Travelers encouraged to review types of photo ID accepted by TSA
Oakland, Calif. – April 25, 2025: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today reminded the public that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft.
To determine if a California driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for a bear + star in the top right corner. The presence of this image will indicate that the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
Once enforcement begins, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint, if their identity cannot be verified.
“Conversations about REAL ID have been underway for years, but enforcement of these policies will begin on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Even if you don’t have any travel plans now, your plans could change,” said TSA Federal Security Director at Oakland International Airport James Adams. “Now is the time to plan what type of photo ID you will use when you travel by air. Take an inventory of what you will use to verify your identity when you travel by air the next time.”
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or SENTRI card; active duty and retired military ID including ID issued to dependents; ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
REAL ID background
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
California DMV and REAL ID
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing REAL ID-complaint licenses and identification cards in January 2018. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of identity, proof of California residency and a trip to the DMV. Applicants will be asked to provide their Social Security number of the REAL ID application. More information on applying for a REAL ID in California is available at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/
Starting May 7, 2025, REAL ID enforcement will begin at every airport in the United States and this requirement will continue to be enforced indefinitely during the identity verification process in the TSA security checkpoint.
Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.
About Transportation Security Administration
The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with the transportation, law enforcement and intelligence community to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.
Media Contact:
Lorie Dankers TSA Public Affairs
[email protected]
@TSA_Pacific