What is Real ID?

It has actually been around for the last twenty years. However, it was not enforced until May 7th. For some history, in 2004, Congress passed a law requiring a national digital identification system to improve driver’s licenses and personal identification security. This came from the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Beginning May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required to board domestic flights and to enter federal facilities.

How to obtain a Real ID?

Each state has its own process for issuing Real IDs; the specific documents required will vary. In California, for example, you must provide one Proof of Identity and two Proof of Residence.

Below is a list of those documents:

Proof of Identity

• Valid U.S. passport or passport card (Preferred)
• Original or Certified copy of U.S birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office). “Abbreviated” or “Abstract” certificates are NOT accepted.
• Valid Permanent Resident Card
• Foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
• Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
• Valid Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
• U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
• Valid foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
• Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility

Proof of Residence

• Home utility bill or cellular phone bill (Preferred)
• Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
• Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
• Medical documents
• A document issued by a U.S. government agency, meaning the entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
• Mortgage bill
• Employment documents
• Tax return (either Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Faith-based document that includes the name and address of organization)
• Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
• School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant’s date of birth. If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.
• Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
• Property tax bill or statement
• Letter attesting that the applicant resides in California from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer or government agency within the United States
• Deed or title to residential real property
• Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
• Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California
• An original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor
• Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California
• California Certificate of Vehicle or Vessel Titles or registration
• A DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form, completed and signed

Can you still fly without a Real ID?

Yes, you can, but you will need to provide additional identification. Below is a list of accepted identification that you will need to present at TSA checkpoints:

• 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)

How do you know if you have a Real ID?

Look for the star on your driver’s license or ID. For example, in California it will have grizzly bear with a star. Here are some examples:

Do minors need a Real ID?

A minor (under 18) can obtain a Real ID in California. However, it is not required when traveling domestically in the United States.

Do I still need a Real ID, if I have CLEAR?

Yes, you do. While CLEAR Plus members can upload their passports in the CLEAR app. A Real ID is still required to present to TSA at the checkpoint. Here is their FAQ regarding their policy with Real ID.

Conclusion

As the deadline looms, DMVs across California and other states have seen an increase in booking appointments. If you cannot obtain one ahead of the deadline, just be prepared to show additional documentation.

Happy Travelz!