents, it's always a good idea to carry your physical driver's license or state-issued ID card as a backup when traveling.
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San Diego International Airport now accepts California mobile driver's licenses for identity verification
From March 2025, San Diego International Airport has accepted California mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) for identity verification. This means that travelers with a California-issued photo ID can add their mDL or state ID to their digital wallet on their mobile device and use it at any of the airport's TSA security checkpoints.
The TSA at San Diego International Airport now uses Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) during the travel document-checking process. CAT-2 units are equipped with digital readers and a camera that takes a real-time photo of the traveler. Using facial matching technology, the system compares the traveler's photo from the mDL against the in-person, real-time photo. Through a secure internet connection, CAT-2 can also verify that the traveler is ticketed for travel that day, as well as their screening status, and provide boarding and flight information.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has made the mDL available to state residents at no cost, and it can be accessed via the DMV Wallet, Apple Wallet, or Google Wallet. California is one of 15 states that offer mDLs that work with CAT-2 units, and the TSA has stated that digital IDs are more secure and private than physical credentials.
It's important to note that starting May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and older will need REAL ID-compliant identification (or an approved alternative like a U.S. passport) to board commercial flights. Traditional driver's licenses will not be sufficient for passing through security checkpoints at airports.
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California is one of 15 states that offer mobile driver's licenses that work with CAT-2 units
Starting May 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and above will be required to have REAL ID-compliant identification to board flights within the US. This means that a traditional driver's license will not be sufficient identification to pass through airport security and board a domestic flight. However, travelers with a California photo identification can add their mobile driver's license to their digital wallet on their mobile device and use it at TSA security checkpoints. This is known as a Mobile Driver's License or mDL.
California is one of 15 states that offer mobile driver's licenses that work with Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units. San Diego International Airport is one such airport that uses CAT-2 at its TSA security checkpoints. The CAT-2 units provide enhanced fraudulent ID detection capabilities while confirming the identity and flight information of travelers.
The introduction of mobile driver's licenses is an example of how the TSA is embracing technology to enhance security and increase the efficiency of its operations. It is important to note that physical identification will still be accepted for travelers who do not have a digital ID or do not want to use photo ID technology.
To add a California driver's license to a digital wallet, travelers can refer to the TSA website for instructions. Additionally, it is recommended to check with the state's department of motor vehicles to determine if a license is REAL ID-compliant and to learn about the documentation required to obtain a REAL ID.
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A REAL ID-compliant card is marked with a star in the upper portion of the card
Starting May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and above will need to have a REAL ID-compliant identification card to board commercial flights. This means that a traditional driver's license or state ID will not be enough to pass through security and board a flight.
If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is REAL ID-compliant, and you are all set to fly domestically. If your card does not have a star, you can use a passport or another acceptable form of identification to fly. Additionally, you can upgrade your current driver's license to be REAL ID-compliant. To do this, you must provide documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and two proofs of address for your principal residence.
It is important to note that the REAL ID Act of 2005 prohibits federal agencies from accepting noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes. This includes boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, or nuclear power plants.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, California mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) are accepted at San Diego International Airport (SAN). Travelers can add their mDL or state ID to their digital wallet on their mobile device and use it at any of the airport's TSA security checkpoints.
The TSA uses Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) at TSA security checkpoints. CAT-2 units are equipped with digital readers and a camera that takes a real-time photo of the traveler. Facial matching technology is then used to compare the photo from the mDL to the real-time photo.
Yes, the TSA will continue to accept physical identification for travelers who do not have a digital ID or do not want to use photo ID technology.
Starting May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and older will need REAL ID-compliant identification or an approved alternative, such as a U.S. passport, to board commercial flights.
