San Diego airport warning of potential delays as REAL ID deadline approaches
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — After nearly two decades of delays, the deadline for U.S. residents to begin using a REAL ID for domestic air travel is just over two weeks away.
Some are now rushing to get their state-issued identification upgraded before May 7, when the Transportation Security Administration plans to begin enforcing the law requiring all travelers or entrants to federal buildings hold a REAL ID-compliant card.
That said, uptake is still lagging behind, with just about 40% of Americans nationwide still without a form of state-issued identification in line with REAL ID regulations. In California, only about 18.5 million residents — or 46% — are REAL ID cardholders, according to the DMV.
Can you fly without a REAL ID after the May deadline?
An example of what a REAL ID-compliant driver's license can be found below.
With the deadline eminent, airports like San Diego International are warning travelers who do not yet hold a REAL ID-compliant form of identification — and do not have an alternative, such as a passport — to expect potential delays while heading through security checkpoints.
Additional screening or the possibility of not being allowed past the checkpoint are also likely for those without REAL ID or an acceptable substitute after May 7, San Diego airport officials say.
Outside passports, other documents TSA will accept at checkpoints as a stand-in for REAL IDs include:
Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card
U.S. Department of Defense ID
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
Photo ID from a federally recognized Tribal Nation
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card
REAL ID countdown: San Diego DMV offices extending hours ahead of deadline
San Diego-area DMV locations are offering extended hours on select days through the end of June to handle the influx of REAL ID appointments. Those looking to upgrade their state-issued ID can begin by filling out the online application.
As part of the application process, Californians will need to provide documentation to verify identity and residency — either a passport or birth certificate, as well as two records with an in-state mailing address like a utility bill, employment documents or bank statement.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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