Starting May 7, 2025, the Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, is finally being enforced at U.S. airports after nearly two decades of delays. This federal law sets stricter security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, requiring travelers to present a Real ID-compliant document or another approved form of identification to board domestic flights. With the deadline here, many Americans are scrambling to comply, and the transition may cause confusion and delays at airports. This guide explains what Real ID is, how to get one, what happens if you don’t have one, and how it will affect your travel plans, with specific details for California residents.
What Is Real ID?
The Real ID Act was enacted following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to improve the security of identification documents after the 2001 terrorist attacks. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the law “established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards” to make them harder to forge and to ensure accurate identity verification. Real ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star in the upper right corner, and in California, they also feature a gold bear alongside the star.
The goal, as stated by Laura Hruby, director of Consular Affairs at the State Department’s Office of Public and Congressional Affairs, is to enhance safety: “This is all about keeping American communities and people safe.” By requiring verified personal information, such as a Social Security number and proof of residency, Real ID aims to prevent fraud and ensure that only authorized individuals can access secure areas like airport terminals.
Why Has It Taken So Long?
Although passed in 2005, the Real ID Act faced multiple delays due to challenges like funding shortages, state resistance, and logistical issues. The original enforcement date was set for 2008, but as Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, noted, “In recent years, the federal government has set and delayed other deadlines for Real ID enforcement after realizing that not enough Americans would be ready with compliant documents.” The COVID-19 pandemic further slowed progress by creating backlogs at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices nationwide. The deadline was extended several times, with the most recent push from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025.
Now, federal officials are firm about enforcement. “Secretary Noem and the Trump administration are enforcing the 2005 REAL ID Act and regulations on May 7, as directed by Congress and the American people,” said Adam Stahl, a TSA senior official. However, to ease the transition, the TSA plans a “phased enforcement” approach, though details remain unclear.
How to Get a Real ID
To obtain a Real ID, you must apply in person at your state’s DMV and provide specific documents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires proof of your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address, and lawful status in the U.S. In California, the process involves:
-
Gathering Documents: Visit the California DMV website (www.dmv.ca.gov) to review the document checklist. Common documents include a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or W-2 form, and utility bills or bank statements for residency proof.
-
Completing an Online Application: You can fill out the application and upload documents online to streamline your visit.
-
Scheduling an Appointment: Book a time at a local DMV office. To handle the last-minute rush, 18 California DMV offices, including those in Pleasanton (6300 W. Las Positas Blvd.), Folsom (323 E. Bidwell St., Suite A), and Thousand Oaks (1810 E. Avenida de los Arboles), are opening at 7 a.m. (an hour early) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays through June 27, 2025, exclusively for Real ID appointments. Some offices, like Costa Mesa (650 W. 19th St.), also opened on Saturday, May 3, for Real ID processing.
As of January 1, 2025, over 18.5 million Californians had a Real ID, up from 16.9 million the previous year, but with more than 35 million residents holding some form of ID, “there’s still a long way to go for the state to reach complete compliance,” according to the Los Angeles Times. The cost for a Real ID in California is $39, the same as a standard driver’s license.
Nationwide, DMVs are reporting long wait times. For example, New York DMVs are extending Thursday hours and processing Real ID applications at the New York International Auto Show (April 18–27, 2025), while Illinois has opened a “Real ID Supercenter” for walk-ins.
What If You Don’t Have a Real ID by May 7?
If you don’t have a Real ID by May 7, 2025, you can still board domestic flights by presenting another TSA-approved form of identification. Acceptable alternatives include:
-
U.S. passport or passport card
-
Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
-
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including those for dependents
-
Permanent resident card
-
Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo ID, such as Enhanced Tribal Cards
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem clarified that travelers without a Real ID “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly.” The TSA’s FAQ page adds that those with non-compliant IDs “may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening,” which could lead to delays. In some cases, if identity cannot be verified, travelers may be denied access to the securitycheckpoint.
For those unable to get a Real ID in time, a passport is a reliable backup. Hruby highlighted that “there’s really never been a better time to apply for a U.S. passport,” with routine processing taking four to six weeks and expedited service (for an additional fee) taking two to three weeks.
How Will This Affect Your Travel?
The enforcement of Real ID is expected to cause disruptions, especially in states with lower compliance rates. While Florida boasts a 99% compliance rate, many states have less than 50% of residents with Real ID-compliant licenses, which could lead to “a ripple effect” of longer lines at airports nationwide, according to TSA spokesperson Mark Howell. At busy hubs like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Orlando International Airport, unprepared travelers may slow down security checkpoints.
Travelers like Rienaulti Russell from Alabama, who hasn’t obtained a Real ID due to long DMV wait times, expressed concern: “At this point, it’s been a lot of traffic at the DMV. I’m hoping to get it soon. I like to travel with my family, so we definitely need it.” Others, like Tara Noyes from Missouri, planned ahead: “I had to get a new license anyway, so I just went for it because I knew it was coming.”
The TSA is preparing for confusion by posting signs at airports and urging travelers to verify their ID status. “If you don’t see [the star], head to the DMV or bring a passport,” Howell advised. “And don’t wait—lines are only getting longer.” The agency also recommends arriving early and bringing any documents that can help confirm your identity, such as those showing your name and current address, if you lack a compliant ID.
Special Considerations
Real ID enforcement raises concerns for certain groups. For undocumented individuals, the requirement may complicate travel, as they may struggle to provide acceptable IDs. Tanya Broder, senior counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, noted, “It will make it more difficult for people to come up with acceptable ID.” Additionally, some X posts have highlighted privacy and civil liberties concerns, with critics arguing that Real ID’s collection of personal and biometric data violates the Tenth Amendment. However, these claims remain debated and are not universally accepted.
Tips for Travelers
To ensure a smooth travel experience starting May 7, 2025:
-
Check Your ID: Look for a star (or bear and star in California) on your driver’s license or ID. If it’s missing, act now.
-
Apply Early: Schedule a DMV appointment as soon as possible to avoid long waits. Use online tools to prepare documents.
-
Consider a Passport: If you can’t get a Real ID in time, apply for or use an existing passport.
-
Plan for Delays: Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for potential security delays.
-
Stay Informed: Visit www.tsa.gov/real-id or www.dmv.ca.gov for updates and FAQs.
As TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasized, “Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant.” By preparing now, you can avoid the stress and delays that may come with this significant change in air travel security.
