If you are planning to travel by plane in the near future, make sure you have your REAL ID. Beginning May 7, all airline passengers 18 years and older must present a REAL ID at TSA security checkpoints. Other forms of ID, such as a passport, may be acceptable but the process to get through security will take longer.
According to the Santa Barbara Airport, 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.
How do you know if your California driver’s license is a REAL ID? Check for the bear and star icon in the top right corner (photo below).
For information on obtaining a REAL ID from the DMV go to https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/.
