Real ID Deadline Passes: What Travelers Need to Know for Air Travel

Real ID Requirement Now in Effect

• ✈️ The Real ID requirement for US air travelers is now in effect at airports nationwide, after nearly 20 years of delays.
• 🏛️ This mandate, originally passed in 2005, aims to raise safety standards and deter fraud and terrorism by requiring enhanced identification for flying and entering federal facilities.

What Constitutes a Real ID

• 🐻 In California, a Real ID is identifiable by a golden bear with a star in the top right corner.
• 📸 A key difference noted is the requirement for a straight-faced photograph for the ID, unlike previous smiling photos.

Alternatives and Consequences of Non-Compliance

• 🛂 Acceptable alternative forms of ID include a passport, border crossing card, permanent resident card, or enhanced tribal card.
• ⚠️ Travelers without a proper ID may face additional screening and be issued a non-compliant sticker, requiring a TSA agent to escort them through the screening line.

DMV Services for Real ID Acquisition

• ⏰ To assist travelers, eight DMVs in LA and Orange County are opening an hour early through June 7th (excluding Wednesdays) specifically for Real ID appointments.
• 📍 Participating DMVs include Arleta, Costa Mesa, Culver City, Glendale, Pasadena, San Clemente, Van Nuys, and Westminster.

Required Documentation for Real ID

• 📄 When applying for a Real ID at the DMV, individuals must bring proof of identity, social security number, and residency (such as a utility bill).
• 🌐 More information and resources, including a 24/7 chat box for questions, are available on TSA.gov.