Real ID

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The Real ID Act of 2005, Pub.L. 109–13, 119 Stat. 302, enacted May 11, 2005, is an Act of Congress that modifies U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedures standards for state driver's licenses and identity documents, as well as various immigration issues pertaining to terrorism.  This will apply to all citizens in all 50 states.  Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

• Why does this matter to a traveler?
  • Beginning October 1, 2021, you will need valid identification that meets certain federal standards in order to board a DOMESTIC flight.  This can be a current passport or a Real ID Driver's License or even Global Entry card.  This does not apply to international travel; hopefully people know you can't use a driver's license to travel internationally.
  • This will not impact cruise passengers who use REALID to check into a cruise.  However, even the State Dept warns cruise passengers to bring their passports as well in cases of emergencies.  
• Do I need Real ID to drive in California?
  • Nope, you do not.  You can continue to use your regular driver's license. When it comes time to renew, you will have a choice to either get a regular driver's license or get a Real ID.  If you opt for the regular driver's license, just know that in the upper right corner it will state "federal limits apply" which means you cannot use it to board a domestic flight.
• What do I need to bring to get a Real ID? Do I have to stand in line at the DMV? Checklist HERE.
  • You will need to bring at a minimum:
    • Proof of identity (US birth certificate, resident alien card, US passport, etc)
    • Proof of social security number (social security card, W2, etc)
    • Two different proof of residency documents (utility bill, bank statement, medical document, etc)
  • You don't have to stand in line - go make an appointment online. Sorry, you can't use AAA.
• Does a minor also need a Real ID card to board a domestic flight?
  • TSA currently does not require children under 18 to show valid identification.  An adult traveling with them will have to show valid identification.  For more screening questions, the TSA has a handy FAQ section.
• I got a Real ID last year where I only showed one document with proof of residency.  Is this going to be a problem?
  • It is not clear yet what will happen to the people who got a Real ID last year.  The TSA will not bar you from boarding a domestic flight as it will not look visually any different from the new ones they are issuing this year after April, which requires the two document check.  What might happen is when your Real ID expires, you may have to go back to DMV with the two documents, but DMV is trying to figure this out right now so stay tuned.
• Does the Real ID cost extra?
  • No, it is the same cost as a regular driver's license.
• 2020 seems far away, can't I just wait?
  • Sure, you can.  But if you get caught in the procrastinator's stream of people applying, you may not get it in time.  And whatever you do, if you have a valid passport, don't let it expire as it is an important piece of identification.  How many people do you know still have a birth certificate lying around?

For more frequently asked questions, check out the California DMV website for more details.  Not sure of the status of a different state?  Check out this map, maintained by our friendly Dept of Homeland Security.

We recommend that if you driver's license is up for renewal, go through the process of getting the Real ID, which will give you flexibility of choosing what form of ID you want to carry when going to the airport.  Also need to have Real ID to enter a federal facility, military base, and buy firearms.