REAL ID deadline is approaching, what you need to know
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Time is running out to get a REAL ID from the state of California before the deadline to be able to fly domestically. Starting May 7, you should have a REAL ID, or a passport, to fly.
It can be used to board a domestic flight within the U.S. and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal locations.
As of May 5, 2025, approximately 19.5 million Californians have REAL IDs, representing 58% of all cardholders in the state. In total, over 17.4 million people in California have upgraded to a Real ID as of January 1, 2025.
Travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny, the head of Homeland Security said Tuesday.
A California driver’s license or identification card that is REAL ID-compliant will include a bear and star in the top right corner.
To obtain a REAL ID, Californians can start their application online.
What else can you use to board a flight besides a REAL ID:
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
For more information, click here.
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