FRESNO, California - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) today reminded the public that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft.
To determine if a California driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for a bear + star in the top right corner. The presence of this image will indicate that the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
Once enforcement begins, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint, if their identity cannot be verified.
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or SENTRI card; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
REAL ID background
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
California DMV and REAL ID
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing REAL ID-complaint licenses and identification cards in January 2018. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of identity, proof of California residency and a trip to the DMV. Applicants will be asked to provide their Social Security number of the REAL ID application. More information on applying for a REAL ID in California is available at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/
Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.
Holiday weekend travel outlook for FAT
With the Easter holiday weekend upon us, TSA is projecting that it will screen about 6% more travelers this year than around Easter in 2024. TSA projects it will screen about 4,400 people each day between now and Monday, April 21 with the exception of Saturday, April 19 when it projects to screen about 3,800 people. During the five-day period, TSA projects it will screen more than 21,500 people.
The busiest times at the security checkpoint are:
- 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- 10 a.m. to noon
- 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Due to multiple flights departing FAT early in the morning, mid-day and in the late evening, travelers can expect to encounter large numbers of people who need to be screened during the times above. During the holiday weekend, travelers should expect to see a steady flow of travelers at the security checkpoints throughout the day.
TSA strives to get travelers through the general security screening process in less than 30 minutes and through TSA PreCheck® screening in less than 10 minutes. Ninety-nine percent of TSA PreCheck passengers nationwide waited less than five minutes to be screened. Another advantage of TSA PreCheck is children 17 and under are eligible to be screened with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.
Travel advice
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:
#1: Pack smart.
Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in carry-on luggage. Bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint will result in a bag check, slowing the screening process for you and all travelers behind you.
#2: Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys and coins from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind and they won’t alarm the security screening equipment.
#3: Know the rules for traveling with liquids
TSA defines a liquid as anything that can be spread, spilled, pumped or poured. If the quantity exceeds 3.4 ounces (which is 100 ml), pack it in a checked bag. This time of year, TSA officers frequently encounter sunscreen, lotions and drinks brought by travelers in carry-on luggage. Any of these items over 3.4 ounces in a carry-on bag will result in a bag check.
#4. Text TSA.
TSA now offers assistance via text message to travelers who have with questions about security screening via text message. From any mobile device, a travel can text their request to “AskTSA” (275-872). A virtual assistant is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more complicated questions, AskTSA staff are available daily for live assistance from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT. Passengers may still reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger with questions and comments.
# 5: Download the free myTSA app.
The myTSA app is a trusted source for last-minute travel questions, providing travelers with 24-hour access to the most frequently requested airport security information. It also features a searchable “Can I Bring” database where you can enter the name of an item and find out if you should pack it in your checked or carry-on bag. The app is available from the App Store or Google Play.