Say goodbye to your driving license – from this date it will no longer be valid for traveling around the country – these will be the new legal documents

Starting on May 7, 2025, the United States government will enforce new regulations regarding air travel within the country. This significant change will affect all citizens and travellers as they will be required to comply with updated identification requirements. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the Real ID will become the mandatory document for domestic flights.

What is the Real ID?

The Real ID is a type of identification created to meet the strictest security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. This document is designed to enhance security at federal facilities and airports, ensuring that travellers’ identities are verified with greater accuracy. Up until now, most travellers have used their state driver’s license or ID card for air travel, but this will change by 2025.

The new mandatory document starting in 2025

May 7, 2025, is a critical date for air travellers within the United States. From this day forward, boarding commercial flights will require a Real ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification, such as an enhanced driver’s license. Standard driver’s licenses or state ID cards will no longer be sufficient for domestic air travel. All U.S. citizens over the age of 18 must ensure their identification is updated before this deadline.

How to know if your license is a Real ID

Checking if your current license is a Real ID is easy. Look for a star in the upper right corner of your card. If your license has this star, it already meets Real ID requirements, and no further action is necessary. This small symbol is crucial for confirming whether your license is travel-ready.

What documents are needed to get a Real ID in California?

If you live in California and need to obtain a Real ID, you will be required to provide several documents that prove your identity. The following are the accepted documents:

• Valid U.S. passport or passport card.
• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate, issued by a state, city, or county office in the United States. Abbreviated or summary versions are not accepted.
• Valid permanent resident card.
• Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and an approved I-94 form.
• Certificate of naturalization or certificate of U.S. citizenship.
• Certified birth certificate from a U.S. territory.
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or expired EAD with a Notice of Action (I-797 C).
• Valid permanent resident card along with a Notice of Action (I-797 C) or approval notice (I-797).
• Certificate of birth abroad or consular report of birth abroad of a U.S. citizen.
• Foreign passport with a “Processed for I-551” stamp.
• Documents verifying eligibility for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Make sure the documents you present include both your full name and date of birth, as these are essential to complete the application.

Steps to obtain a Real ID in California

The first step to obtaining your Real ID is to complete the online application on the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. After submitting your documents online, save the confirmation code provided upon completion. This code will be necessary for your appointment at the DMV office.

Next, gather all the required documents and visit a DMV office. Don’t forget to bring your confirmation code, as it serves as your appointment booking. With your documents in hand, you will be able to finalize the process and obtain your Real ID.

What happens if you don’t update your ID?

If you do not update your ID before May 7, 2025, you will not be allowed to board commercial flights within the United States. It’s essential to remember that this regulation applies to all travellers over 18 years old. While you may still use other TSA-accepted documents, such as a valid passport or an enhanced driver’s license, it’s highly recommended that you update your Real ID to avoid any complications in future travel.

Travelling with a Real ID: a necessity for the future

This change in identification requirements marks a new era in air travel security across the United States. As the deadline approaches, it is crucial for all citizens to ensure they meet the updated requirements to avoid travel issues.

The Real ID will become an essential part of everyday life for millions of Americans in the coming years. It will not only be necessary for air travel, but also for accessing certain federal facilities and services. If you haven’t yet applied for your Real ID, now is the perfect time to begin the process.