“If you already have a current U.S. passport or don’t need to fly within the U.S. in the next few months, you can wait to get your Real ID until you renew your California driver’s license or ID,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a press release.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will soon mandate that individuals present a federally approved document, such as a passport or a Real ID driver's license, for domestic air travel.

Yes. Travelers must have a REAL ID to fly domestically on or after May 7, 2025.

Behind on getting a Real ID compliant license? Fortunately, if you have a passport you can still fly domestically even without updating your license. If you don't have an approved ID, you risk TSA preventing you from traveling.

The long-awaited REAL ID deadline will be here on May 7. Starting then, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification – such as a passport – to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

A Real ID, passport or other federally recognized document will be required starting next week for domestic flights. Good luck booking an appointment.