The Humboldt County Department of Aviation encourages travelers who plan to fly anywhere in the United States starting Wednesday, May 7 to know what types of IDs to use to board their flights.

Beginning Wednesday, May 7, travelers age 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, to board domestic flights.

Once enforcement begins, passengers who do not have a REAL ID or another form of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepted identification may experience significant delays, additional screening, identity verification procedures, and could be denied entry at airport security checkpoints. This requirement applies to all passengers, including those with TSA PreCheck.

Passengers can avoid delays by making sure they have a REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable form of ID. A REAL ID is not required to board a flight if travelers have a valid passport or passport card with them.

To determine if your 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 indicates that the credential is REAL ID-compliant. For more information on how to determine if you have a REAL ID, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a helpful fact sheet available in multiple languages.

How to Obtain a Real ID

U.S. citizens and all legal residents of the United States can apply for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. The DMV processes REAL ID applications in California. Californians who still need to upgrade to a REAL ID, but already possess a federally approved document, such as a passport, can comfortably wait to upgrade to a REAL ID when their driver’s license is due for renewal. 

If you need a REAL ID, use the DMV’s REAL ID checklist to gather all of the documentation you will need to apply for your REAL ID. You may then start your application online, upload your documents, then you must complete the process in person at a DMV office. Visit the DMV’s website for more information.

Please note that it has been reported that the DMV office in Eureka, located at 3300 Broadway St., will be closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 16 while the office moves to its new location at 2500 Sixth St. Their new Eureka location is expected to open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4. These dates are subject to change, so please plan accordingly.

By planning ahead and staying informed, you can minimize stress and make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

For more information about REAL ID requirements, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions web page.

For more information on the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, please visit FlyACV.com.