DMV to roll out ‘Real IDs’ for commercial flights
SACRAMENTO >> The California DMV will begin later this month accepting applications for “Real IDs,” a new form of identification required for all commercial flights, including domestic, starting in 2020.
That is, unless airplane travelers are willing to present a valid U.S. passport or another form of identification accepted by the TSA. But, for those who want to carry only one form of ID at the airport, a Real ID driver’s license or ID card will become mandatory on Oct. 1, 2020.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the Real ID Act came out of recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to standardize driver’s licenses across states. The act established security requirements for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting ID cards from states that do not meet the requirements, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Beginning Jan. 22, the TSA will require commercial airline passengers to present a federally-compliant “Real ID,” except for states that have received extensions, California included. Golden State residents will still be able to use their current driver’s licenses until the Oct. 1, 2020, cutoff.
“We want to make sure Californians are prepared to apply for a Real ID driver license or ID card, if they choose,” DMV Director Jean Shiomoto said in a statement. “Customers need to visit a DMV field office and bring original or certified documents with them when applying for a Real ID.”
There’s no rush to get into a DMV field office, said DMV spokeswoman Jessica Gonzalez. The DMV won’t begin accepting applications for Real IDs until Jan. 22, and residents will have nearly two years to apply.
In addition to commercial flights, the IDs are required for entry into certain secure federal facilities and nuclear power plants.