California Ids: Airport Travel Verification?

As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board commercial flights in the US. This means that a traditional driver's license or state ID will not be enough to get through security and board a flight. REAL ID-compliant cards are usually marked with a star in the upper portion of the card. California driver licenses and identification cards that are REAL ID-compliant are marked with a bear and a star.

California IDs that are REAL ID-compliant are marked with a star and a bear

From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A California ID that is REAL ID-compliant is marked with a star and a grizzly bear in the top right corner. This is the special marking that indicates that it is a REAL ID. The REAL ID is optional, and other federal compliant identification, such as a valid US passport, can be used to pass through airport security.

To apply for a REAL ID, you must visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) field office in person and present the following documents:

• Proof of identity (US birth certificate, valid US passport, permanent resident card, foreign passport with an approved form I-94). A name change document, such as a marriage certificate, is required if you have legally changed your name.
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub with full SSN).
• Two different printed documents that show your California mailing address. Both documents must show your first and last name with the same mailing address that is listed on your REAL ID application.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID, you will not be permitted through the security checkpoint at the airport for a domestic flight. However, if you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.

From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant

REAL ID-compliant cards are usually marked with a star in the upper portion, though the style of the star varies depending on the state. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are also accepted as an alternative to REAL ID-compliant cards. These are issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. EDLs do not usually contain the star marking.

If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, you must provide documentation showing:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Two proofs of address of principal residence
• Lawful status

Additional requirements may be imposed by individual states, so it is best to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for a full list of requirements.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant card or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, you will not be permitted through the security checkpoint and will not be able to fly.

A passport can be used instead of a REAL ID

As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and above will be required to present REAL ID-compliant identification to board commercial flights within the US. This means that a traditional driver's license or state ID will not be enough to pass through the security checkpoint at the airport.

However, travelers can use a valid passport as an alternative to a REAL ID. A passport is an acceptable form of identification and can be used in lieu of a REAL ID driver's license or ID card to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. This means that if you do not have a REAL ID, you can still fly within the US with your passport.

It is important to note that REAL ID compliance only applies to state-issued credentials, and passports are not issued by states. Therefore, a passport card is not considered a REAL ID, but it is still accepted as a valid form of identification for domestic travel.

In addition to a passport, there are other acceptable forms of identification that can be used instead of a REAL ID. These include DHS-trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, and a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, among others.

California IDs are not currently REAL ID-compliant

As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant identification card or an approved alternative, such as a U.S. passport, to board commercial flights within the U.S. California IDs are not currently REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints.

REAL ID-compliant cards are usually marked with a star in the upper portion, although the style of the star varies from state to state. California IDs that are REAL ID-compliant will display a grizzly bear and a star in the upper right corner. A federal non-compliant card will have "Federal Limits Apply" in that area.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant identification card in California, individuals must apply in person at a California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide the necessary documentation. This includes:

• Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, foreign passport with an approved Form I-94). A school ID card is not accepted. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide a name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court-filed adoption papers.
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card, W-2 form, pay stub with full SSN).
• Two different printed documents showing your California mailing address. Both documents must show your first and last name and the same address listed on your REAL ID application.

It is important to note that a REAL ID is optional, and other federal-compliant identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, can be used to pass through airport security checkpoints.

REAL ID-compliant cards require documentation showing full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number

As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travellers aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant identification card or an approved alternative, such as a U.S. passport, to board commercial flights within the U.S. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the upper portion of the card, with the style of the star varying by state.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. This can be done by presenting an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or passport card, an Employment Authorisation Document (Form I-766), or a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), among other options. If an individual's Social Security Administration account card is unavailable, they may present a non-SSA-1099 form or a pay stub with their name and SSN.

In addition to the above requirements, individuals must also provide two proofs of address for their principal residence, as well as documentation of their lawful status. It is important to note that states may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the relevant state's driver's licensing agency before applying.

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