California residents who typically use their state driver’s licenses or identification cards to board domestic flights will soon have to either present their U.S. passports or obtain new federally approved identification in order to travel within the country by plane.
By Oct.1, 2020, all states must meet standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in order for driver’s licenses and IDs to be accepted for federal purposes, like boarding a domestic flight or visiting a military base.
This is due to the U.S. REAL ID Act, which was enacted in 2005 to make IDs more secure in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The original deadline was 2008, but it repeatedly was extended because states had trouble complying.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will begin accepting applications for the new federal identification cards January 22, 2018.
The new identification cards, which carry special markings, are known as REAL IDs.
These new identification requirements are not mandatory. They’re not needed to drive, vote, apply for or receive federal benefits.
“But, if you use your driver license or ID card as identification to pass through TSA for domestic flights, or if you enter military bases or certain federal facilities, you may consider applying,” said Jessica Gonzalez, a DMV spokesperson.
Starting Oct. 1, 2020, a REAL ID driver’s license, ID card, or other federally approved document will be required for those purposes, Gonzalez added.
“If you don’t do those things, you don’t need a REAL ID,” she said.
To prepare to receive these applications, Gonzalez said the Department of Motor Vehicles expects to have 332 new staff members in field offices across the state by Jan. 22, 2018.
Additionally, 60 DMV field offices will offer Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gonzalez said.
To apply, California residents are advised to make an appointment at their nearest DMV office. They mush show proof of identity and a social security number, a California residency document, and if required, a name change document.
Outside the DMV office in Riverside, some people on Wednesday, Nov. 22, were unaware of these upcoming changes.
Henry Larchot, 62, of Riverside said he doesn’t mind the new requirements. Although, he may not be affected much because he usually uses his passport to travel.
He said when considering security measures, he finds these requirements to be “very good.”
However, Larchot doesn’t agree with having to pay for this new identification card. The fees for a REAL ID card are the same as those currently charged for a driver license or ID card.
Renda Rollins, 57, of Riverside also doesn’t mind. It won’t affect her much since she doesn’t do a lot of traveling outside of driving to Las Vegas to see family.
“I think it’s a good idea,” she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.