CA, US & World
Real ID Is Really Happening
Today marks a significant change for travelers across the United States as the enforcement of the Real ID Act officially takes effect. As of now, travelers flying domestically must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card—or use a valid passport or other TSA-approved ID. One traveler, Diana Bowar, shared her frantic experience.
“I did not have my actual certified copy of my marriage certificate, which was up in Washington when I originally got married. So I had to fly to Washington yesterday, get a copy of the certificate, and flew back today. So here I am trying to finalize my process,” she said from the Indio DMV.
For Bowar, and many others, the urgency comes from upcoming travel plans. “I’m traveling for work next week, so I need to travel. And if you don’t have a passport, you obviously need your Real ID. So it’s important to get it done,” she added.
At Palm Springs Airport, travelers were already experiencing the new normal. While some used their Real ID without issue, others relied on alternative forms of identification. One traveler explained, “I use my Mexican passport to travel. I asked TSA to opt me out of the standard security screening, and they just matched my ticket name with my passport. It was pretty smooth thankfully.”
Katie Nastro, travel expert and spokesperson for the Going Travel app, said TSA will likely allow a grace period during the transition. “You want to sort of minimize your travel stress. TSA is going to be lenient for a time period. However, as we make our way through, again, the busier periods of summer, it really is in your best interest to get Real ID compliant,” she warned.
While many travelers reported smooth TSA experiences today, Nastro noted that the real challenge will be during peak travel times, such as Memorial Day weekend and summer vacations. “That’s really the biggest travel test for this new normal,” she said.
Though today’s transition has gone relatively smoothly, travelers are urged to take action quickly. The Real ID isn’t just a recommendation anymore—it’s a requirement for domestic air travel unless other federally accepted identification is presented. For more information tune into NBC Palm Springs.
Credit: NBC News
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 7, 2025
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