A Big Change Is Coming To CA Air Travel — Are You Prepared?

CALIFORNIA — As the nationwide deadline to get a REAL ID looms near on May 7, Californians may be wondering whether they actually need the new form of identification or how strict that deadline really is.

The good news is that there's no fine or penalty for not obtaining a Real ID through the Department of Motor Vehicles by next week. However, officials in California are urging residents, especially those with trips planned soon, to heed the approaching deadline.

"Don't wait to get REAL ID ready," Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) wrote in an email to residents last week.

If you haven't even gotten your documents in order yet or made an appointment at the DMV, you aren't alone. A CBS analysis says only half of Californians have gotten their REAL IDs.

As of January, a little over half of Americans had REAL ID-compliant cards, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Here's what you need to know.

Can I travel without a Real ID?

That depends.

The Transportation Security Administration says residents 18 and older will not be able to board an airplane without the new card after May 7, unless they have a passport or another approved type of ID.

"Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," according to a recent news release from TSA.

Here's what TSA will accept from travelers:

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the DMV that are REAL ID compliant.
• State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
• 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)

A spokesperson told CBS that there will be a "phased approach" to enforcement, but "people may experience travel delays."

Is it too late to meet the May 7 deadline?

Not necessarily.

Until June 27, the DMV in California will open 18 offices an hour early each day to accommodate a rush of people needing to fulfill REAL ID appointments.

“We’re excited to offer Californians earlier hours this spring and summer,” stated DMV Director Steve Gordon. “These additional appointments will make it easier than ever to obtain a REAL ID.”

The offices listed below will open early until June 27.

• Pleasanton (6300 W. Las Positas Blvd.)
• Fremont (4287 Central Ave.)
• Folsom (323 E. Bidwell St., Suite A)
• Carmichael (5209 North Ave.)
• Thousand Oaks (1810 E. Avenida De Los Arboles)
• Van Nuys (14920 Vanowen St.)
• Arleta (14400 Van Nuys Blvd.)
• Glendale (1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd.)
• Pasadena (49 S. Rosemead Blvd.)
• Culver City (11400 W. Washington Blvd.)
• Westminster (13700 Hoover St.)
• Costa Mesa (650 W. 19th St.)
• San Clemente (2727 Via Cascadita)
• Rancho Cucamonga (8629 Hellman Ave.)
• San Diego Clairemont (4375 Derrick Drive)
• San Marcos (590 Rancheros Drive)
• El Cajon (1450 Graves Ave.)
• Poway (13461 Community Road)

Could another extension be coming?

It remains unclear.

A group of state senators from Kentucky sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem earlier this month, asking for an extension.

"Despite significant progress, Kentucky is simply not fully prepared for complete implementation," Sen. Jimmy Higdon wrote. "The REAL ID deadline has been delayed multiple times for similar reasons, and we believe another reasonable extension is warranted to ensure a smoother, more accessible rollout."

The federal government extended the implementation date several times before (the original deadline was 2008). But TSA has maintained, according to multiple reports, that this deadline is firm.

Why do Californians need a REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was born out of the 9/11 crisis to help streamline and strengthen the identification process at airports.

“The REAL ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists," said Adam Stahl, TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, on April 7. "TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.”

View the DMV's fact sheet about the REAL ID here.

The new federally compliant ID card looks slightly different from a traditional California driver's license. The Real ID will have a little gold bear in the top right corner, while a traditional driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply."

How to apply for the REAL ID in California:

To apply for the new travel card, gather the documents listed below and visit your local DMV office.

1. First, gather any of the following identity documents:

• Valid U.S. passport.
• Birth certificate.
• U.S. certificate or consular report of birth abroad.
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship.
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C).
• Unexpired Permanent Resident Card or valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797).
• Unexpired foreign passport stamped "Processed for I-551."
• Documents reflecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) benefit eligibility.

2. Then find proof of your Social Security number (full number required):

• Social Security card
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Pay stub

3. You'll need two of these documents to prove California residency:

• Home utility bills (including cellular phone).
• Medical documents.
• Car or boat registration.
• Employment documents.
• Insurance documents.
• Bank and financial institution records.
• Change of address confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service.
• Mortgage bill.
• Rental or lease agreement (signed by owner and tenant).
• IRS or California FTB tax return.

4. Fill out the application: Complete the application process online and upload your documents here.

5. Go to a DMV office: Find one close to you and check wait times before you go.

Pro-Tip: For some areas of California, the DMV isn't the only place residents can get the new identification card. Many can bypass long lines by visiting a participating Automobile Club location. Visit their website for more information. However, AAA does not offer REAL ID services in Northern California.