Starting on May 3, 2023, you’ll only be able to use your California driver’s license to board a domestic flight if it complies with the standards set by the 2005 REAL ID Act.

Your driver’s license is more than its name suggests. Sure, it’s a card that proves you’re licensed to drive—but it’s also one of the most important identification documents you can carry. And as of 2023, your

California driver's license

is due for an upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant form of ID.

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What is REAL ID?

It’s no secret that national security was on everyone’s mind after 9/11. At the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed the

REAL ID Act

in 2005 to establish new standards for ID documents—including driver’s licenses. The rollout has been slow, but the act is set to be enforced in 2023.

Who needs a REAL ID?

Starting on May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required in order to:

Enter a nuclear power plant

Gain access to some federal facilities

Board federally regulated commercial aircraft (including domestic flights)

Unless you work at a federal facility or you’re planning a trip to your local nuclear power plant, those first two might not be much of a concern. But if you want to continue using your California driver’s license to get past TSA checkpoints on domestic flights, you’ll need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license by 2023.

Keep in mind that you’ll still be able to use other identification documents to board a flight, even if you don’t get a REAL ID-compliant license by the deadline. For a full list, check out the

TSA website

Key Takeaway The REAL ID Act sets new standards for identification documents—and it’s scheduled to take effect in 2023.

MORE:

How to find a defensive driving course in California

How to get a California REAL ID

To get a REAL ID in California, just follow these three simple steps:

Use the California DMV’s

document checklist

to gather all the paperwork, including identification and

proof of residence

, that you’ll need for your REAL ID.

Complete an

online application

and save your confirmation code.

Make an appointment at your local DMV to get your REAL ID. Be sure to bring your confirmation code!

If you’re upgrading your current California driver’s license to a REAL ID-compliant license, you’ll need to pay a $38 fee. If you’re just getting a state identification card, on the other hand, the fee is $33.

MORE:

Penalties for driving without insurance in California

How to save money on car insurance in California

A REAL ID-compliant California license will get you on domestic flights after May 2023, but your car can get you just about anywhere in the country if you’ve got the will—and the right insurance!

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Do I need a REAL ID?

You can use the

Department of Homeland Security’s website

to check whether you need a REAL ID. If you want to use your driver’s license to board domestic flights after May 3, 2023, you’ll need to have a REAL ID-compliant license.

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