Travelers Brace For Real ID Requirements At IE Airports: What To Know

INLAND EMPIRE, CA—Inland Empire travelers heading out of area airports were told to expect "some delays" at security checkpoints as the long-awaited Real ID requirements went into effect. According to the Transportation Security Administration, travelers flying from the Inland Empire's Palm Springs, Ontario, or San Bernardino International Airports will be expected to follow the Real ID rules or have acceptable backup identification.

The Real ID requirement, initially approved in 2005 as part of the response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, has been repeatedly delayed from the original 2008 deadline. Starting Wednesday, Transportation Security Administration officers will require passengers to present a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification to board a flight.

Inland Empire travel hubs, from Palm Springs International to Ontario International Airports, braced for crowds and confusion on Wednesday.

At Palm Springs International Airport, travelers were reminded that Real IDs were the best option for travelers, and that children under the age of 18 don't require a government-issued card to get through security.

Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, described what would likely be a "stressful process" for some. The airport's digital visitor pass program, allowing non-ticketed guests to go through security areas, was temporarily suspended.

“As the REAL ID deadline arrives, we want to ensure that our passengers are fully prepared and experience no disruptions in their travel plans,” Elkadi said. “ONT remains committed to providing a smooth, stress-free travel experience, and we encourage all travelers to double-check their identification, arrive early, and plan ahead. This is an important milestone in aviation security, and we’re here to help our community navigate the transition.”Are you unsure if your California driver's license is Real ID-compliant? Look at the top right corner, experts say.

The smaller San Bernardino International Airport has not yet addressed any potential hiccups regarding real IDs, directing travelers to www.tsa.gov for information on passenger screening.

Don't know if you have a Real ID for your driver license? Look for the golden bear with a star.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, travelers whose IDs have a golden bear with a star in the top right corner already have their Real ID. "Those who aren't sure can check with the California Department of Motor Vehicles," they say.

If you don't, there are other acceptable forms of identification for airplane travel. These include: U.S. and foreign passports and passport cards, Department of Defense identification — including those issued to dependents — a permanent resident card, border crossing card, or photo ID from a federally recognized Tribal Nation, among others.

A full list can be found at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, including collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you can enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose not to provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or cannot confirm your identity.

Once enforcement begins, passengers who do not present Real ID or another TSA-acceptable form of identification "can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint," the airport statement said.

Speaking at a congressional hearing Tuesday, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is hoping for a smooth transition to the Real ID requirement.

"What will happen tomorrow is folks will come through the line and ... show (their ID), and if it's not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, so have an extra step. But people will be allowed to fly," she said. "... We will make sure that it is as seamless as possible and that travelers will get to stay on their intended itinerary."

For people who still need to obtain a Real ID, 18 state Department of Motor Vehicle offices will open one hour early, four days a week through June 7 to serve appointment-only customers seeking the federally mandated cards.

That includes the Rancho Cucamonga office at 8629 Hellman Ave., which will open at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and devote the early hour exclusively to patrons with Real ID appointments.

On Wednesdays, the hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.