Passengers must present a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or identification card to pass through airport security checkpoints beginning May 7, 2025. Travelers can also use a passport or other TSA approved documents to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

April 11, 2025: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent May 7th implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide. To read the full Press Release, click here.

See below for additional information and resources.

California Compliance with Federal REAL ID Act Requirements

Under the REAL ID Act, the California DMV must meet requirements set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for its driver licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes.

Stay Home, Visit the DMV Online

Most DMV tasks can now be completed without visiting a field office! The DMV’s new and improved website offers a wide range of services, including vehicle registration renewals, driver’s license renewals, replacement sticker and registration card requests, and notice of transfer and release of liability. You can also complete your REAL ID application on the website before visiting a field office to save time spent in-person.

Many online services are self-serve, meaning you can complete them on your own from start to finish, while other services are “assisted,” meaning they are completed with the help of a DMV representative – but without a visit to an office. Customers can use the service advisor and chat function on the DMV website to learn their options for completing their DMV business.

Prefer not to complete transactions online? Visit a DMV Now kiosk, conveniently located throughout the state, or visit a DMV business partner where you can complete some selected transactions for a fee. You can find a complete list of kiosk locations and certified business partners on the DMV website.

How the REAL ID Act Impacts Californians

Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require your driver license or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight or to enter military bases and most federal facilities. The California DMV has offered a federal compliant REAL ID driver license or ID card to customers beginning January 22, 2018.

Do I Need a REAL ID?

If you have a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card, military ID, or other form of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved identification, you may use it as your form of identification to pass TSA airport checkpoints nationwide and to visit a secure federal building or military base. Check the TSA website at tsa.gov for a complete list of approved identification.

To find out whether or not you should obtain a REAL ID, click here.

If you know you will not be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you do not need a REAL ID driver license or ID card.

You DO NOT need a REAL ID to:

• Drive
• Apply for or receive federal benefits (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
• Enter a federal facility that does not require ID (i.e., a post office)
• Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services

Those under 18 are not required to have a REAL ID to fly.

Who is Eligible for a REAL ID?

U.S. citizens and all legal residents of the United States can apply for a REAL ID driver license or ID card.

How to Prepare for REAL ID

To apply for a REAL ID card:

1. Gather your documents with help from the DMV checklist
2. Complete the application online and upload your documents
3. Visit a DMV office

For more information, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

What Does a REAL ID Look Like?

A REAL ID driver license and ID card will have a special marking in the top right corner of the card. The marking is the California grizzly bear with a star.